Box Like the Pros

This is an excellent introductory guide for novice fighters. It is the best "how-to" boxing book that I have seen, and fills what was a gaping hole in the literature of the sport. Of course there have been many attempts to write a "how-to" boxing book in the past, going back to Jack Dempsey and before, but nearly all of them have been mediocre efforts. Joe Frazier keeps it simple and to the point, outlining the basic principles, techniques, and exercises that top fighters have relied on for more than a century. William Dettloff has done an excellent job of making the text crisp and clear without diluting Frazier's ideas and personality. I would reccomend this book to anyone who is starting out in the sport of boxing. Of course there is more to learn, but the fundamentals for success are here, and for the rest you have to get into the gym, train hard, and find a good coach! So... Box!

I am a beginning student of boxing. This book shows all the equipment and what you need, and how to box, along with great insights from "Smoking Joe Frazier" (the only man to have knocked Ali down, as far as I know).

A little over a year ago I signed up for a boxing class sponsored by a community college. The class was held once a week at a small urban boxing gym. We began by learning to wrap our hands, and then proceeded to basic exercises and drills. It didn't take long for me to get hooked (literally and figuratively). After finishing the community college term, I signed up with the gym as a full member. Since then, I've gotten deeper into boxing, especially sparring. I really enjoy facing off against an opponent in the ring. While giving punishment is ideal, I also like taking it and not giving up the fight. To expand my boxing toolkit, I've started reading some books about the sport. "Box Like The Pros" caught my eye because it was written by former heavyweight champion Smokin' Joe Frazier. Mr. Frazier and his coauthor William Dettloff have crafted a no-nonsense book packed with lots of practical boxing information and wisdom. From my limited experience and what my coach has taught me so far, his advice appears to be solid. Heck, it's hard to argue with the guy who dropped Muhammad Ali. "Box Like The Pros" starts out with a brief history of boxing, and then gets into the sport's nitty-gritty. Mr. Frazier goes over rules, training, equipment, offense and defense, sparring, and even entering the ring for real as a Golden Gloves or white-collar boxer. I found his down-and-dirty descriptions to be both entertaining and instructional. Indeed, I wish I'd heeded his advice to keep my jaw clenched shut while sparring. And for further help, one appendix lists boxing gyms by state (none were included for Oregon, where I box), while another contains additional resources such as other books on boxing and websites where you can order gear. One thing I found interesting is how the book inadvertently highlights the differences in boxing technique and instruction. For example, my coach advocates a stance with a pronounced profile, and teaches a left hook with a front foot pivot. However, Mr. Frazier insists on a more straightforward stance, and instructs that the front foot remain planted while firing the left hook. I asked my coach about this, and he confirmed that accepted variations do exist. At any rate, I recommend "Box Like the Pros" for anyone interested in boxing - especially latecomer fortysomething dudes like me who want some good information on the Sweet Science. And don't forget to keep your hands up!

This book has it all. It is suitable for people who just want to get fit right through to those contemplating a professional career. It is entertaining, informative and interesting. This is good, old fashioned stuff based upon hard work and dedication. Smokin' Joe has convinced me that I'll never have to join an expensive gym with all that fancy exercise equipment ever again.

This book is the best I have read on the subject of boxing training. I have been boxing for around 3 years and love it. This book is a practical primer geared more towards the beginner. But some of the intermediate to expierenced practioners can learn a thing or twelve from Smokin' Joe. He breaks down all the basics from punching, to sparring. Equiptment and training are all covered. He devotes a whole chapter to what training the fighters go through to stay fighting fit. He also tells how to wrap hands, how to eat well, and tells of the necessity of roadwork. It was writen by a legend and is nothing short of a modern classic. This thing will be worth a lot more than you paid for when you get to the gym or the ring. I'm sure it will also make a great collectors item in the future for any boxing historian.