Tex Rickard: Boxing’s Greatest Promoter

by Colleen Aycock

Whether opening saloons, raising cattle, or promoting sporting events, George Lewis “Tex” Rickard (1870–1929) possessed a drive to be the best. After an early career as a cowboy and Texas sheriff, Rickard pioneered the largest ranch in South America, built a series of profitable saloons in the Klondike and Nevada gold rushes, and turned boxing into a million-dollar sport. As “the Father of Madison Square Garden,” he promoted over 200 fights, including some of the most notable of the 20th the “Longest Fight,” the “Great White Hope,” fight, and the famous “Long Count” fight. Along the way, he rubbed shoulders with some of history’s most renowned figures, including Teddy Roosevelt, Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, John Ringling, Jack Dempsey, and Gene Tunney. This detailed biography chronicles Rickard’s colorful life and his critical role in the evolution of boxing from a minor sport to a modern spectacle.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2012

Reviews

[Exapno Mapcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tex Rickard led a remarkable life, from a saloon operator in the Klondike to a cattle rancher in Paraguay to operating Madison Square Garden. This book has a good combination of being concise and very descriptive. This is a must read for any serious boxing fan.

(Free Review copy)