Every expert in Boxing started exactly where you are now—looking for the right place to begin. The beautiful thing about boxing is its accessibility; anyone can start learning the fundamentals at their own pace. Setting a strong foundation early not only boosts your confidence but also shapes your long-term success in this demanding sport.
Experts like Dan Carlin, famed for his historical podcasts, found value in Mike Silver’s "The Arc of Boxing" as it offers a window into the sport’s rich past, providing context that deepens appreciation. David Margolick, author and historian, praises Silver’s work for capturing boxing’s spirit and cultural significance, while Steve Farhood, a Showtime boxing analyst, emphasizes the book’s eye-opening insights on how boxing has evolved. Their endorsements highlight the importance of grounding your learning in trusted knowledge.
While these beginner-friendly books provide excellent foundations, readers seeking content tailored to their specific learning pace and goals might consider creating a personalized Boxing book that meets them exactly where they are. This approach ensures your training feels engaging and manageable, helping you build skills confidently without overwhelm.
Dan Carlin, known for his deep dives into history and culture through his podcast, highlights "The Arc of Boxing" as a key read for those intrigued by why boxing defies typical sports trends. He points out how Silver’s interviews with experts reveal fascinating reasons behind boxing’s unique path. Carlin’s interest was piqued during his exploration of sports history, where this book challenged his assumptions about the sport’s evolution. He notes, "The reasons why are explained in 'The Arc of Boxing' by Mike Silver...Worth a read if you like these sort of questions." This perspective opens the door for anyone new to boxing history to understand its complex legacy. Alongside Carlin, David Margolick praises Silver's ability to capture boxing’s spirit and cultural significance, reinforcing the book’s appeal for newcomers eager to grasp the sport beyond the ring.
“@Gogomana4 Boxing is the only sport that likely bucks this trend. The reasons why are explained in "The Arc of Boxing" by Mike Silver (and the reasons are fascinating). Silver has lots of boxing experts and boxers giving oral info in the book. Worth a read if you like these sort of questions.” (from X)
Mike Silver is a former boxing promoter and inspector with the New York State Athletic Commission whose many articles on boxing have appeared in the New York Times, The Ring magazine, Boxing Monthly and ESPN and Seconds Out websites. He is an internationally respected boxing historian and author. His interest in boxing began at the age of 14, around the same time he started taking boxing lessons at the fabled Stillman’s gym in Manhattan. Mike trained alongside many stars of the golden age of televised boxing including Dick Tiger, Emile Griffith, Rory Calhoun, Gaspar Ortega, Joey Archer, Alex Miteff and other established professionals. It was at Stillman’s that Mike acquired a profound respect for what it takes to achieve success in the toughest of all professional sports. Mike’s first book, The Arc of Boxing: The Rise and Decline of the Sweet Science, won two awards for boxing journalism from the American Association for the Improvement of Boxing and the Boston Veteran Boxers’ Association. It is considered 'a must-read for anyone who wants to understand what happened to boxing' (Bob Mladinich, The Sweet Science.com), and 'the most thoughtful, fact based comparative analysis of the state of boxing and boxers ever written' (Harry Shaffer, Antiquities of the Prize Ring.com). His second book, Stars in the Ring: Jewish Champions in the Golden Age of Boxing was described as 'an achievement unlikely to be equaled' by Publishers Weekly. Mike’s articles have also appeared in The New York Times, The Ring magazine, Boxing Monthly, and various boxing websites. He has been an Inspector with the New York State Athletic Commission; a boxing promoter; a historical consultant and on-air commentator for 19 televised boxing documentaries; a curator of the 'Sting Like a Maccabee: The Golden Age of the American Jewish Boxer' exhibit at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia (2004); and a co-curator of the San Francisco Jewish Film festival’s centerpiece program, 'Jews, Boxing, and Hollywood' (2007). He continues to research and write about the sport as a member of the International Boxing Research Organization (IBRO).
What happens when decades of firsthand experience in boxing intersect with deep historical analysis? Mike Silver, who trained at Manhattan's iconic Stillman’s gym and served as a boxing promoter and inspector, crafts a narrative that explores boxing’s evolution and decline. You’ll gain insight into how changes in training, fight frequency, and psychological readiness have shaped the sport and its athletes over the past century. Chapters dissect shifts in skill levels and endurance, contrasting legends like Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson with today’s fighters. This book suits anyone curious about boxing’s cultural trajectory and those seeking to understand why the sport feels different now.
American Association for the Improvement of Boxing Award
Andrew Hudson is a dedicated boxing coach from England who has turned his personal journey of learning through mistakes into a helpful resource for new boxers. His deep understanding of boxing’s physical and mental demands shines through in this guide, which mixes technical advice with motivational insights. Hudson's goal is to empower beginners to train smarter and gain confidence in the ring by avoiding common pitfalls. This book reflects his passion for boxing as a lifestyle and his commitment to helping others improve through disciplined, informed practice.
Andrew Hudson is a passionate boxing coach and author who has dedicated his life to empowering new boxers and athletes with the knowledge and techniques to excel in the ring. Born and raised in England, Andrew discovered his love for boxing many years ago. Fascinated by the artistry, discipline, and strategy involved in the sport, he dedicated himself to the sweet science knowing it was his one-way ticket to an improved and healthy life. Through countless hours of training and making every single mistake possible, he gained invaluable insights into the physical and mental aspects of boxing. These experiences not only shaped him as an athlete but also fueled his desire to share his expertise with others. Andrew has embarked on a new journey as an author. He started writing comprehensive training guides to help aspiring boxers improve their skills and achieve their goals. Hudson's books offer a unique blend of technical instruction, strategic analysis, and motivational insights, making them indispensable resources for athletes at all levels. Andrew’s mission is to inspire people to improve themselves through boxing training. Boxing is more than just a sport, it is a lifestyle that brings multiple benefits to anybody who practices. Boxing teaches discipline, strategy and requires a huge level of fitness. Andrew encourages anybody to try boxing because it can do so much for good health, improved confidence and mental toughness. Through his writing, Andrew hopes to continue to inspire and educate through his books and online platforms. His unwavering dedication to the sport, coupled with his passion for sharing knowledge, makes him a respected figure in the boxing world.
When Andrew Hudson realized that many beginners struggle by repeating the same boxing mistakes without noticing, he crafted this guide to break that cycle. This book walks you through common errors like improper footwork and telegraphed punches, explaining why they hinder your progress and how to fix them. You'll learn to identify faults in your technique and apply corrective drills and psychological strategies to build better habits. Whether you're just starting or looking to sharpen fundamentals, Hudson's experience as a coach who made every mistake himself offers you a clear path to stronger punches, fewer injuries, and sustained motivation in training.
This AI-created book on boxing fundamentals is crafted based on your background, skill level, and specific goals. By focusing on what matters most to you and pacing the learning comfortably, it avoids overwhelming beginners. The tailored content helps you build confidence and master essential boxing techniques step-by-step, making your training both approachable and effective. It’s a personalized way to start boxing that respects your unique journey and learning preferences.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This personalized boxing book offers a tailored introduction to the fundamentals of boxing, designed specifically for beginners eager to build a strong foundation. It explores key techniques such as stance, footwork, and basic punches while matching the content to your background and learning pace. The book focuses on helping you develop confidence through a gradual, customized progression that respects your individual comfort and skill level. By removing unnecessary overwhelm, it creates an engaging learning experience that centers on your specific goals and interests.
The approach encourages steady skill building, promoting mastery of essential boxing principles while addressing unique challenges you may face. This tailored guide would examine the foundational elements of boxing with clarity and enthusiasm, making the sport accessible and enjoyable as you grow.
Andrew Hudson is a boxing coach with years of experience who has crafted this guide to make boxing fundamentals approachable for anyone. His clear, step-by-step instructions combined with practical tips and photos create a friendly learning environment for newcomers. Driven to help beginners avoid common pitfalls, Hudson’s expertise ensures you develop solid skills in stance, footwork, and defense, all without needing a gym membership. This book is a practical starting point if you want to build confidence and get fit through boxing.
Andrew Hudson is a boxing coach with years of experience. With clear and concise, step-by-step instructions, photographs, and practical tips, he caters to anybody looking to get to grips with the boxing fundamentals.
The methods Andrew Hudson developed while coaching novices shine through in this accessible guide that breaks down boxing fundamentals into manageable steps. You learn how to master your stance, footwork, and punch techniques like the jab and uppercut, alongside defensive moves such as parrying and slipping. The book also offers beginner-friendly training routines you can do at home, plus insights on nutrition and mental toughness that support your overall development. If you're starting out and want a clear path to build confidence and fitness without overwhelm, this book lays out exactly what you need to know.
Best for beginners blending mind and body training
Shahan Dudayev, founder of Brawl Bros. with over 20 years of boxing experience, brings his extensive background to this book. He distills decades of training and fighting knowledge into an accessible format designed to guide you through physical conditioning, tactical strategy, and mental preparation. Dudayev’s firsthand experience shapes a resource that helps beginners and developing fighters alike understand what it takes to succeed inside and outside the ring.
Shahan Dudayev is the founder of Brawl Bros. and author of 'The Art of the Sweet Science.' He has over 20 years of experience as a practitioner and student of boxing. He is taking everything he's learned on his journey to share his knowledge and experience with everyone.
After over two decades immersed in boxing, Shahan Dudayev presents a focused guide that bridges the gap between the physical and mental demands of the sport. You’ll explore specific training routines to build fight-ready conditioning, strategies to adapt against various opponent types, and insights into the mindset that separates elite fighters from the rest. For example, Dudayev breaks down how to counter pressure fighters and manage ego within the ring, offering you a nuanced approach beyond just throwing punches. While it’s accessible to newcomers, the book truly shines for those ready to elevate their understanding and practice of boxing’s many facets.
Andrew Hudson is a passionate boxing coach from England who turned his early struggles into a mission to help beginners build confidence and skill. His extensive hands-on experience—making every possible mistake himself—shapes this training guide aimed at empowering newcomers to boxing. Hudson’s approach combines technical instruction with motivational insights, making this collection a solid starting point for anyone wanting to improve their boxing ability gradually and comfortably from home.
Andrew Hudson is a passionate boxing coach and author who has dedicated his life to empowering new boxers and athletes with the knowledge and techniques to excel in the ring. Born and raised in England, Andrew discovered his love for boxing many years ago. Fascinated by the artistry, discipline, and strategy involved in the sport, he dedicated himself to the sweet science knowing it was his one-way ticket to an improved and healthy life. Through countless hours of training and making every single mistake possible, he gained invaluable insights into the physical and mental aspects of boxing. These experiences not only shaped him as an athlete but also fueled his desire to share his expertise with others. Andrew has embarked on a new journey as an author. He started writing comprehensive training guides to help aspiring boxers improve their skills and achieve their goals. Hudson's books offer a unique blend of technical instruction, strategic analysis, and motivational insights, making them indispensable resources for athletes at all levels. Andrew’s mission is to inspire people to improve themself through boxing training. Boxing is more than just a sport, it is a lifestyle that brings multiple benefits to anybody who practices. Boxing teaches discipline, strategy and requires a huge level of fitness. Andrew encourages anybody to try boxing because it can do so much for good health, improved confidence and mental toughness. Through his writing, Andrew hopes to continue to inspire and educate through his books and online platforms. His unwavering dedication to the sport, coupled with his passion for sharing knowledge, makes him a respected figure in the boxing world.
Andrew Hudson's years spent both struggling as a newcomer and later coaching beginners fuel the clear guide he offers for starting boxing from home. You’ll learn foundational moves like jabs, crosses, hooks, and footwork drills that build confidence before stepping into a gym. The book addresses common fears—like intimidation and feeling out of place—by teaching you how to develop both skill and mental toughness gradually. Chapters also cover self-defense, training workouts, and nutrition, making it a well-rounded resource for anyone looking to build boxing ability without overwhelm. If you want a straightforward, beginner-friendly path into boxing, this collection lays it out without pretense or unnecessary complexity.
This AI-created book on integrated boxing training is designed based on your background and specific goals. By sharing your current skill level and which physical and mental aspects you want to focus on, you receive a book that fits your pace and interests. It removes the overwhelm newcomers often face by providing a clear, personalized path that builds both confidence and skill. You get a custom learning experience that connects the mind and body, making the journey into boxing both effective and enjoyable.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
2025·50-300 pages·Boxing, Boxing Fundamentals, Physical Conditioning, Mental Training, Skill Development
This tailored book explores integrated physical and mental boxing training methods designed to fit your unique background and learning pace. It covers foundational techniques alongside mental conditioning practices, aiming to build confidence and mastery through a personalized progression that matches your skill level. The approach reveals how mind and body connect in boxing, making complex concepts accessible and manageable without overwhelm. This personalized guide focuses on your interests and specific goals, offering a balanced blend of physical drills and mental strategies to deepen your understanding and enjoyment of the sport. By addressing your particular needs, it fosters a comfortable, motivating learning experience that grows with you.
Best for beginners interested in traditional boxing
David Lindholm, with a master’s degree in history and medieval archaeology and more than four decades immersed in martial arts, brings a unique perspective to bare-knuckle boxing. His extensive training across multiple disciplines, combined with a deep interest in historical European martial arts, informs this approachable guide. Lindholm’s experience ensures the book offers practical instruction while honoring the art’s rich past, making it an excellent starting point for anyone curious about the roots of boxing and how to train tough without gloves.
David Lindholm has a MA in history and medieval archaeology from Lund University in Sweden. He has been practicing martial arts since 1977, when his father took him to a wrestling club. He has trained in karate, boxing, sport fencing, iaido, kendo, wrestling, and tai chi chuan, but since 1996 his main focus has been historical European martial arts and Japanese koryu sword arts.
2022·138 pages·Boxing, Martial Arts, Striking Techniques, Hand Conditioning, Historical Combat
David Lindholm's decades of martial arts experience and scholarly background gave rise to this detailed exploration of bare-knuckle boxing, tracing its roots from ancient combat to practical application today. You’ll learn how to strike powerfully without gloves, protect your hands, and adapt to various fighting conditions through clear instruction on stances, punches, counters, and conditioning. The book doesn’t just teach moves; it offers historical context and contrasts different early boxing styles, helping you understand why techniques evolved. If you’re intrigued by traditional fighting methods or want to build foundational striking skills with a grounded approach, this book fits well—but it’s less suited for those seeking modern sport boxing strategies.
Best for beginners learning classic fight techniques
Jack Dempsey (1895–1983) held the World Heavyweight Championship from 1919 to 1926 and was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1951. His extensive ring experience and status as one of the sport’s greatest make him uniquely qualified to teach boxing fundamentals. In this book, he breaks down the techniques behind his success with straightforward explanations and detailed illustrations, aiming to help beginners and experienced fighters alike understand explosive punching and aggressive defense.
Jack Dempsey (1895–1983) held the World Heavyweight Championship from 1919 to 1926. Inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1951, he is considered one of the greatest boxers of the twentieth century.
Jack Dempsey's decades of experience as a world heavyweight champion led him to write this guide that distills his fighting philosophy into clear, practical lessons. You’ll learn how to generate explosive power in your punches, master aggressive defensive tactics, and develop footwork and feints that unsettle opponents—skills laid out with detailed illustrations. The book doesn’t just focus on pros; it’s designed to take even the rawest beginner through the fundamentals of boxing technique and self-defense. If you want to build a solid foundation in boxing basics with insights from a legendary fighter, this book offers that straightforward instruction without unnecessary complexity.
Build confidence with personalized guidance without overwhelming complexity.
Custom Skill Plans
•Focused Training Tips
•Adapted Learning Pace
Many successful professionals started with these foundations
Boxing Starter Blueprint
Sweet Science Secrets
Footwork Mastery Code
Confidence Fight Formula
Conclusion
This collection of 7 boxing books offers a layered approach to learning—from understanding the sport’s history and culture to mastering the core techniques and mental mindset. Beginners will find clear guidance on fundamentals, common pitfalls, and strategic training, allowing them to progress steadily.
If you’re completely new, starting with "Boxing from Chump to Champ" or "Why You Suck at Boxing" provides practical, easy-to-follow lessons. For those ready to deepen their knowledge, "The Art of the Sweet Science" and "Championship Fighting" offer insights into the mental and tactical aspects of boxing. Meanwhile, "The Arc of Boxing" enriches your understanding of the sport’s enduring legacy.
Alternatively, you can create a personalized Boxing book that fits your exact needs, interests, and goals to craft your own learning journey. Remember, building a strong foundation early sets you up for success in boxing and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with "Boxing from Chump to Champ" for clear fundamentals and beginner-friendly training. It breaks down basics without overwhelm, making it ideal to begin your boxing journey.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Boxing?
No, all books are suited for beginners. For example, "Why You Suck at Boxing" specifically addresses common beginner mistakes to help you improve from day one.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with practical guides like "Boxing from Chump to Champ," then explore mental and strategic aspects in "The Art of the Sweet Science" and historical context in "The Arc of Boxing."
Should I start with the newest book or a classic?
Both offer value. Andrew Hudson’s recent books provide up-to-date beginner training, while classics like Jack Dempsey’s "Championship Fighting" teach timeless techniques from a legendary champion.
Do I really need any background knowledge before starting?
No background is needed. These books are designed to build your skills from scratch, with clear instructions and approachable explanations perfect for newcomers.
Can I get a book tailored to my specific boxing goals and experience?
Yes! While expert books provide solid foundations, personalized Boxing books can match your learning pace and focus. You can create your own tailored Boxing book to suit your unique needs and goals.
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