Floyd Patterson: The Fighting Life of Boxing's Invisible Champion

Floyd Patterson: The Fighting Life of Boxing's Invisible Champion

by W.K.Stratton (Author)

Synopsis

In 1956, at age 21, Floyd Patterson became the youngest boxer to win the title of world heavyweight champion and then, later, the first ever to lose and regain it. Here, acclaimed author W.K. Stratton chronicles the life of 'The Gentle Gladiator' - an athlete overshadowed by Ali's theatrics and Liston's fearsome reputation, and a civil rights activist overlooked in the who's who of race politics. From the Gramercy Gym and wild-card manager Cus D'Amato to a final rematch against Ali in 1972, Patterson's career spanned boxing's Golden Age and included an Olympic gold medal. This powerful tribute to an invisible champion who fought his way to the top of a knockdown world, carrying many of the hopes and fears of the battle for civil rights, draws upon interviews with the fighter's friends and boxing contemporaries to provide the definitive account of his remarkable life and career.

$3.25

Quantity

1 in stock

More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 272
Edition: First Edition
Publisher: Mainstream Publishing
Published: 01 Nov 2012

ISBN 10: 1845963326
ISBN 13: 9781845963323
Book Overview: A meticulously researched biography of legendary boxer Floyd Patterson

Media Reviews
A refreshingly honest and even-handed deconstruction of the owner of the uneasiest head to wear a crown this side of Henry IV -- George Kimball, author of Four Kings An atmospheric and classy chronicle of the life of a boxing great Sunday Express History has not been kind to Floyd Patterson ... but in Stratton he has an author worthy to champion his cause for posterity Independent on Sunday A deftly written biography. Stratton clarifies how Patterson could be trumpeted as a hero of the civil rights movement and reminds us of Patterson's remarkable talent, morality and determination Publishers Weekly
Author Bio
W.K. Stratton is the author of Backyard Brawl, Chas--ing the Rodeo and Boxing Shadows. He has written for many publications, including GQ, Sports Illus--trated and Outside. A long-time student of boxing, Stratton trains at a gym alongside top professionals and amateurs.