{"id":59499,"date":"2016-04-14T16:37:17","date_gmt":"2016-04-14T21:37:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ringsidereport.com\/?p=59499"},"modified":"2016-04-14T16:37:42","modified_gmt":"2016-04-14T21:37:42","slug":"book-review-boxing-history-101-the-arc-of-boxing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ringsidereport.com\/?p=59499","title":{"rendered":"Book Review: Boxing History 101: \u201cThe Arc Of Boxing\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Arc_of_boxing_2-330(1)(4)\"<\/a>By Ian \u201cThe Boxing Historian\u201d Murphy<\/strong><\/p>\n

In light of a few discussions that have been bandied about on Facebook in regards to the supposedly upcoming \u201cNext Golden Age Of Heavyweights\u201d, (a preposterous declaration to say the least) it is perhaps time to break out the teacher\u2019s hat and hand out some (very) much needed education. Despite the fact that I have been a boxing fan (and much interested in its history) for many years, my boxing \u201ceducation\u201d didn\u2019t really begin until I read noted boxing historian Mike Silver\u2019s \u201cArc of Boxing: The Rise and Decline of the Sweet Science\u201d. This book should be a must read for anyone who has any aspirations to be more than a casual boxing fan. More than just a survey-style look at the history of the ring, this book offers the perspectives of legit boxing experts, be they former champions, trainers or respected historians in their own right. <\/p>\n

Arc of Boxing\u2019s panel of experts include renowned trainers Emanuel Steward, Teddy Atlas, Mike Capriano, JR., Freddie Roach, and Rollie Hackmer. Also included are fighters like 1960 Olympic Gold Medalist Skeeter McClure, journeyman Ted Lowry and a former Lightweight Champion, the great Carlos Ortiz. It also contains especially revealing contributions by international ballet star Edward Villella (also a former collegiate boxing champ) and former Weightlifting Champion (and pro boxer) Ray Elson, who shed light on how boxing might need to revert back to old school training. They (and others) argue that boxing has specific physical demands and incorporating heavy weight training might even be detrimental. Villella calls this akin to \u201cputting sand into a gas tank of a Ferrari\u201d.<\/p>\n

In addition to the aforementioned experts, there is also testimony supplied by some of the most respected of boxing historians. They include Dan Cuoco, Hank Kaplan, Chuck Hasson, Sal Rappa, and Steve Lott. So, in looking at who was consulted for this project, we can see that the information contained within is much more than just one man\u2019s opinion, or even the perspective of one demographic (trainers, fighters, historians, etc). Instead it is a collective stance stated by boxing\u2019s best minds, and the position is this: boxing has regressed dramatically since its heyday, or what Silver refers to as the \u201cGolden Age\u201d (1925-1955). Many smart fans already know this, but it is illustrated here in a clear cut and revealing way.<\/p>\n

I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Silver recently at a release for his newest book Stars in the Ring: Jewish Champions in the Golden Age of Boxing. His lecture was illuminating and his lesson on both Jewish culture and its impact on boxing was most informative. However, it is his first book, Arc of Boxing, that definitively answers the most hotly disputed question that creates so much drama among many boxing fans: \u201cAre modern day fighters truly better than those of the past?\u201d This book is not a collection of bitter old men pathetically lamenting about \u201cthe good old days\u201d. Arc of Boxing gives solid and concrete reasons as to why our favorite sport has deteriorated to its current state, and unlike other sports (like football and basketball), Mike Silver and his panel of experts can honestly and logically compare today\u2019s stars to those of the past. I could go on and on in regards to the merits and value of this book, so I strongly advise you to pick up a copy. You will not regret it.<\/p>\n

Purchase the book here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

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