By Jim Amato / Senior Boxing Writer
I just read a book about a man who may be the best boxer to come out of my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. As an accomplished amateur he knocked out future world light heavyweight champion Joey Maxim. As a professional fighter he defeated some of the best heavyweights and light heavyweights of that era. Men like Ezzard Charles, Archie Moore, Charley Burley, Gus Lesnevich,Maxim, Billy Soose and many others tasted defeat at the hands of Bivins. Jimmy even took on Joe Louis and Jersey Joe Walcott.For his great accomplishments Bivins was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999.
The author of this book is fellow Clevelander Jerry Fitch. Jerry is a well respected boxing historian who has developed a long friendship with Jimmy and his family. This connection enabled Jerry to tell the story of Bivins and his roller coaster life and career.Along with the great text Fitch published some vintage photos that are priceless.
I’ll say say this is a “must read” for boxing fans. I feel you will enjoy it as much as I did.
BOOK NAME ~ James Louis Bivins; The man who would be CHAMPION; Author Jerry Fitch
The book is available at www.amazon.com
Barnes and Nobles and various sites in the UK.
It is also available by contacting jerryfitch@aol.com