The Greatest Books of All Time on Boxing

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 410 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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  1. 1. The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

    This novel follows the life of a young English boy named Peekay who grows up in South Africa during the 1930s and 1940s. Despite facing bullying, racial segregation, and the hardships of World War II, Peekay remains resilient and determined to follow his dream of becoming a world-class boxer. Along his journey, he encounters various mentors who teach him about survival, love, and the power of one person to make a significant difference in the world.

    The 1934th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Lavengro by George Borrow

    The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Priest

    This novel is a semi-autobiographical narrative that blends fact with fiction, exploring the life and adventures of a young man who travels through early 19th-century Britain. The protagonist, a scholar, linguist, and former lawyer's apprentice, delves into the world of the Romany Gypsies, learning their language and customs while reflecting on nature, society, and the human condition. His encounters with a diverse cast of characters, including horse traders, boxers, and thieves, provide a vivid portrayal of the period's cultural landscape. The narrative is as much an exploration of the author's personal philosophy and love for languages as it is a depiction of the life of an itinerant wanderer.

    The 2560th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Sweet Science by A. J. Liebling

    "The Sweet Science" is a collection of essays that delves into the world of boxing during its golden age in the 1950s. The author offers a detailed analysis and vivid descriptions of famous fights and boxers of the era, such as Rocky Marciano and Sugar Ray Robinson, while also exploring the culture and mechanics of the sport. The book is not just a historical account, but also a philosophical and sociological examination of boxing, its practitioners, and its fans.

    The 2982nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Un Campeón Desparejo by Adolfo Bioy Casares

    una novela de amor y de aventuras

    The story revolves around a young man named Juan Pablo, who is an underdog in the world of competitive sports. Despite his lack of natural talent and physical prowess, he possesses an indomitable spirit and a unique approach to training that sets him apart. Through sheer determination and unconventional methods, Juan Pablo challenges the norms and expectations of the athletic community, ultimately redefining what it means to be a champion. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that true victory lies not in winning, but in the relentless pursuit of one's passion.

    The 7722nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Men Without Women by Ernest Hemingway

    "Men Without Women" is a collection of short stories that explore the theme of loneliness and emotional isolation. Each of the fourteen stories focuses on men who have lost or can't attain the love of a woman, resulting in feelings of despair, alienation and loneliness. The characters range from matadors to boxers, soldiers to artists, all of whom are navigating the complexities of masculinity, love, and life.

    The 8344th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. City by Alessandro Baricco

    "City: A Novel" unfolds as a multi-layered narrative that weaves together the lives of various characters, including a precocious child prodigy, a boxer, and a soldier, all residing in an unnamed, dreamlike metropolis. The novel explores themes of isolation, the search for meaning, and the intersection of reality and imagination. Through a series of interconnected stories and a blend of genres, the book creates a tapestry of human experience, reflecting on the nature of cities as spaces where diverse lives converge and the extraordinary can emerge from the mundane.

    The 9913th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Professional by W. C. Heinz

    "The Professional" is a classic sports novel that follows the life of a middleweight boxer preparing for a championship match. The story is told through the eyes of a sportswriter, who provides a detailed, inside look at the world of professional boxing. The narrative explores themes of discipline, sacrifice, loneliness, and the relentless pursuit of a goal. The novel is acclaimed for its realistic portrayal of the harsh realities of the boxing world and the physical and psychological toll it takes on its athletes.

    The 12012th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Behind The Mask by Tyson Fury

    My Autobiography

    "Behind The Mask" is an autobiography that delves into the life of a renowned heavyweight boxer, chronicling his journey from a challenging childhood to the pinnacle of the boxing world. The book offers a candid look at his battles with mental health issues, including depression and addiction, which contrast sharply with his public persona and success in the ring. It's a story of resilience and redemption, as he shares his personal struggles and the path to recovery, providing an inspirational tale of overcoming adversity and reclaiming glory, both in the sport he loves and in his personal life.

    The 12609th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Royale by Marco Ramirez

    "The Royale" is a gripping play that delves into the complex world of boxing in the early 20th century, focusing on an African American fighter who dreams of becoming the heavyweight champion of the world. As he navigates the racially segregated landscape of the sport, he must confront not only his opponents in the ring but also the societal challenges and personal sacrifices that come with his ambition. The narrative builds to a climactic fight that's as much about personal triumph as it is about the broader racial tensions of the era, delivering a powerful punch about the cost of breaking barriers and the resilience of the human spirit.

    The 12609th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Fat City by Leonard Gardner

    Set in the gritty world of Stockton, California, this novel delves into the lives of two boxers at different stages of their careers. One is a washed-up former contender struggling with alcoholism and the disillusionment of his past, while the other is a young, hopeful fighter just beginning his journey. Through their intersecting stories, the narrative explores themes of ambition, failure, and the harsh realities of the American dream, painting a poignant and unflinching portrait of life on the margins.

    The 12609th Greatest Book of All Time

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