Boxing has always had its share of violence, disreputable characters and shattered dreams, but as an inspiration for great writing it is unsurpassed. Spanning the whole of the twentieth century, this collection of 22 intriguing and powerful stories includes some of the world's greatest fiction writers including amongst others: Paul Gallico, Damon Runyan, Arthur Conan Doyle, O Henry, P.G. Wodehouse and Ellery Queen. May of the stories are up-beat - of fighters overcoming obstacles in and out of the ring - others reveal the rough underbelly of the sport. Yet more are about life, love and character than about fighting. Written by literary greats and animated by miscellaneous champions and bums, they all pack the punches to bring the action of the ring to life.