New Book - In the Ring With James J. Jeffries

The book is done and is off to the presses. Should be available within a week or so.

In the Ring With James J. Jeffries is Adam Pollack's 4th book in his heavyweight champion series. It describes in meticulous detail James Jeffries' bouts from the 1890s up to 1905 (including round by round accounts as well as pre- and post-fight analysis), his opponents, and his training regimen. It discusses the time's heavyweight scene, including contenders, pre-fight hype and negotiations, political and legal obstacles, and the color line. Chapters also include descriptions and analysis of Corbett-Sharkey II, Fitzsimmons-Ruhlin, Fitz-Sharkey II, and Corbett-McCoy, as well as controversies surrounding several bouts. The book is based on next-day local newspaper accounts, comparing and contrasting their descriptions and analysis in order to provide an authentic view of how heavyweight boxing was perceived at the time. The use of local primary sources gives readers a rare opportunity to relive Jeffries' career as if they were reading about it at the time he was fighting. The book also includes Jeffries' career record, over 100 photos, 924 footnotes, and an index. 688 pages, hardcover, $42.95. To order, contact

This content is protected

Table of Contents

Preface: The Undeniable Talent 5
1. Foundation of Strength: Establishing a Local Reputation 6
2. Hank Griffin and the Professional Hiatus 12
3. It Wasn’t Long 21
4. Sparring with the Champion 27
5. Driving the Van Downtown 49
6. How the Baker Got His Goose Cooked 55
7. The Closer 60
8. The Master Veteran 70
9. No Show 90
10. The Legend 99
11. Mexican Pete 111
12. The Shark 120
13. The Cost of High Expectations 142
14. A Strange Ending 160
15. Road to the Crown 185
16. The Championship 215
17. Exhibition Tour 250
18. A Snag in Preparation 262
19. Reaching Deep Into the Inferno 281
20. The Impact of Film 324
21. A Thriving Sport Under Attack 335
22. The Road to Corbett 344
23. Trial of Will 363
24. The Bevy of Battles as the Horton Era Ends – 399
Ruhlin, Sharkey, and Fitzsimmons
25. Hell Hath No Fury… 433
26. Boxing’s Old Nemesis 450
27. Getting Sharp Again – Griffin and Kennedy 462
28. The Road to Ruhlin 475
29. Ruling Ruhlin 486
30. On the Horizon 501
31. Championship Training 513
32. The War, the Bandages, and the Speaking Knockdown 524
33. Media Creation or Legitimate Performance? 557
34. Building the Intrigue 578
35. Leaving No Doubt 597
36. Justifying Challenges 619
37. Setting the Record Straight 634
38. Leaving the Game 655
Appendix: James J. Jeffries’ Record 667
Acknowledgments 680
Index 681

 

Thank you all. Yes, like all my other books, this one will be full of details, and answer all of the many questions and debates that take place so often on this site. I'm very happy with it.

 

Each bout is given the full royal treatment. You will have your many questions addressed, at least to the extent that they were discussed at the time.