Ring of Hate: The Brown Bomber and Hitler's Hero

Nov 15, 2024 12:51 PM

Author:Patrick Myler

More than the world heavyweight championship was at stake when Joe Louis fought Max Schmeling on 22 June 1938. In a world on the brink of war, the contest was projected as a test of nationalistic, racial and political ideals. It was black man against white man, a showdown between democracy and totalitarianism.

No single event in the history of boxing generated as much excitement or such extremes of emotions. It was the night Louis hit a peak of fistic perfection, hardly missing a punch as he destroyed the challenger inside three brutal minutes.

Following the Second World War, the two boxers' lives took contrasting turns. Louis was hounded over unpaid taxes and drifted into a hazy world of drugs, paranoia and ill health, eventually dying in 1981. Schmeling, meanwhile, became a successful businessman and remained active until his death in 2005.

Ring of Hate is a gripping story of two men drawn together by their chosen profession and divided by the cruel demands of warring nations.

Reviews

As solid and as accurate as Louis's left jab (Book of the Week)

—— Sunday Times

A compelling account . . . highly recommended

—— Boxing Monthly

The contrasting lives, bitter rivalry and latter-day friendship of Schmeling and Louis have been absorbingly chronicled in Ring of Hate, sensitively written by Patrick Myler

—— Independent on Sunday

An entertaining read on a strange and dangerous time, when they each ruled the hearts of millions

—— Sunday Tribune

In the excellent Ring of Hate, Myler provides a fascinating build-up to the fight

—— Belfast Telegraph

An astonishing story expertly told

—— Weekend Herald

Some sporting events go beyond hyperbole. For that reason it's useful to have a grounded and sober account of what took place, which Patrick Myler provides in Ring of Hate

—— Daily Telegraph

The fight action is outstanding, but Myler continues the story after 1938 when both men became close friends and their stars flew in opposite directions

—— Yorkshire Post

[H]is adrenalin-charged enthusiasm... delivers a good ride... The social history is snappy and his almost religious quest for ultimate craftsmanship full of wit.

—— James Urquhart , Financial Times

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