Boxing in America : An Autopsy

by Hudson, David L., Jr.

• ISBN13: 9780313379727
• ISBN10: 0313379726
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-06-21
• Publisher: Greenwood Pub Group

Summary

Boxing has long been a popular fixture of American sport and culture, despite its decidedly seedy sidethe fact that numerous boxing champions acquired their skills in prison or reform schools; the corruption and greed of certain boxing promoters; the involvement of the mob in fixing the outcome of many big fights. Boxing remains an iconic and widely popular spectator sport, even in light of its decline as a result of the recent burgeoning interest in mixed martial arts (MMA) contests. What makes this sport so enthralling to our nation for such a long period of time?This book contains much more than simple documentation of the significant dates, people, and bouts in the history of American boxing; it reveals why boxing became one of America's leading spectator sports at the turn of the century, and examines the factors that have swayed the public's perception of it, thereby affecting its popularity. In A History of Boxing in America , the author provides a compelling view of not only the pugilist sport, but also of our country, our sources of entertainment, and ourselves.