Description
For six decades the World Colored Heavyweight Championship was a useful tool of racial oppression--the existence of the title far more important to the white public than its succession of champions. It took some extraordinary individuals, most notably Jack Johnson, to challenge "the color line" in the ring, although the title and the black fighters who contended for it continued until the reign of Joe Louis a generation later. This history traces the advent and demise of the Championship, the stories of the 28 professional athletes who won it, and the demarcation of the color line both in and out of the ring.
About the Author
Mark Allen Baker, business executive and author of hundreds of articles and more than 25 books, is the only person to serve the International Boxing Hall of Fame as an author, historian, chairperson, sponsor, volunteer and biographer. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, and was accorded a Lifetime Award of Merit by the State University of New York in 2022.
Reviews
"A fascinating book on a subject that has barely been chronicled in the annals of boxing. ...The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876-1937, just may be his best. ...[an] informative and wonderful book...Mark Allen Baker has that rare knack of sending the readers back in a Wellsian Time Machine into the musty arenas of yesteryear to bear witness to stirring pugilistic battles....Baker takes no prisoners in his indictment of the white Heavyweight Champions who used the 'Color Line' to cover up their own racist ideals, or just plain cowardice....superb...Mark Allen's book is filled with men who used their fists and fought with honor who were the real deal. Their stories deserve to be told, and Mr. Allen rises up to the task with flying colors....highly recommended"-The USA Boxing News
"Rich in historical insight, thoroughly researched, and enhanced by many photographs, Baker's extraordinary The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876-1937, is a book to read, savor and discuss. It's a book dealing with a crucial time in boxing and simultaneously is a lesson in American history."-IBRO Journal
Book Information
ISBN 9781476677651
Author Mark Allen Baker
Format Paperback
Page Count 260
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 475g
About the Author
Mark Allen Baker, business executive and author of hundreds of articles and more than 25 books, is the only person to serve the International Boxing Hall of Fame as an author, historian, chairperson, sponsor, volunteer and biographer. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, and was accorded a Lifetime Award of Merit by the State University of New York in 2022.
Reviews
"A fascinating book on a subject that has barely been chronicled in the annals of boxing. ...The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876-1937, just may be his best. ...[an] informative and wonderful book...Mark Allen Baker has that rare knack of sending the readers back in a Wellsian Time Machine into the musty arenas of yesteryear to bear witness to stirring pugilistic battles....Baker takes no prisoners in his indictment of the white Heavyweight Champions who used the 'Color Line' to cover up their own racist ideals, or just plain cowardice....superb...Mark Allen's book is filled with men who used their fists and fought with honor who were the real deal. Their stories deserve to be told, and Mr. Allen rises up to the task with flying colors....highly recommended"-The USA Boxing News
"Rich in historical insight, thoroughly researched, and enhanced by many photographs, Baker's extraordinary The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876-1937, is a book to read, savor and discuss. It's a book dealing with a crucial time in boxing and simultaneously is a lesson in American history."-IBRO Journal
Book Information
ISBN 9781476677651
Author Mark Allen Baker
Format Paperback
Page Count 260
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 475g
