Fists of fury and a life cut short

Stanley Ketchel, the Michigan Assassin, was one of the most ferocious fighters of his generation. His fearless, all-action style saw him rip through the middleweight ranks and earn fame across America. But his life outside the ring was as wild as the punches he threw and at just 24-years-old he was murdered, shot in the back like the Wild West outlaws he admired. In this podcast we trace Ketchel's rise from hobo brawler to heavyweight contender, before investigating his murder on a ranch in Missouri. Pop in your mouthguard and fasten your groin guard, because it's a hard-hitting story from the opening bell to the final count.

The Short and Violent Life of Stanley Ketchel

A look at the life and times of 19th century Australian boxer, Frank Paddy Slavin

Today, we're going back to the dawn of modern boxing, when brutish bare-knuckle contests gave way to only slightly less brutal glove fights. And we're telling the story of Frank Paddy Slavin, bare-knuckle champion, adventurer, and war veteran.&nbsp;A lot of listeners will never have heard of Frank Slavin, but in his time, the Australian heavyweight could stake a claim to being the toughest man on the planet.&nbsp;

Frank Slavin: Adventurer, Soldier and Bare-Knuckle Boxing Champ

The heavy-drinking, hard-hitting street fighter who rocked the heavyweight champ of the world

Throughout this podcast, we've told stories of boxing greats – fighters who rose to fame on the back of boundless talent and unrelenting hard work.&nbsp;Today's subject isn't one of those fighters. He was lazy, overweight, reckless, and downright dirty.&nbsp;But one night at Yankee Stadium in 1939,&nbsp;he almost pulled off the greatest upset in boxing history against the heavyweight champion of the world.

The Tale of "Two Ton" Tony Galento

The life and death of boxing's most intimidating heavyweight

Feared inside the ring and out, Sonny Liston was the most intimidating heavyweight boxer to ever climb between the ropes.&nbsp; At his best, he crushed the greatest fighters in his division as he forged a path to the heavyweight title.&nbsp;But his was a life of crime, violence and mayhem. Even Mike Tyson once said, Sonny Liston made him look like a boy scout.&nbsp; Often reduced to a brute by the media or presented as a misunderstood object of pity, Liston was one of the most enigmatic of champions. Today we shed some light on this tragic figure.

Sonny Liston: The Original “Baddest Man on the Planet”

The wild life and times of Kid McCoy

A hobo, a heavyweight boxer, and a Hollywood star. A suspected jewellery thief, and a convicted killer. It sounds like a collection of characters from a Tarantino film, but it's all one man.&nbsp;Kid McCoy packed more into his life than seems possible. As a boxer, he was known for his dirty tricks as much as his superior skills, while outside the ring, his escapades often made front page news. Born with the mundane name of Norman Selby, the Indiana native carved out a persona and career that was anything but dull.

Kid McCoy: Boxing Champ, Con Man, Killer, Hero

One of the most colourful and courageous boxers of all time.  

In 1910, Halley's Comet swung by Earth, lighting up the night sky, inspiring both awe and dread amongst the American public. In the same year, Jack Johnson was at the height of his reign as world heavyweight champion.&nbsp;The first black heavyweight champion, Johnson blazed his own trail through the American psyche. Brasher than Ali, more brilliant than Floyd Mayweather, and badder than Mike Tyson, Jack Johnson lived life on his own terms. While he dominated the best boxers in his era, he upset the establishment with his love of fast cars and fast women. He really is on the most colourful characters in the history of the sport. We hope you enjoy listening to this episode of The Fighting Life as much as we enjoyed making it.

Jack Johnson: Boxing's First Black Heavyweight Champ

The 5'7" Canadian who conquered the boxing world

Tommy Burns only stood at 5'7" but that didn't stop him from rising to become heavyweight champion of the world. The pint-sized Canadian beat the top big men of four countries, and his world conquering exploits saw him earn his nickname, "Napoleon of the Ring". But in 1908, Burns met his Waterloo fighting Jack Johnson, who became the first black heavyweight champion of the world. And after that loss, his achievements were dismissed and his name forgotten. Listen to this podcast, and learn why he's a man who deserves to be celebrated.

Tommy Burns: Boxing's Smallest Heavyweight Champ

From Boxing's Heavyweight Champ to a Humiliated Has-Been 

In this episode of The Fighting Life we're telling the story of a heavyweight boxer who reigned as champion from 1899 to 1905.&nbsp;He was big, strong and quick, with incredible endurance. Hailed as a Hercules of the ring in his era, today he's a footnote to history, best known for his loss to Jack Johnson, in what was one of the ugliest scenes in boxing history. Find out where it all went wrong for James J Jeffries.

Jim Jeffries: Boxing's Fallen Hero

The greatest boxer of his era, Peter Jackson was denied the heavyweight title because of the colour of his skin.

Born in the West Indies, Peter Jackson landed in Sydney, Australia, around 1880, and boxed under the tuition of Larry Foley. He went on to become the greatest heavyweight of his era, fighting 28 of the best men of England and America between 1888 and 1892, and losing to none. Memorable fights included his 61-round draw with James J. Corbett and his victory over Frank Slavin "Paddy" Slavin. Known as Peter the Great or The Black Prince to his fans, Jackson was widely considered the greatest boxer of his era. But he was denied a title shot against John L Sullivan, who refused to risk his belt against a black man. Corbett also avoided Jackson once he became heavyweight champ. This is his story.

Peter Jackson, Boxing's Uncrowned King

Stories from the squared circle

Welcome to "The Fighting Life", where we explore the lives and times of the boxers who've risked it all in ring. "The Fighting Life" takes you on a captivating journey through the decades, exploring the evolution of boxing, from its bare-knuckle origins to the glitzy, high-stakes showdowns of today. From the tales of iconic champs to stories unsung heroes, we're your ringside seat to it all.

The Fighting Life - Tales from the World of Boxing

Follow