Kurzbeschreibung
In 1956, Floyd Patterson became at age 21 the youngest boxer to win the title of World Heavyweight Champion and then, later, the first ever to lose and regain it. In "Floyd Patterson: The Fighting Life of Boxing's Invisible Champion", acclaimed author W. K. Stratton chronicles the life of 'The Gentle Gladiator' - an athlete overshadowed by Ali's theatrics and Liston's fearsome reputation, and a civil rights activist overlooked in the who's-who of race politics. From the Gramercy Gym and wildcard manager Cus D'Amato to a final rematch against Ali in 1972, Patterson's career spanned boxing's Golden Age and included an Olym-pic gold medal, bouts with Marciano and Johansson, and interviews by James Baldwin, Gay Talese, and Budd Schul-berg. A complex, misunderstood figure - he once kissed an opponent at the end of a match - he was known for his peek-a-boo stance and soft-spoken nature. In the words of the renowned sports writer George Kimball, Floyd Patterson is 'a refreshingly honest and even-handed deconstruction of the owner of the uneasiest head to wear a crown this side of Henry IV.'
Über den Autor
W. K. Stratton is the author of Backyard Brawl, Chas-ing the Rodeo and Boxing Shadows. He has written for many publications, including GQ, Sports Illus-trated, and Outside. A long-time student of boxing, Stratton trains at a gym alongside top professionals and amateurs.