Book Review: Boxing (Jack Goodwin, B.J. Evans)

Legendary boxing trainer Jack Goodwin’s first book of instructional boxing gives insights into 1920s-era sport.

“Boxing” by Jack Goodwin and B.J. Evans is a comprehensive guide to the sport of boxing. It covers a lot of ground, from the basics of technique and training to the history and culture of the sport.

The book was published in 1922 and is chiefly written by Jack Goodwin, a former professional boxer and experienced coach, and B.J. Evans, a journalist and writer who covered the sport of boxing for many years.

One of the standout features of “Boxing” is its clear and concise writing style, which makes it accessible and enjoyable to readers of all levels. The authors do a great job of explaining the technical aspects of boxing.

This makes for a book that is easy to understand, without skimping on important details. They also provide plenty of illustrations and photographs to help readers visualise the techniques being described.

For a book that is more than a century old, many of its concepts and themes still ring true to this day. The tips and methods for conditioning the human body came well before modern, documented ‘sports science’ as we know it. It’s mainly coming from years of experience gathered and handed down over generations.

In addition to its technical coverage, “Boxing” also delves into the rich history and culture of the sport. The authors provide an in-depth look at the evolution of boxing, from its ancient roots to its modern-day form. They also explore the social and cultural significance of boxing, examining its role in society and its impact on popular culture.

Overall, “Boxing” is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about the sport. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started in boxing or an experienced fighter looking to improve your skills, this book has something to offer. It is well-written, informative, and packed with useful tips and insights that will help you succeed in the ring.

One potential drawback of “Boxing” is that it does not cover the more advanced aspects of the sport in as much depth as some readers may prefer. However, for most readers, the level of detail provided will be more than sufficient.

In summary, “Boxing” by Jack Goodwin and B.J. Evans is a very interesting book for anyone interested in the sport of boxing and especially for those fascinated by this particular time period. It provides a thorough and engaging look at the technical, historical, and cultural aspects of the sport, making it an invaluable resource for fighters and fans alike.

About the Author

Jack Goodwin was a former professional boxer and highly respected boxing trainer. Goodwin was known for his extensive knowledge of the sport and his ability to bring out the best in his fighters.

He had a successful career in the ring, winning numerous titles and accolades, and was widely regarded as one of the top trainers in the world at that time.

Goodwin was raised in London and began boxing at a young age. He quickly made a name for himself as a talented and hardworking fighter, and went on to have a successful professional career, winning numerous belts and becoming a household name in the world of boxing.

After a relatively early retirement from the boxing ring, Goodwin turned his focus to training and coaching. Before long he managed to establish himself as one of the top trainers in the country, and worked with a number of top fighters – helping them achieve great success.

Goodwin was known for his ability to spot talent and develop it, and he was widely respected for his knowledge and passion for the sport. His reputation spread globally and he coached some of the best fighters in the world.

Goodwin was also actively involved in the wider boxing community and was a vocal advocate for the rights of fighters. He worked tirelessly to improve conditions and opportunities for boxers and was widely respected for his dedication to the sport.

In addition to this book, “Boxing”, Goodwin published a further book, “Myself and My Boxers” in 1924.

Jack passed away at the age of 52 at London’s iconic Albert Hall, with his untimely death at the age of 52 coming as a shock to the boxing world. He left behind a lasting legacy as a top-class fighter and trainer, and his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.

4.4/5 - (17 votes)