Review of “Boxing’s Greatest Controversies”

Having not read a book on boxing for awhile, I was scouring libraries and ARC lists for one and came across this gem that will be published in February 2025. Excellent book on some of the most controversial fights in the sport.

Title/Author:

“Boxing’s Greatest Controversies: Blunders, Blood Feuds and Mob Corruption” by Louis Joshua Eisen

Rating: 

5 of 5 stars (excellent)

Review: 

Boxing has always had controversy - whether it was claims of fixed fights, influence by organized crime or illegal acts by fighters in the ring, it seems like there’s always something suspicious that gets boxing fans talking.  This book by Louis Joshua Eisen takes a look at some of these events that are still talked about many years after that particular incident.

What stood out for me with this book was Eisen’s excellent research and writing on this topic for two fights prior to the 20th century. One involved a fixed fight in the 1770’s and one was about the racism against Black fighters in the 19th century. That topic carries over to the 20th century with two of Jack Johnson’s fights discussed. Eisen makes a compelling case about Black boxer Joe Gans in his account of the second fight discussed in this book as being one of the best boxers of all time. Having never heard of Gans before reading this book, I appreciated the information on not only Gans, but about the sport in general during that time. 

Of course, some of the most famous controversial bouts are included. Eisen writes with the same level of detail on fights such as the “long count” match between Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney, the early knockout of Sonny Liston by Muhammad Ali in their second match and the famous “bite fight” between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. Each fight discussed follows a format of a brief description to set the scene, portraits of each fighter, events that led up to the controversial fight, then the fight itself. After that, Eisen breaks down what was the controversy, explains why it was judged the way it was (or may still be inconclusive) through a breakdown of film on the fight. This makes the book very informative, detailed and enjoyable to read as Eisen gives the reader education on the issues of the fight. Highly recommended for any boxing fan or historian.

I wish to thank Dundurn Press for providing a review copy of the book The views expressed are strictly my own. 

Link:  https://www.amazon.com/Boxings-Greatest-Controversies-Blunders-Corruption/dp/1459754867/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=