George Thomas Clark

Death in the Ring George Thomas Clark

George Thomas Clark fuses fact and fiction to offer champions and contenders a chance to tell their own stories.

Let's watch as the heavyweight champion of Australia, Peter Jackson, a black man, barges into John L. Sullivan's hotel room to demand a title fight. Listen as big Jim Jeffries regales patrons about his barroom confrontation with rival Jack Johnson.

Cringe as a bar owner discusses the violent alcoholism of doomed former light heavyweight champion Battling Siki. Get ready for mayhem when a criminal and his girlfriend plan to rob legendary middleweight champ Stanley Ketchel, who is recovering from wars inside and outside the ring.

Determine who's right when Jack Dempsey and his detractors hold forth.

Enjoy a softer Sonny Liston in three stories. Imagine who would've won a boxing match between Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama. Read who the author considers the top 13 heavyweights in history.


Behold Archie Moore, the most prolific knockout puncher on record, as he charms a young correspondent. Think about heavyweight contender Jerry Quarry as he sends his thoughts from heaven. Mourn the gifted but chronically depressed Alexis Arguello as he wins championships but loses his grip on life.


Appreciate the emotional stability, as well as the fistic skill, of massive Lennox Lewis. Be awed by the thunderous power of big George Foreman. Take note as the professor of pugilism, Emanuel Steward, reclines in a bed after a long flight and explains to three men how he has become the most celebrated boxing trainer in the world.


Say hello and farewell to Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Kick back and enjoy the triumphs and tragedies that invigorate Death in the Ring.