Best Boxing Books Reviewed and Rated For Informative Content
We all love books—especially the ones about our favorite sports or hobbies. Books not only boost your brain power, but they also offer insight and a change of perspective on whatever topic may interest you. They can inspire and motivate you, and propel you to achieve things you never thought you could. People like Warren Buffet and Bill Gates swear on the books they’ve read as a key factor in their success. Books do more than just tell a story. That’s why we think that whether you’re a beginner of the sport or a seasoned veteran, reading boxing books is essentially as important as getting yourself into the Octagon every day. In a sport that’s as elegant as boxing, it’s no surprise that there are many books that are able to convey both the beauty and the legacy of the art of combat.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 12 hrs of research

Honest Autobiography
Painful Experiences
Has All Literary Elements
New York Times Best Seller
Recommended by WSJ












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Undisputed Truth by Mike Tyson
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Ali: A Life by Jonathan Eig
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Championship Fighting by Jack Dempsey
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The Fight by Norman Mailer
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Four Kings by George Kimball
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The Sweet Science by A.J Liebling
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Unforgivable Blackness by Geoffrey C. Ward
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The Last Great Fight by Joe Layden
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Facing Ali by Stephen Brunt
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Dark Trade by Donald McRae
Top 10 Picks
1. Undisputed Truth by Mike Tyson


Honest Autobiography
Painful Experiences
Has All Literary Elements
New York Times Best Seller
Recommended by WSJ
Lackluster Conclusion
Recognizably a must read for every boxing fan and boxing athlete. If you have never thrown a punch in your life, you’ll still benefit from reading undisputed truths. This book will ignite a fire inside everyone and spark help grow your interest in boxing. This book covers how one of the greatest in boxing faced tons of obstacles.
Read moreLife-changing Autobiography
This is undeniable one to put on your must-read list if you’re a boxer or a fan of boxing. We recommend this book even if you have never entered the ring. Undisputed Truths will really light something new in you and grow your love for the sport of boxing. This book really represents on of the greatest boxer in boxing and what obstacles he had to go through. You’ll truly feel inspired and grow more determination and will power than you’ve ever had before
Topic of Poverty
We all hear about those who are privileged enough to put to use what they’re given, but Tyson’s story starts in a dysfunctional household where he had nothing. Stories like these convince us that there’s more to success than just money. Anyone with Tyson’s mental attitude and determination could break free of whatever financial chains they think are confining them. Tyson’s honesty and the sordid story leaves no details out.
Cost and Value
This is a book you can buy for the cost of an everyday lunch. Although the hardcover will cost you a bit more than necessary, anyone can get the paperback at an astoundingly low price. We can’t recommend this book enough to anyone— no matter what your age or life situation, and whether you box or not. This is a life changing book for a value that’s affordable for anyone.
2. Ali: A Life by Jonathan Eig


Over 500 Interviews
FBI Inside Documents
NY Best Seller Author
2018 PEN/ESPN Award
Times Sports Biography of the Year
Doesn’t Tell Recent Life
Cheap-looking Hardcover
A respected tale, this story of Muhammad ali told by Jonathan Eig covered bravery, brains and greatness - Key features that are key in boxing. Ali wasn’t just one of the most famous men in boxing on that planet, but he got there through sheer discipline and determination. This must-read book will enlighten you on the world of boxing, politics, and so much more.
Read moreUncovered Documents
This story of Muhammad Ali really touches on a lot of key components of being a great boxer. Ali wasn’t only one of the most respected boxers in the world, he came to a city filled with segregation called Lousiville. Reading this will shed a new light on not only the sport of boxing but also the rules and politics of it too. This is by far one of the best biographies written about Muhammad Ali.
2018 PEN/ESPN Award
This prestigious award was given to this biography not long ago to praise the ingenious in crafting a vivid, up-close tale of one of boxing’s greats. According to T.J Stiles, the author of books such as The First Tycoon, “Ali will fascinate you from beginning to end.”
Cost and Value
Ali, being newly published and only recently awarded by both PEN and Times Sports for Biography of the Year, will certainly be listed at a higher price than usual. Even so, we recommend anyone who’s a big fan of one of the greatest men that ever lived to add this book to their collection, without a second of doubt.
3. Championship Fighting by Jack Dempsey


Hundreds of Techniques
Written by Boxer
For Beginners and Professionals
Self-teach Manual
Only Covers Certain Elements
You must put this book on your list of reads, especially if you’re a boxing athlete. This book covers boxing and Jack Dempsey’s techniques that he used to help him with his successful career in the boxing ring. If you want to go dee in all the key features in training, covering footwork, defense and much more than Championship fighting is the book you need to read. Regardless if you consider yourself a professional boxer or just a beginner - you’ll benefit from reading this.
Read moreTechniques
Many techniques not covered in boxing are brought to light in Championship Fighting. Not only does Dempsey reveal useful methods that have brought him to championship boxing, he shows the reader how techniques such as aggressive punches and proper defense should be applied.
Teach Yourself
There’s no excuse to not pick up boxing because you don’t live near a gym or you don’t have enough time and money. This book is completely affordable to anyone and it covers all the basic fundamentals along with advanced techniques to the “rawest beginner” so they can get a firm starting point on their journey.
Cost and Value
It won’t cost you much, that’s for sure. The paperback and hardback versions of this book are all extremely affordable and provide more than necessary for anyone wanting to increase both their knowledge and collection in boxing. Championship Fighting is a book that will certainly keep you entertained while helping you reach your maximum potential.
4. The Fight by Norman Mailer


About Two Legends
NY Times Best Seller
Dramatic and Influencing Tale
Pulitzer Prize Winning Author
Biased Perspective
George Foreman and Muhammad Ali are two legends that are highlighted in this must-read. These men were a force to be reckoned. The boxing ring respected these men entirely. This Must-Read book does an exception job at preparing the reader for one of the most suspenseful events in boxing. If your goal is to read more and learn about the legacy of these amazing men, The fight is the perfect book for you.
Read moreMailer’s View
During the fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, a restless commentator named Norman Mailer observed and told the story with compelling energy and unparalleled audacity. He, the author, was there to analyze every move and thought leading up to the fight along with the fight itself, and he perfectly describes it in his book The Fight. Mailer has become known for one of the most influential men in the twentieth century, winning a Pulitzer for his novel The Executioner’s Song.
Proper Memoir
Although this book is mostly about the two audacious fighters, Ali and Foreman, it also acts as a proper memoir for Norman Mailer, a man who also left his stamp in both the world and in boxing. Mailer, who was sent to cover the great fight in 1974, uses his engaging writing to perfectly sum the fight from his own view—making it as if the reader experiences the fight in-person.
Cost and Value
The price for such a well-established and noteworthy book will certainly be a bit more than usual. Norman Mailer is an author who has changed the world for the better, and we’re so very lucky that boxing has gotten one of his better works. This literary memoir about two refined men that were driven to fight like gods is, according to the New York Times, “as exciting as the reality in which it was based.”
5. Four Kings by George Kimball


Psychological Drama
Four Key Boxers
The Golden Era of Boxing
Accurate Information
Plethora of Information
If you saw that we mentioned a book about two legends, you’ll be shocked when we tell you this book mentions FOUR great legends. This book highlights, Sugar Ray leonard, Marvelous Marvin, Roberto Duran and Thomas Hit Man Hearns, who were some of the most exceptional boxers. You’ll learn and experience more about these legendary boxes in the Four Kings - it’s definitely a treasure for boxing fans and athletes.
Read moreAccurate Information
Kimball, who was a veteran sports journalist at the time, witnessed first-hand the compelling and majesty that went on in the rivalries between the four fighters. His accounts of the fight are told as “riveting” and “palpably rendered” by sport journals such as ESPN and Sports Illustrated. In an era where the best boxing occurred, many have tried to past down the tale to our generation, but only men like Kimball have done it accurately and cunningly.
Nat Fleischer Award
Kimball is also the recipient of the Nat Fleischer Award for Excellence in Boxing Journalism—given in 1985. His contribution to the sport has been remembered by the Boxing Writers Association of America and he will forever go down as one of the best reporters, covering nearly 400 world-title fights.
Cost and Value
This is definitely a pricey book, but it gives such a thrilling and compelling take about an era of boxing that had four super fighters that the price should be overlooked. From childhood to their end, Kimball highlights the most important events from a first-person perspective. His book, Four Kings, has been called one of the finest sports books ever written. It does, however, have a great volume of information that may not all appeal to an audience of non-boxing fans.
6. The Sweet Science by A.J Liebling


Backdoor Stories
Brilliant Style
Laconic Approach
Favored Reportage
Sports Illustrated Award
Very Wordy
Expensive Hardcover
The sweet science is going to be another masterpiece for books that cover boxing. This book does a great job at helping portray boxing and covering the legend Sugar Ray Johnson. The author portrays an experience with his writing that makes the reader feel like they were in the actual event. This book is a must buy for those interested in the history of boxing.
Read moreBest American Sports Book
Sports Illustrated was prompted to name The Sweet Science as The best American Sports Book of all time, quite an established feat. Through a plethora of praise, The Sweet Science has lived up to its expectations as being a book that can change lives.
Liebling’s Style
Liebling brings something to the table in terms of prose that not all writers can muster. His vivid description of the life and fights in The Sweet Science is widely regarded as a “human take” on the professionalism of boxing. Although his writing may be too wordy for some, his rendering of details is what brings this book to life and makes it an enjoyable read.
Cost and Value
The book is naturally moderately priced, with the hardcover ranging a fair bit above what we think is realistic. It is, however, a thick book that’ll keep you invested for a good amount of time, but we don’t think the cover is elegant enough to justify a hardcover buy.
7. Unforgivable Blackness by Geoffrey C. Ward


Topic of Individualism
Well Researched
Enlightening Biography
National Book Critics Circle Award
Third-person Perception
Jackson is highlighted in this excited book, so you’re going to want to add this to your biography collection of most respected boxers. This man was a survivor of many obstacles such as horrific grief and poverty, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a legend and fighting his way through odds that were stacked against him in a very segregated world. We encourage readers interested in heavy-weight boxing to read this book
Read moreWell-researched Biography
Not only is this biography engaging and will keep you up at night, it is well-researched by Geoffrey C. Ward. Ward creates a vivid picture of Johnson, from his morality to his personality. Ward gets it all right through vigorous research and engrossing textual detail to project a deep and colorful portrayal of Jack Johnson’s tale.
Individualism
Not only is Johnson, one of boxing’s legends, discussed in this biography. It also keenly touches on the topics of individualism, racism, and morality as Jack battles through forced prison and even exile. You’ll get much more out of Unforgivable Blackness than you think, and it’s a book that’ll leave you both speechless and wanting more.
Cost and Value
Although the paperback can be expensive, that’s no reason to turn down a chance to relive the history of a legend in boxing. Because it provides an excellent and engrossing portrayal of not only Johnson but also African American life, this book is worth every penny.
8. The Last Great Fight by Joe Layden


Enlightening Discussion
Douglas v. Tyson Fight
Elements of Blockbuster
In-depth and Researched
Expensive Paperback
This amazing book takes you in the world and experience of one of the great infamous moments in boxing history. The last great fight, really leans in on the amazing boxing champion named Mike Tyson around Circa 1990. This must read includes some great historic interviews with Tyson himself and loved ones.
Read moreFirst-Person Interviews
Joe Layden, who’s not only a best-seller but an award-winning journalist, took the time to interview members of Tyson and Douglas’s family, their children, and even the referee. He also covered professional boxing during the height of Tyson’s reign and knows everything there is to know about the historic tale of tragedy and redemption. His full-access to interviews with fighters and research has allowed him to meticulously recreate Tyson’s era.
Douglas v. Tyson
This historic fight that may go down as one of the biggest comebacks in boxing history is covered excessively in The Last Great Fight. All the way to the 10th round, Douglas and Tyson both fought courageously until only one would stand. The narrative structure that surrounds the fight is what showcases Layden’s ability to highlight one of the most intensive moments in modern sport.
Cost and Value
The cost of The Last Great Fight ranges a bit more expensive than other books. Unless you’re specifically interested in the story of Tyson and Douglas, we would recommend saving money and checking out other books that cover a wider range of the history of boxing.
9. Facing Ali by Stephen Brunt


Great Detail
Fifteen Unique Perspectives
Exclusive Interviews
Brilliant New Insight
Not for Casual Fans
This Must read is another well-written book that covers on of the best in boxing. The writers tells the story from the experience of over several different fighters, on what it was like to face Mr.Ali in the ring. It’s amazing hearing from each fighter, they all have their own unique moments which creates an exciting story to read.
Read moreFifteen Perspectives
Although the book surrounds Ali, it also mainly focuses on the other fighters—the fifteen who have shown bravery and courage to step into the ring with the unstoppable force. Brunt characterizes all the experiences, lives, and mindsets of these individuals to create a different take on an athlete who’s already had hundreds of books written on him. Stephen Brunt has creatively inspired a unique approach to Ali’s legacy, and we’re all enthralled by the product.
Insightful Chapters
Although the book is divided for every fighter, you’ll find that there’s insight in many of the chapters and there will be some fighters whom you’ll relate to more than others. There may be some fighters that you’ll hate, and some that you’ll love. These are the benefits of having fifteen unique perspectives to reflect an interesting approach to Muhammad Ali.
Cost and Value
As said by many other reviewers, this book is a true masterpiece. However, unless you’re a diehard boxing fan who has followed the sport for generations, we wouldn’t recommend starting with it. It’s a great book for the price of adding it to your collection, but if you don’t know any of the names or what they signify, you may get bored quick.
10. Dark Trade by Donald McRae


WIlliam Hill Award
Vastly Descriptive
Encyclopedia of Boxing History
Literary Memoirs
Very Expensive
Limited Availability
This book called Dark Trade covers a large part of the history of fighters and boxing. Reading this book will truly help the reader grasp the pieces needed to comprehend about what makes people obsessed with boxing. This book includes topics about James Tony, Ray Jones and many more legends like Mike tyson. Dark Trade can be considered a long read, but definitely worth it considering the amount of detail it had to offer the reader.
Read moreLiterary Memoirs
It’s rare to find a boxing book cover so many fighters in a series of well-written literary memoirs that capture every little detail about their lives. Dark Trade successfully emulates the background story of the sport with thrilling ringside tales and strong ambitions. All the fighters captured by McRae are given the same amount of attention as they pursue the noble art of boxing.
William Hill Sports Book of the Year
The efforts of Donald McRae are properly awarded as this book won many prizes including Book of the Year from William Hill. These accomplishments are signified by the book’s heavy attention to accurate information and unusual detail. The author’s tremendous amount of research paid off nicely in his finished product, as Dark Trade is definitely one of the staples in modern boxing literature.
Cost and Value
Because of the limited availability in this book, its price can be seen as excruciatingly expensive, but we still think you should consider adding this one to your collection, as it does well to portray the entire history of boxing from cover to cover. The stories you read here will change your view on professional boxing as well as the fighters whose stories were brought to light.
Criteria Used for Evaluation

Value
Like we’ve mentioned, there are many different types of book genres—and this is especially relevant for boxing books. It’s wrong to sort all boxing books into a “sports” or “boxing” category because there’s simply much more to it than that. There are different types of sub-genres within every book, whether it be fiction or non-fiction. These can also be great gifts for boxers in your life.

Ease of Use
Ebooks
Digital books found in apps or Kindles are great for a number of reasons. For one, manufacturers don’t need to cut down trees and use supplies to produce millions of copies per book, reducing the overall price of the digital book. Ebooks also take up less space, as you don’t need to invest in a bookshelf or library room just to maintain your collection. They also can’t be damaged or lost so you’ll have a book with you for life. In addition, ebooks are also portable, so you can bring it on the bus, train, car—anywhere without hassle.
Print
Printed books are becoming more obscure, but they’re still an extremely valued form of literature. Printed books aren’t going anywhere—like their counterpart, print newspapers—because of how genuine and accessible they are. Books are among one of the most affordable and convenient forms of entertainment and knowledge in the world, as bookstores are still flourishing in the 21st century. Physical books are great because they can be easily shared, and are easier to read as studies suggest reading from print allows for 25% more reading comprehension and speed.
PDF
Depending on the book, there are a few that you can find for free legally through uploaded PDFs. PDFs can be viewed on a browser and are a great way for authors to share their books online without digital or printed selling.

Materials
Memoir
A memoir is a collection of memories written by an individual about his life. Whether it is factual or not is up to the reader, as the account is from the writer’s personal knowledge and perspective. A famous memoir is A Fight by Norman Mailer as it covers not only boxing but his own personal life and memories as a commentator for the great fight between Ali and Foreman.
Self-help
Many people read boxing books to familiarize themselves with the historical accounts of boxing, but there are some who want to either improve their boxing technique or improve their mental endurance. Books are phenomenal for this, since they can provide valuable lessons and can be read over and over again, so the material is never lost. A famous self-help boxing book is Championship Fighting by Jack Dempsey, simply because of how it has helped a number of amateur and professional boxers as well as provide a starting point for countless beginners to start their boxing career.

Accuracy
Biography
Biographies are simply a detailed description of someone’s life. Many biographies have been written about boxers—most notably about Muhammad Ali. Biographies are often written by reporters or journalists who have had the first-hand experience on certain fights or interviews by the boxer. Many famous commentators that covered famous fighters or fights have since become successful authors by writing biographies.
Categorical
Many books are divided into sections of short stories to tell an overall tale. Some boxing books use this same format to divide different types of fights or fighters throughout history. This will give you a broad range of knowledge about different boxers and the famous fights they’ve gone through, but won’t go in-depth in any of the events.
Expert Interviews & Opinions

It's always a question whether or not you should buy PDF or paperback but they're personal preference. I
Some books cover only one fight, such as The Fight by Norman Mailer and The Last Great Fight by Layden. These are often great for those who are really interested in a specific fight, especially the build-up, the fighters, their backstories, and the fight itself. These books are often recognized for how well they describe the fights as if the reader is actually there within the ring in-person.
Other Factors to Consider

Bottom Line
So, whether you’re looking to gain an in-depth understanding of the sport or simply want to have a good read about your favorite hobby, we’ve got you covered with the best boxing books of the year. All of these books are truly something; they either tell the magnificent tale of legends or provide a glimpse into what puts boxing in a class of its own. They describe the history as well as the future of boxing and make references to some of the key moments that have set the foundation for our current thrills. If you are interested in reading martial arts books or karate books you can check it out in our other buying guides. When you’re truly interested in something, it’s normal to want to develop a keen understanding of its every aspect. With these 10 boxing books, you’ll be able to read through the noteworthy fights, to the dramatic life stories of the heroes who have inspired the world—including you.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What types of boxing books are there?
There are several different types of sub-genres among non-fiction and fictional literature, which are: autobiographies, biographies, memoirs, and self-help books. These are some of the most common types found in boxing.
q: Where are the best places to buy boxing books?
Although buying online and digitally are methods always at your disposal, it’s always a good idea to stop by a community
run bookstore or library. In order to keep bookstores and libraries alive, they need your help.
q: What is a PDF book?
PDFs are a portable document format book, which is uploaded for free by either the author or the publisher. PDFs are different because they’re free to the world, to be read or printed.