During the first half of the twentieth century, boxing was an integral part of American popular culture and a major spectator sport rivaling baseball in popularity. From the 1890s to the 1930s, thousands of young Jewish men sought fame and fortune in the prize ring.
By the late 1920s Jewish boxers had become the most dominant ethnic group within the sport, with 29 world champions and many outstanding contenders elevated to hero status. They were a source of inspiration, pride, and hope to a population struggling to break free of poverty. Yet, except for a few names, they are all but forgotten today. Who were they? What did they accomplish? What became of them after they hung up their gloves? Boxing historian Mike Silver presents a vibrant social history in the first illustrated compendium of its kind: with 166 biographical entries, over 200 historic photos, numerous sidebars with fascinating facts and stories, and appendices, statistics, and lists, Stars in the Ring is the definitive work on the history of Jews and boxing.