Boxers Champions and Prizefighters

Boxing is an ancient sport which has long been popular throughout human history. Its origins are thought to be in Ancient Greecian Olympic Games, where combat sports were elevated to an art. A boxer has a special character, tenacity, and state of mind to be able to compete in this aggressive sport where the loser may very well be knocked out cold.

Comics often lampoon the sacrifice, pain, and especially the bravery required to be a boxer. Usually this is meant with no disrespect for boxers; rather it plays up the "Mr. Chicken" element of the comedian. Burns and Allen, Jack Benny, Lou Holtz, and Red Skelton all played this up.

The "wrong side of the tracks" element makes boxing themes a natural with the hard boiled and noir elements of many detective programs. The Saint and Philo Vance took a more refined view of "the sweet science", while Frank Race, Nick Carter and Philip Marlow tended to stay on the grittier side of the ring. The drama of boxing is terrific inspiration for the Movies, and we have several examples from Lux Radio Theater, Movie Town Radio Theater and Screen Guild Theatre.

As dramatic as the fight game can be in fiction, it pales next to the real thing, and we've included a number of historic fights as well as a selection of the weekly Pabst Blue Ribbon Bouts.

Actual boxing matches are also included in this collection. The infamous Joe Lewis vs Max Baer fight, which was Joe Lewis' second time fighting in front of New York audiences and he beat the former champ Max Baer.

This massive collection includes examples of boxing in all genres from detective to comedy to variety shows. Included in this collection are old time radio episodes from Barrie Craig, Bill Stern Sports Reel, Bob and Ray, Calling All Cars, The Clock, Jack Benny, Gangbusters, Let George Do It, Lux Radio Theater, Nick Carter, Philip Marlowe, Suspense, and Yours Truly Johnny Dollar.