Smith, Kevin – Boston’s Boxing Heritage

Description

Smith, Kevin ‘Boston’s Boxing Heritage’ Arcadia Publishing, Charleston, S.C. 2002 128-page 1st edition softcover in very good condition.

Book Description:
• Overview: The book chronicles the rich history of prizefighting in Boston, tracking the sport’s evolution from the early bare-knuckle era through the post-World War II boxing boom. It frames boxing as an essential lens through which to view the city’s broader social fabric, neighborhood rivalries, racial politics, and ethnic history.
• Key Themes & Figures: The narrative begins in 1882 when Boston local John L. Sullivan captured the heavyweight crown and legitimized prizefighting as a major national sport. It details the legendary careers of ring icons such as Rocky Marciano, Sam Langford, George “Little Chocolate” Dixon, Joe Wolcott, William “Honey” Mellody, and Jack Sharkey.
• Visual Presentation: As a pictorial history, the text is heavily driven by hundreds of rare, vintage photographs accompanied by detailed historical commentary.
• Specifications: A 128-page paperback (ISBN-13: 9780738511368).