Cleveland's Greatest Fighters of All Time (Images of Sports) [Paperback]

Jerry Fitch (Author)

Book Description

Series: Images of Sports | Publication Date: June 10, 2002

Boxing began in Cleveland in the 1880s. As pugilism was an illegal activity, brawling workers from the iron ore docks surreptitiously met on ìWhiskey Islandî to settle disputes. They would be followed by crowds of spectators who cheered them on and often ended up fleeing from the sheriff. Boxing grew in popularity and soon became a legitimate sport that brought packed houses to such local venues as Cleveland Municipal Stadium, the Cleveland Arena, and the Public Auditorium. Thousands of fans from across the country would come to Cleveland to attend the marquee bouts of many of the city and the nationís most celebrated fighters. ÝÝClevelandís Greatest Fighters of All Time follows the amazing careers of the cityís most popular and successful boxers, highlighted by more than 100 rarely-seen images. From the speedy and resilient Johnny Kilbane, Clevelandís first great champion, to the heroic Jimmy Bivins, a true champion in and out of the ring, these stories of triumph and heartbreak are to be enjoyed by boxing fans of all eras. Much of the action inside is described in such a way as to bring the reader ringside. ÝÝ

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Author Jerry Fitch has written for Ring, Boxing Illustrated, and Boxing News, among numerous other boxing publications. He has interviewed champions from all over the world, including Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, and Muhammad Ali, as well as many Cleveland greats featured in this book. He brings his passion and expertise for the sport to every page.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (June 10, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738519855
• ISBN-13: 978-0738519852
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,931,592 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read and unique perspectives..., March 2, 2011

By 

Tad Fitch "T. Fitch" (Cleveland, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cleveland's Greatest Fighters of All Time (Images of Sports) (Paperback)

I highly recommend that boxing enthusiasts, or Cleveland sport enthusiasts in general pick up a copy of Cleveland's Greatest Fighters of All Time. Before anyone cries foul, yes, I am related to the author, who is my father.

As such, my opinion may be biased, but what makes this book so special are the personal experiences that my father relates in the book. Not only does he provide a detailed and entertaining narrative, but there are many previously unpublished or rarely seen photographs. What makes the narrative unique is that my father was friends with, or personally knew many of the pugilists that he writes about in the book. This is apparent in his writing, as it is clear he has a passion for the topic and getting things right, rather than writing as a barely interested third party.

The section on Jimmy Bivins is a real treat, and it has been good to see this often forgotten fighter get some recognition for what was a very good career in which he fought such greats as Joe Louis. My father has been, and continues to be friends with Bivins, and is completing work on a biography about him as I write this.

In short, I highly recommend this detailed and interesting read. My father's passion for the subject and the respect he shows these fighters by getting things right shows up on every page, which makes this entry stand out where other entries on the same topic might have been drier.