'Prize-Fighting An American History by Arne K. Lang, McFarland & Company, Inc. , Publishers, Jefferson, North Carolina, and London. 2008 Hardcover - 266 pages. Arne Langs new book will provide the reader with an excellent overview of the history of American prizefighting. Starting with a description of the sport during the 18th century when it was dominated by the English, Lang takes us through the emergence of boxing in the U.S. during the 19th century, and essentially walks us through the highlights of each decade of the sport in the U.S. up to modern times. Extremely well researched and referenced, there are nuggets of new information for even the most knowledgeable boxing historians. Of particular interest to this reader were the chapters titled The X Factor (concerning a number of fixed fights), Fighters Writers, Las Vegas: The Transition Years, and Shifting Sands, the latter concerning the rise of popularity of ultimate fighting and the decline of the popularity of boxing, particularly among the 18 34 year old male population. But the author leaves boxing fans with evidence that the sport is still alive, and that reports of its demise are greatly exaggerated. The book may be ordered on-line at www.mcfarlandpub.com or by phone at 800-253-2187.
