Black American boxing history

[WayneFoy]

All,

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

I am carrying out a research project on Black American boxers and why historically they have made up a minority of the American population but statistically they make up a majority of world champion boxers (in the recent past).

I am looking for any databases (like Boxrec) that list fighters race/ethnicity. I want to work out what gives black men (if anything) the advantage in the ring and when the rise of the black Americans started.

Although this may sound like a piece about race, it is more a socioeconomical piece I'm writing. I want to confirm/deny my theory that it was the social/racial exclusion from society in the 50/60's that caused the surge in back fighters. That sports (especially boxing) but also American Football and Basketball were a way of black men being accepted in society and being able to provide for their families.

If you don't agree with my hypothesis that's fine, but please just move on. I am not looking for a discussion on race or beliefs.

Thanks,

Wayne

[bobcatbox]

Some good sources on Murderers’ Row here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murdere ... w_(boxing)

[bwu]

Intriguing topic. If you can find a copy of Chris Mead's biography of Joe Louis, which is about 35 years old at this point, it would be helpful. Randy Roberts' biography of Jack Johnson might be beneficial as well.

This is just spit-balling, but it might be interesting to see if there is any kind of trend with other socioeconomic groups (i.e. Italians) working their way up the ladder first and thus making room for Black American fighters to begin the climb. Interlinked with that thought is the notion that Black American fighters might have occupied more championships before the 50s/60s had they not been segregated in the first place.

I think you'll find that saying Black American Boxing History is a redundancy. It's simply American Boxing History. It's kind of like saying dysfunctional family. Just mention family and you know there's dysfunction.

Much luck to you with this project.

[dagosd2000]

Ken Burns 2004 documentary on the 1st black heavyweight champion of the world Jack Johnson,Unforgivable Blackness, is available on dvd.It leans towards Johnson as being a victim but it should be a valuable source for what you're undertaking.Good luck.

[Wee Tommy]

All,

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

I am carrying out a research project on Black American boxers and why historically they have made up a minority of the American population but statistically they make up a majority of world champion boxers (in the recent past).

I am looking for any databases (like Boxrec) that list fighters race/ethnicity. I want to work out what gives black men (if anything) the advantage in the ring and when the rise of the black Americans started.

Although this may sound like a piece about race, it is more a socioeconomical piece I'm writing. I want to confirm/deny my theory that it was the social/racial exclusion from society in the 50/60's that caused the surge in back fighters. That sports (especially boxing) but also American Football and Basketball were a way of black men being accepted in society and being able to provide for their families.

If you don't agree with my hypothesis that's fine, but please just move on. I am not looking for a discussion on race or beliefs.

Thanks,

Wayne

Hypothesis?

[WayneFoy]

Some good sources on Murderers’ Row here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murdere ... w_(boxing)

I'd never heard of this lot before, thank you so much for pointing it out, it will really aid my research.

Wayne

[Onetimeonly]

Some good sources on Murderers’ Row here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murdere ... w_(boxing)

I'd never heard of this lot before, thank you so much for pointing it out, it will really aid my research.

Wayne

You've never heard of those guys but are going to write an historical book?

[WayneFoy]

No,

I'm writing my dissertation on the rise of black athletes (mainly boxers). I'm a history student primarily on the transatlantic slave trade and the impact it had on the lives of black Americans.

I've never claimed to be a boxing historian, just an avid fan who wanted to blend two of his interests.

Wayne

[Tuan_Jim]

No,

I'm writing my dissertation on the rise of black athletes (mainly boxers). I'm a history student primarily on the transatlantic slave trade and the impact it had on the lives of black Americans.

I've never claimed to be a boxing historian, just an avid fan who wanted to blend two of his interests.

Wayne

The slave trade and its impact on black Americans?

Wow, that's definitely not a subject that's been done to death.