Oppenheim sifts through the grit, the black eyes, and the corruption to present a candid, loving look at a sport that has been so historically important in this town that there is a breed known as ‘The Philly Fighter.’
The Philadelphia Inquirer
After the quality of prose and the depth of admiration the author feels for his subjects, ... Read morecommitment is what resonates most about this book. To write a book like this about lesser-known figures in a lesser city requires much, much more than would a book about Joe Frazier and Bernard Hopkin's favorite Philly cheesesteak spot of Oscar De La Hova's escape from East Los Angeles. . . .Oppenheim's book will be deservedly considered one of the last good books written about [boxing].
15 Rounds
Boxing in Philadelphia makes for a good read because it is a voyage of discovery. Many of the boxers scrutinized are relatively unknown fighters who had to scrap and bully and live out a precarious existence in which life was all about struggle and survival (the book’s subtittle). . . .Oppenheim’s book has an earthy, genuine, leather, sweat-and-swat feel to it. This man is passionate about boxing and has the rare gift of seeing himself, and his vision, as it really is. . . .As a fan of boxing, this writer enjoyed studying Oppenheim’s methodology.
Journal of Sport History
Anyone familiar with or interested in the Philly fight game will enjoy a fast-paced read that can be picked up and put down at will. Researchers exploring the history of sport in Philadelphia or comparable urban centers may find some valuable sources or stories on any given page of Boxing in Philadelphia. . . .Oppenheimer’s book might resonate with college-level teachers because it is, ultimately, his own narrative—and it looks a lot like the kind we see on campus every year. His story is about a bright-eyed student away from home who takes some risks, finds new interests, and applies it to the pursuit of his desired career with an admirable passion. Many of us enjoy watching our students grow and mature from their first semester through their walk across the stage at Commencement, and many teachers probably share my particular affinity not just for the smartest or most successful ones but for those that found a real passion—and it does not matter for what—during their short time with us. Boxing in Philadelphia features Oppenheimer prominently and in fact charts his own journey as a researcher and writer, blending his Muckraker impulse with a New Journalism approach while appropriating the stylistic devices from Beats and Gonzo writers. . . .[Throughout the book] there is evidence of growth, learning, and unquestionable passion.
Sport in American History
Boxing in Philadelphia:Tales of Struggle and Survival provides an amusing and thought-provoking look into the history of the inherent masculine and rough boxing culture of Philadelphia. Simultaneously Oppenheim’s book can be read as real life stories of social class and social exclusion in sport. If either of these two prospects entice you, you should absolutely pick up Oppenheim’s boxing book. In doing so, expect an easy and enjoyable read.
Sport in History
I found it enlightening and personal and valuable and smart and fresh.
Larry Merchant, former HBO Boxing commentator, New York Post columnist, and Philadelphia Daily News editor The book captured the unique feel of the Philadelphia boxing experience… the mystique that is Philadelphia boxing. It is too good not to be read by boxing enthusiasts.
Chuck Hasson, boxing historian, author of Philadelphia’s Boxing Heritage: 1876-1976 I read this with the gathering sense of nodding my head, and say everywhere to myself in the figurative margins: yes.
Paul Hendrickson, best-selling author of Hemingway’s Boat, National Book Critics Circle Award Winner Show Less