The Immortals of American Boxing

Talking Sports Books with Don Stradley

Welcome back to the new edition of "Talking Sports Books" and on this edition author Don Stradley joins me to talk about the just released book "The Immortals of American Boxing"

as Don says in the feature we recorded for this book this isn't just a book that talks about fighters who won a few titles this book is about those who transcended the sport a collection of the predictables this is not, in the video feature on the book we begin with a man called

"The Ghetto Wizard" Benny Leonard.

You can watch the video feature on the website or here below.

The Immortals of Boxing: Legends Beyond the Ring

In the world of boxing, legends are born not just from victories in the ring but from the stories that transcend the sport. Don Stradley, author of "Immortals of American Boxing," shares insights into the lives of boxing greats, revealing the charisma and challenges that defined their careers. These stories are not just about the punches thrown but about the indelible marks left on the sport and society.

The Art of Selection: Stradley explains the criteria for choosing the immortals, emphasizing that it wasn't just about winning titles. "One was they had to transcend the sport in some way," he notes, highlighting figures like Willie Pepp, who overcame a plane crash to continue his illustrious career. The selection process was about finding those who became household names, whose influence extended beyond the boxing ring into the cultural fabric of their time.

Benny Leonard: The Ghetto Wizard Benny Leonard, known for his impeccable footwork and strategic prowess, is a standout in Stradley's book. "Boxing is not an art, but if you saw him, you thought you were watching an artist at work," Stradley remarks, capturing Leonard's unique style and influence. Leonard's story is one of resilience and skill, a fighter who promised his opponents, "I'm not going to mess you up too much," yet dominated the ring with finesse and intelligence.

Sugar Ray Robinson: A Legend Beyond Words Sugar Ray Robinson's life was as rich and complex as his boxing career. Stradley describes him as "all-encompassing," with a legacy that included not just his fights but his business acumen and cultural impact. "He was so good, but there's almost no film footage of him as a welterweight when he was lightning fast," Stradley laments. Robinson's story is one of a man who transcended the sport, owning city blocks in Harlem and demanding a share of TV and radio revenues, setting a precedent for future athletes.

Rocky Marciano: The Brockton Blockbuster Marciano's story is one of raw power and discipline. Stradley shares anecdotes of Marciano's legendary punch, likening it to a baseball swing. "People liked that combination of innocence and almost murderous power," he reflects, illustrating Marciano's unique appeal. Known for his relentless training and Spartan lifestyle, Marciano retired undefeated, a testament to his dedication and strategic prowess in the ring.

The Legacy of Boxing's Immortals: These stories of boxing's immortals are not just tales of athletic prowess but narratives of human spirit and cultural impact. From Benny Leonard's artistic grace to Sugar Ray Robinson's business savvy and Rocky Marciano's raw power, these legends have left an indelible mark on the sport. Stradley's book captures the essence of what it means to be an immortal in boxing, a figure whose influence extends beyond the ring.

The stories of these boxing legends remind us that greatness in the ring is only part of the tale. Their lives, marked by triumphs and tragedies, continue to inspire and captivate. As Stradley concludes, "If I was just writing about the most skillful fighters, it would have been a different list." These immortals are celebrated not just for their victories but for the lasting legacies they have left behind.

Subscribe now to explore more stories of boxing's greatest legends and their enduring impact on the sport and beyond including the other feature we recorded with Don for his previous book release "The Fight" the story behind what many consider to be the greatest fight of all time Marvin Hagler V Thomas Hearns you can find this on the podcast pages.