#9: ‘On Boxing’ by Joyce Carol Oates

‘On Boxing’ is a collection of essays written by Joyce Carol Oates, which has proved pretty influential over how other writers approach boxing as a subject. It’s also the main influence for the choice of name for this blog.

This book holds a rare place in the canon due to it being written by a woman, and reading JCO’s thoughts on the exaggerated masculinity and aggression surrounding professional boxing is absorbing. However, the book now seems a little dated due to its low opinion of women boxing, in light of the surging popularity and skill improvements within the women’s code. Of course, this is far from the only book about boxing that now seems outmoded due to its point of view and use of language.

As someone that started watching boxing with his dad, I particularly enjoyed reading about JCO’s relationship with her father, who regularly took her to Madison Square Garden to watch professional boxing.