Jeffrey T. Sammons

Until now, boxing enthusiasts have been able to glean only a partial understanding of boxing and its relationship with modern American society from a host of biographies of prizefighters that isolate and emphasize the contributions of a particular individual. Beyond the Ring views boxing as an important mass institution and adds to our knowledge of boxing's many distinguished figures and fans. Jeffrey Sammons highlights the careers of Joe Louis and Mohammad Ali and discusses the significance of such heavyweight champions as John L. Sullivan, Jack Johnson, Max Baer, Max Schmeling, Jack Dempsey, and George Foreman. More important, he relates the experiences of these and other prizefighters to broader themes, placing American boxing in its proper, yet often neglected, context of historical events and institutions.

Sammons demonstrates how this ancient, atavistic, and nearly unversal activity-altenately know as the 'sweet science,' the 'manly art,' and pugilism-reflects societal change and development. He discusses in detail the relationship between boxing and the law, organized crime, race, public opinion, the media, and world events, including both world wars and America's involvement in Vietnam, Sammons reflects upon the struggle of individuals against the impersonal forces of technology, the sociological and economic consequences of both racism and sexism, and America's desperate need for public heroes and heroic acts. He questions fhe validity of the American Dream for the underdog, for whom fame and furtune are a near impossibility.

Beyond the Ring is a comprehensive treatment of boxing and its relationship with modern American society. Concentrating on the haevyweight division, this ambitious work traces boxing from an illegal activity to a sanctioned sport while linking its evolution to America's industrial transformation. Sammons critically examines commonly accepted assumptions about the nature of the sport and its benefits; his conclusions will certainly fuel the controversy surrounding boxing's place in civilized society.

Jeffrey T. Sammons is an assistant professor of history, director of Afro-American studies, and a Henry Rutgers Fellow at Rutgers University-Camden.

'Sammons has given us an astute history of the 'sweet science.' Beyond the Ring is a sobering exploration of Ameican values that scholars and the general audience will read with great benefit.'-Donald Spivey, editior of Sport in America

'In this brilliant history, boxing becomes a vivid reflection of the political and social trends-including racism and sexism-in this society. You don't have to love-or even approve of-the sport to enjoy and learn from this provocative, well-written book.'-Paula Giddings, augthor of When and Where I Enter: the Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America

'A first-rate study...Sammons has carefully minded the major primary and secondary source in recent boxing history. I am expecially impressed with his work on Joe Louis; by concentrating on Southern opinion, he has added a new dimension to Louis scholarship. I am also impressed with Sammons's central conceptual framework which focuses on contact points between boxing and societal developments. His writing style is inteligent and readable without being pedantic.'-Anthony O. Edmonds, author of Joe Louis

'Beyond the Ring will be avery important book. Sammons covers previously unbroken ground in boxing history. He asks questions about the relationship between sport, race, government, law, and even foreign policy that take us to the heart of modern American life. HIs scholarship is exemplary, his writing clear, and his conclusions provocative. This is a landmark book in sport studies and in American social history.'-Elliott J. Gorn, author of The Manly Art: Bare-Knuckle Prize Fighting in America

Contents

Preface
Introduction
Crime or sport?: The development of modern prizefighting
Total onslaught: Racism and reform
The troubled twenties: A time for heroes
Chaos reigns: Exit of the champions
Pugilistic renaissance: Depression, war, and Joe Louis
The unholy trinity: Television, monopoly, and crime
Civil rights to rebellion to reaction: The era of Mohammad Ali
Conclusion: The myth and reality of boxing
Notes
Index… (mer)