Philedelphia Jack O'Brien's Boxing

[Chris Nagel]

"Philedelphia" Jack O'Brien's Boxing

I normally post new books in the subsection, but I decided to make an exception for to bring into light this classic work.

Kirk Lawson wrote:

"Philadelphia" Jack O'Brien, holder of the Light Heavyweight title, claiming the "American Middleweight" title, and boxing successfully in the Lightweight, Middleweight, and Heavyweight divisions, including a Championship match for the Heavyweight Championship of the World, fought to a No Decision against Jack Johnson, wrote his manual in 1928.

In his career he fought such notables as Jack Johnson, Jack Dempsey, Bob Fitzsimmons, and even Anthony J. Drexel Biddle.

O'Brien's comprehensive manual includes not only the standard instruction on how to punch, defend, and footwork but also covers fine aspects of ring generalship such as reading an opponent's intention, likely fighting styles, how to escape being cornered. O'Brien also provides in depth instruction of training up, diet, even sleeping advice. He includes instruction on how to minister to common injuries, advice on body toughening methods, and teaches the aspiring Referee.

Though O'Brien includes what we would today consider "politically incorrect" opinions, clearly driven by common beliefs of the time, he also includes some, for the times, startlingly forward looking opinions on racial integration.

This manual is a classic piece of history and an indispensable addition to the library of any boxing historian, boxer, and aspiring martial artist.

This book is often technical and based according O'Brien's own style and school of thought, but at the same time it's very informative for the reader. It contains useful information that you won't find anywhere else! In my opinion it belongs on the shelf of any dedicated aficionado or practitioner, right next to the books of Edwin Haislet, Jack Dempsey and other illuminative works.

There has been other boxing manuals through out the years, but none of its authors could be any more qualified than Jack O'Brien.


*A young Philadelphia Jack O'Brien taken from James J. Corbett's Scientific Boxing

I'm very much indebted to Mr. Lawson for the countless hours that he must have toiled in transcribing the book and getting it republished so that it may return to it's rightful place in the public's eye.

I'm eager to get myself the tree-ware version so that I may compliment it with my thoughts, pen in hand.