Can any of you recommend any good texts on the transformation of boxing from a fringe niche sport in the late 19th century to a booming sport with many, many gyms and fight cards throughout the country a few decades later? Are there any rigorously researched history books on this, from actual historians or even journalists or aficionados on this topic?
Those issues are addressed in Volume One of my trilogy The One Is Jack Hurley. Volume One is entitled Son of Fargo. For additional information check out the listing on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=mm_$10_Gen_ilm?node=14730500011&pd_rd_w=jK3Rs&pf_rd_p=9b5c6be7-5583-45c1-a0f3-1f80c480f006&pf_rd_r=PPH5H4SCTZ6PPZH0285B&pd_rd_r=688bf34c-0d9f-4462-9f62-f6b95f2d0624&pd_rd_wg=vZi79 Search the words "Ochs Hurley". Volume One is the blue book. Click it and the listing will appear. If you read all the summaries and reviews on the Amazon page carefully, you will get an idea of the volume's scope.
Thanks, I'm going to buy a copy but Amazon apparently won't deliver it until the end of April, because it is prioritizing other orders in light of the virus. I guess I'll order it from Barnes & Noble.