Although a bit outdated this is still an entertaining read
The Heavyweight Champions is a history of boxing specific to the heavyweight division. In the first chapter John Durant gives us a brief history of ancient boxing dating back to the bloody brawls during the time of the Roman Empire and quickly moves to the modern bare knuckle era, but the emphasis is on the modern history of the gloved heavyweights beginning with James Corbett (champion 1892-1897).
There are several updated copyrights. The one that I have is from nineteen-seventy-three and ends with George Forman being the new champion.
This book is actually quite a good narrative giving details of many of the prominent bouts in modern times along with a sprinkling of black and white photos. If you're a boxing fan you will enjoy reading this one even if you are already familiar with the outcome of the majority of the fights.
The inside covers both front and back on my copy have a set of tables listing many interesting stats on all of the gloved heavyweight champions up to nineteen-seventy-three. The tables list such things as the number of title defenses, fight records, height and weight, reach etc. It's just a good reference chart.
If you can find a copy it's well worth reading for the entertainment value alone.
Good Boxing book, but lacking...
This book is a good, but not great or perfect Boxing book. It gives some decent (although mostly known) stories about the Boxing Heavyweight Lineal Champions until the 70s, but nothing that you should probably be going out of your way for. If you have cash hanging around, worth to pick up a copy, but otherwise, not really.
(2 reviews)