Dimensions
265 x 266 x 25mm
A stunning illustrated tribute to heavyweight boxing, written by one of the sport's foremost writers
The ancient sport of boxing diminished soon after the fall of Rome only for it to be revived in 18th-century England. The sport was reborn as a workingman's pastime in what is known as the 'bare knuckle era'. In 1866 the Marquess of Queensberry gave his support to a new set of rules - eliminating the sport's gorier aspects and making the use of gloves mandatory - and with this the sport entered the modern era. In 1892 James L. Corbett defeated John L. Sullivan, the last of the great bare knuckle fighters, making him truly the first world heavyweight champion. 'Kings Of The Ring' chronologically profiles each of the modern era's bare knuckle and heavyweight title holders since 1866, recapturing the great boxing moments through fascinating biographies, all accompanied by astounding big fight images. All of the pugilistic protagonists feature including the first black champion Jack Johnson, the undefeated Rocky Marciano and the remarkable Muhammad Ali, through to the infamous Iron Mike Tyson and the last undisputed champion Lennox Lewis. Gavin Evans reveals through his incisive, illuminating text the triumphs and controversies of this compelling sports.
