Punches on the page - David Rayvern Allen

Boxing by its nature breeds characters and this anthology of epic battles covers a century of gloved combat from the Boston Strong Boy John L. Sullivan to Muhammed Ali, Mike Tyson and Prince Naseem. The names themselves recall the colour and drama of the fight game: the unparalleled undefeated run of featherweight world champion Willie Pep, who relates the story of his glorious encounters with arch-rival Sandy Saddler; the indestructible Rocky Marciano who died in a plane crash; the legendary six times world champion Sugar Ray Robinson and his two epic battles with Randolph Turpin.;The celebrated sportswriter of the 1940s and 50s Jimmy Cannon recalls Joe Louis, and "Evening Standard" reporter George Whiting describes one of the great fights of the 60s, Henry Cooper versus Ali. A rare and recent interview with Louis's adversary the Black Uhlan, Max Schmeling is enlightening and Jack Birtley's conclusions surrounding the demise of Freddie Mills equally so.;There is also material from unexpected sources and unlikely writers. John Arlott recalls the Woodcock/Baksi fight which was an extraordinary night in British boxing; Arnold Bennett writes about the prize fight between Joe Becket; and Georges Carpentier and former ex-light heavyweight champion Jose Torres writes about the fire and fear of Mike Tyson. Boxing has inspired famous literary figures and there are extracts from the works of Ernest Hemingway, O. Henry and Paul Gallico.