Boxing in Philadelphia

Tales of Struggle and Survival

This book tells the story of boxing in Philadelphia, the city that essentially gave birth to the sport in America. Jack Johnson, the controversial first black heavyweight champ, fought more times in Philly than any other city besides his hometown; Sugar Ray Robinson, perhaps the best boxer ever, fought under his first promotional contract in Philly, appearing there twenty times; and Muhammad Ali, also one of the greatest boxers of all time, was trained by a Philadelphian. In Boxing in Philadelphia Gabe Oppenheim examines the rise and fall of boxing in Philadelphia, and how it often mirrored the city’s own narrative arc. Throughout, Oppenheim weaves together cultural history, urban studies, and biographical sketches of Philadelphia fighters such as Jimmy Young, Meldrick “The Kid” Taylor, Teon Kennedy, and Mike Jones. Featuring exclusive interviews conducted by the author with those tied to boxing in this city, this book captures the unique history of Philadelphia boxing.