Life in the Ring

Life in the Ring
Lessons and Inspiration from the Sport of Boxing Including Muhammad Ali, Oscar de la Hoya, Jake LaMotta, George Foreman, Floyd Patterson, and Rocky Marciano
Written by John Oden, Preface by Bert Sugar

Category: Sports & Recreation - Boxing
Format: Trade Paperback
On Sale: September 29, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-57826-311-0 (1-57826-311-5)

Much more than a book on boxing. Life in the Ring is equally historical, literary, and inspirational. Truly a one-of-a-kind book.

There is no sport more unforgiving than boxing. Boxing represents the best of who we are as individuals. Those who have participated in the sport, at any level, can use the lessons they have learned in all aspects of their lives, from business, to politics, to personal relationships. People observing the sport can draw on the insight that boxing imparts in all phases of their lives.

Life in the Ring gathers the wisdom and lore of the "sweet science" of boxing and organizes them into a single volume that is equally historical, literary, and inspirational. An invaluable compendium, Life in the Ring offers the stories of boxing legends, past and present, and draws inspiring lessons from the remarkable determination, fortitude, and willpower that made these men great.

Included are such engaging themes and examples from the lives of legendary boxers as:

  • The Role of Courage and Confidence—Muhammad Ali
  • On Challenging Yourself—Oscar de la Hoya
  • The Quality of Being Tough—Jake LaMotta
  • Reinventing Yourself and Making a Comeback—George Foreman
  • Overcoming Obstacles through Persistence and Determination—James J. Braddock
  • Winning Without Shortcuts—Joe Calzaghe
  • Making Fear Your Friend—Floyd Patterson
  • Overcoming Pain—Rocky Marciano
  • The Power of Discipline and Preparation—Bernard Hopkins
  • On Giving Back—Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko

With a Foreword by the famed boxing writer, Bert Randolf Sugar, and exciting, relatable stories, Life in the Ring packs a fantastic punch for readers of all kinds.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John E. Oden is a principal and eighteen-year veteran of a global money management and research firm, as well as an author and avid boxing fan.  His first book, White Collar Boxing, was published in 2005.  As a white collar boxer himself, Oden competed in twenty fights over thirteen years from 1992-2004.  As a strong supporter of the sport of boxing, he was instrumental in starting the first-ever boxing program in the public school system of New York City.  Born in Pecos, Texas, he graduated from the University of Texas and now lives in New York City.