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Box Like the Pros: World Champion Smokin' Joe Frazier's Complete Insider's Guide
Former World Heavyweight champion Smokin' Joe Frazier and William Dettloff, senior writer for The Ring magazine, present a complete guide to the fight game – from the history of the sport to how to throw a crushing uppercut and take a punch without flinching. Drawing from the experiences of one of the masters of the sport, Box Like the Pros is a must–have for anyone pursuing boxing as a hobby or who is interested in training to become a professional boxer. Frazier, with longtime boxing writer William Dettloff, presents a complete introduction to the sport, including the game's history, rules of the ring, how fights are scored, how to spar, the basics of defence and offence, the fighter's workout, a directory of boxing gyms, and much more. Box Like the Pros is an instruction manual, a historical reference tool and an insider's guide to the world's most controversial sport.
240 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 10, 2008
I am currently REREADING this book. I love this book. I was just so happy when I found it again at the library!
The best part of this book is when Joe Frazier tells you to go running in workboots as an essential part of your roadwork. The other best part is when he keeps talking trash about Muhammad Ali and reminding you again how he knocked Ali down that one time.
Actually, this is an incredibly solid book for anyone interested in the ABCs of how to box, who wants to learn more about its basics or incorporate aspects of conditioning into a workout. There is nothing fancy or revelatory in here, but I find its tough, straightforward tone and message of hard work and discipline inspiring. It's very practical and down-to-earth, and really seems to capture the traditional grit and ethos of the sport in what I feel is a genuine way. I give it extra points compared to a lot of other exercise books based on the photographs, which are clearly of dedicated fighters from Frazier's gym, instead of corny models who don't normally do the things they're demonstrating. The one female shown here is incredibly inspiring, awesomely muscular, and could obviously kick Joe Frazier's ass with one arm tied around her back. I found this really refreshing in contrast with most other exercise books, which tend to assume that all women exercise in the hopes of becoming more daintily waisted and magically sprouting blonde hair and ginormous silicone breasts. This book takes seriously the idea that a person reading this actually wants to learn some basics of the sweet science, and following its instructions is probably the best thing you could do, short of taking classes or getting an actual trainer, towards learning to box. If you know a teenager who's been hotwiring cars and smoking too much reefer, this book might make a helpful present that could lead them away from a life of crime and towards one of physical fitness and traumatic brain injury!
If this book doesn't inspire you to "Box Like the Pros," it's time to throw in the towel, because obviously nothing will.
The best part of this book is when Joe Frazier tells you to go running in workboots as an essential part of your roadwork. The other best part is when he keeps talking trash about Muhammad Ali and reminding you again how he knocked Ali down that one time.
Actually, this is an incredibly solid book for anyone interested in the ABCs of how to box, who wants to learn more about its basics or incorporate aspects of conditioning into a workout. There is nothing fancy or revelatory in here, but I find its tough, straightforward tone and message of hard work and discipline inspiring. It's very practical and down-to-earth, and really seems to capture the traditional grit and ethos of the sport in what I feel is a genuine way. I give it extra points compared to a lot of other exercise books based on the photographs, which are clearly of dedicated fighters from Frazier's gym, instead of corny models who don't normally do the things they're demonstrating. The one female shown here is incredibly inspiring, awesomely muscular, and could obviously kick Joe Frazier's ass with one arm tied around her back. I found this really refreshing in contrast with most other exercise books, which tend to assume that all women exercise in the hopes of becoming more daintily waisted and magically sprouting blonde hair and ginormous silicone breasts. This book takes seriously the idea that a person reading this actually wants to learn some basics of the sweet science, and following its instructions is probably the best thing you could do, short of taking classes or getting an actual trainer, towards learning to box. If you know a teenager who's been hotwiring cars and smoking too much reefer, this book might make a helpful present that could lead them away from a life of crime and towards one of physical fitness and traumatic brain injury!
If this book doesn't inspire you to "Box Like the Pros," it's time to throw in the towel, because obviously nothing will.
December 15, 2019
Great stuff from Smokin' Joe Frazier.
He takes you through the basics of boxing, such as the boxing stance, throwing basic combinations, dealing with pressure, how to spar with a southpaw etc. Subsequently, the book also contains great information on how to build stamina and how to train in such a way that you enhance the right muscles while burning fat. Frazier often uses his fights with Muhammad Ali to set up examples for throwing a left hook, among other things. This is fine, but his explanation didn't need any referral to the Louisville Lip. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I learned a lot that I will be able to apply during every boxing training that is to come.
He takes you through the basics of boxing, such as the boxing stance, throwing basic combinations, dealing with pressure, how to spar with a southpaw etc. Subsequently, the book also contains great information on how to build stamina and how to train in such a way that you enhance the right muscles while burning fat. Frazier often uses his fights with Muhammad Ali to set up examples for throwing a left hook, among other things. This is fine, but his explanation didn't need any referral to the Louisville Lip. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I learned a lot that I will be able to apply during every boxing training that is to come.
October 22, 2020
Smokin' Joe Frazier is an absolute legend. One of the great heavyweights of all time, and an even better human being. "Box Like the Pros" is a fantastic introduction to the sport of boxing for someone that wants to begin practicing the sport. It gives the reader a brief history, an explanation of the rules, and then, best of all, practical instructions for serious training. I loved this book, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in boxing.
March 15, 2024
Found someone getting into boxing, whether as a spectator or participant, this is a great primer on everything from history of the sport, workouts, rules and scoring, and strategies. I plan to get my own copy eventually, but if you're interested in the sport and relatively new, I would recommend.
October 28, 2017
Pretty good book to read if you're training also. The beginning brief history of boxing was a great touch. There's nothing to lose from adding more knowledge to your game.
December 9, 2023
Smoking joe delivering the tried and true, somewhat outdated techniques but in an entertaining read. Book was written in the early 2000s and he still held a grudge against Ali 😂
March 29, 2010
stick to books Jimmy boy.
Read
November 5, 2012nice book
December 20, 2021
Very basic. If you know the basic fundamentals of boxing don't bother you won't learn anything from this
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews