[The BadBoy]

If you guys were to buy a book on the sweet science of boxing, what would you like to see covered in it?

[Ninja Kl0wn]

There are three types of books on boxing I would consider purchasing.

1) History book. I would love to see a real thorough book on the evolution of boxing technically from the pre-london prize ring era to the modern era. Especially one that could explain not only what the differences in the punches and strategies were, but explain why these evolutions came about. I'd like to learn more about the transition times in boxing, like when bare-knuckle was dying out and mufflers were becoming dominant. Maybe a few short profiles on some of the big names from each era, like Broughton, Mendoza, and Dempsey.

2) An "advanced" technique book. There are countless books out there on the basics of boxing. I would like to see one that assumed I already know the jab, cross, hooks, uppercuts, shovel hooks, over hands and all. Talk about some different training methods or drills to develop specific attributes. Show me some methods of creating openings on my opponent, drawing attacks, ring strategy. Discuss the different kinds of boxers and how most efficiently deal with that type of fighter. That kind of thing.

3) A book on modifying boxing for other rings sports, specifically kickboxing and mma. Talking about how boxing's basic stance and technique change to deal with the change of rules, and how to effectively keep the fight in punching range. Countering kicks, knees, shots, and clinch attempts with boxing.

[zefff]

Ninja's ideas are great! I'd also like to see something on the mental aspects - how to think for success in boxing. Maybe having different boxers input on how they use the mind in training and during a contest. I'd also like to see a breakdown of styles and their mechanics, techniques and strategies too with counters for each in detail. Something that conveys the chess game in boxing would be a great read.

[bamboo]

I'd look for two major things:

1. The universally accepted building blocks or basics of sound technical boxing.

2. Quotes and interviews from professional fighters and trainers, past and present. Their philosophies, thoughts, tips, etc.

-bamboo

[The BadBoy]

Thanks guys, keep them coming.

[lakan_sampu]

I'd like the transition thing too.

I'd like to see something that shows that not only in empty-handed situation but also when one is armed (e.g. knife). Its interesting for me.

And of course the discipline in training.

[zefff]

I'd also like to see advanced and innovative skill development drills (not just exercises), broken down and conveyed clearly. Also, if not a whole book (which in itself this could be), maybe a chapter aimed at educating coaches, cornermen, pad men and others who prepare and support the fighter.

Actually thats a great idea I should have kept for myself...The Cornermans Bible!

[Wilhelm von Wankenstein]

Originally Posted by Ninja Kl0wn

There are three types of books on boxing I would consider purchasing.

1) History book. I would love to see a real thorough book on the evolution of boxing technically from the pre-london prize ring era to the modern era. Especially one that could explain not only what the differences in the punches and strategies were, but explain why these evolutions came about. I'd like to learn more about the transition times in boxing, like when bare-knuckle was dying out and mufflers were becoming dominant. Maybe a few short profiles on some of the big names from each era, like Broughton, Mendoza, and Dempsey.

In fact, there is already such a book out there, entitled 'Western Boxing and World Wrestling' - lovely old-school martial arts history book by John F. Gilbey, which, of course, was a nomme de plume of Donn F. Draeger and a cabal of like-minded martial historians. I had a copy, but, regrettably, left it behind with a friend when moving countries. It's probably been thrown away now In any case, it has almost everything that you mentioned above in a concise and engaging format, including several fighter profiles from each era of modern boxing, starting with the old-time bareknucklers..

[Hengest]

Hadn't heard of that book, but you can get it second-hand on Amazon for just a few dollars, and it looks good (particularly the wrestling section) so I promptly ordered it.

Cheers for the heads-up Wanky!

[Wilhelm von Wankenstein]

No worries, guv. I have fond memories of reading and re-reading that book over meals, when I had nothing better to do. I miss it, really *sniff*