Historical Dictionary of Boxing
By (author) John Grasso
Publication date:
14 November 2013Length of book:
588 pagesPublisher
Scarecrow PressISBN-13: 9780810868007
Boxing is one of the oldest sports in the world, reaching back to the Ancient Greeks, although it has become popular only in the past century or so. But, in some ways, it is a rather complicated sport since – to avoid unnecessary harm – it has been endowed with rules to keep it clean, referees to see the rules are obeyed, and organizations to regulate the sport. Boxing was once largely amateur, although the professional bouts attracted the most attention, but now it is also an Olympic sport. And, over the years, there has been one champion after another who symbolized what boxing was all about, such Joe Louis, Mohammad Ali and Cassius Clay.
Naturally, these champions are the focus of the Historical Dictionary of Boxing as well, and they have the biggest entries in the dictionary section, but they had to fight against someone and there are dozens and dozens of other boxers with smaller entries. More of these boxers come from the United States than elsewhere, but there are others from Europe, Asia and Latin America, and there are also entries on the major boxing countries as well. Plus entries on the rules, on the organizations, and on the technical terminology and jargon you have to know just to follow the bouts. The introduction provides a broad view of boxing’s history while the chronology traces events from 688 B.C. to 2012 A.D. Not all that much has been written on boxing that is not ephemeral, but much of that literature can be found in the bibliography. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the sport of boxing.
Naturally, these champions are the focus of the Historical Dictionary of Boxing as well, and they have the biggest entries in the dictionary section, but they had to fight against someone and there are dozens and dozens of other boxers with smaller entries. More of these boxers come from the United States than elsewhere, but there are others from Europe, Asia and Latin America, and there are also entries on the major boxing countries as well. Plus entries on the rules, on the organizations, and on the technical terminology and jargon you have to know just to follow the bouts. The introduction provides a broad view of boxing’s history while the chronology traces events from 688 B.C. to 2012 A.D. Not all that much has been written on boxing that is not ephemeral, but much of that literature can be found in the bibliography. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the sport of boxing.
The main dictionary portion of this book covers famous matches, countries, organizations, venues, weight classes, terminology, and other assorted topics related to boxing. Biographical entries, however, represent the largest category. Of necessity, sportswriter Grasso was highly selective as to whom he included; however, most of the notable figures in boxing's colorful history will be found here, including trainers and promoters. In keeping with the publisher's 'Historical Dictionary' series format, a chronology, introductory overview, and bibliography are included. Thirteen appendixes supply additional information, including 'Nicknames and Ring Names,' 'Revised London Prize Ring Rules,' and 'Boxing Movies.'. . . .Grasso's handy print volume is valuable for its excellent overview. It should join the most current edition of The Boxing Register by James Roberts and Alexander Skutt, and Boxing: A Worldwide Record of Bouts and Boxers, by Herbert Goldman on the shelves of libraries with history of boxing collections. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; general readers.