Boxing Encyclopedia

From the earliest days of 19th-century prize-fighters to the modern era, this book highlights the great names and stories of some of the worlds most recognizable characters, such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Roy Jones.

A comprehensive look at the life of one the greatest sports superstars of the 20th Century, Muhammad Ali--boxer, anti-Vietnam War activist, civil rights campaigner, advocate for Parkinson's sufferers, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. From a humble upbringing in segregated Louisville, Kentucky, Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. went on to become Muhammad Ali, Olympic gold medalist, three-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world, and in his own words "the greatest." More than 150 iconic photographs chart Ali's life and rise to boxing stardom and showcase 60 key bouts that made his name, including the "Fight of the Century" against Joe Frazier, the "Rumble in the Jungle" with George Foreman, and the "Thrilla in Manila," his third and final match against Frazier. Data panels throughout give key facts at a glance, while quote boxes highlight Ali's well-known phrases, such as "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." Key influencers in his career, including Don King and Howard Cosell, are featured. The book also shines a light on Ali's continuing impact after his death in 2016, and how his message of hard work and perseverance continues to inspire people around the world.

From the earliest days of 19th-century prize-fighters to the modern era, this book highlights the great names and stories of some of the worlds most recognizable characters, such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Roy Jones.

' "Did you see the big fight this weekend'" The question used to be about boxing matches, when the giants of the fight world were Mike Tyson and Roy Jones. Now fans are leaving the sweet science in droves for the combat sport of the future: mixed martial arts (MMA). MMA has drawn millions on cable and network television, as well as out-performed professional wrestling and boxing on pay-per-view. Fans are attracted to the sport, but unlike boxing (where strategy and technique are limited to using both your left and right hands), an MMA fight can be surprisingly complicated. The MMA Encyclopedia puts the fighters, the facts, and the fundamentals of the world's fastest growing sport at your fingertips as the definitive reference guide to mixed martial arts. The encyclopedia will break the MMA language barrier for those who don't know a wristlock from a wristwatch, while at the same time offering perspective and analysis that will entertain the hardcore fan who already has the basics down pat. With three appendices that detail the results of every MMA'fight in history, this the ultimate reference book for the ultimate sport.