Muhammad Ali memorably referred to Sugar Ray Robinson as the king, the master, my idol," and rarely a fight fan has chosen to argue too much with those words. With a career spanning three decades, multiple championships, over two hundred fights (without once taking a 10-count), and more victories than Joe Louis and Ali combined it was no surprise when RING magazine named Robinson pound for pound, the best boxer of all time." In Being Sugar Ray , acclaimed scholar Kenneth Shropshire contends that Sugar Ray Robinson's influence extends far beyond the ring. It was Robinson who introduced America to the athlete as entrepreneur and celebrity. From his business empire to his prized flamingo pink Cadillac, described as the Hope Diamond of Harlem, Sugar Ray was the trailblazer whom every athlete since has been trying, consciously or otherwise, to emulate.

About the Author
Kenneth Shropshire is the David W. Hauck Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the Director of the school's Sports Business Initiative. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Sports Illustrated, as well as on NPR's All Things Considered," ESPN's Outside the Lines," and ABC's Nightline." His previous books include The Business of Sports, In Black and White: Race and Sports in America, and Basketball Jones: America Above the Rim. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife and their children.


Book Information
ISBN 9780465078042
Author Kenneth Shropshire
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Basic Books
Publisher Basic Books
Weight(grams) 324g
Dimensions(mm) 208mm * 140mm * 15mm