Boxing Day: The Fight That Changed the World

Rating:
Summary: Required reading.
Review: As I am not a fan of this journalist, I must admit I was a bit prejudiced when it came to reading this book. Credit where credit is due though, this book is very good. It reveals an insight into the world as it was in the early part of the 20th Century and especially Australia, the scene of the Burns - Johnson World Heavyweight title fight in 1908. The author brings to light the personalities of these two boxers and how the public reacted to these personalities at varying times. Overall it is a well-balanced and entertaining read.

Rating:
Summary: Boxing Day, a One-sided View
Review: While Jeff Wells does an excellent job capturing the tenor of the times he does Tommy Burns a grave disservice in treating him as the bad guy of his story, and Johnson the great hero. Burns could have done what previous holders of the heavyweight championship had done, and flatly refused to give Johnson a shot at the title. But, unlike the others, he allowed Johnson, a black man, his big chance. It was Johnson who turned his back on his race and denied similar opportunities to Sam Langford, Joe Jeannette, and Sam McVea. Jack Johnson was a talented fighter, but not much of a human being.