Best Boxing Books of 2026

Desktop Boxing: Knock Out Your Stress! (RP Minis) is a mini boxing set that serves as the perfect desk accessory for those seeking fun and effective stress relief. The set includes a mini punching bag with a suction cup base, two tiny boxing gloves for the pointer fingers, and a mini book with basic finger boxing moves and boxing trivia. It's a great way to release stress and take your mind off work for a few moments. The book is unique in its approach to relieving stress, making it a great addition to any desk. Overall, Desktop Boxing is a fun and effective way to relieve stress and improve your focus throughout the day.

Killing the Legends by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard is the latest addition to the Killing series, exploring the lives and tragic deaths of three of the most famous people of the 20th century: Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and Muhammad Ali. The authors delve into the immense success, failures, and isolation of these legends, shedding light on their vulnerabilities and the people who betrayed them. With dramatic storytelling and insightful analysis, Killing the Legends is a must-read for fans of the series and anyone interested in the darker side of celebrity culture.

Championship Fighting: Explosive Punching and Aggressive Defense by Jack Dempsey is the perfect guide for anyone interested in learning the art of boxing or martial arts. With detailed illustrations, the book covers everything from theory and training to application of powerful punching, aggressive defense, proper stance, feinting, and footwork. Dempsey's techniques, tips, and strategies will prove useful to both amateurs and professionals. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn self-defense or improve their boxing skills. Overall, Championship Fighting is an informative and well-written guide that provides valuable insights into the world of boxing.

Bruce Lee Striking Thoughts: Bruce Lee's Wisdom for Daily Living (Bruce Lee Library) is a collection of Bruce Lee's thoughts and ideas on various topics, including spirituality, personal liberation, family life, filmmaking, and more. The book covers 72 topics and 825 aphorisms, all of which Bruce lived by, and inspired his family, friends, students, and colleagues to achieve success in their own lives. The book is part of the Bruce Lee Library, which features other books on Bruce Lee's life and philosophy. Overall, this book is a great read for anyone looking to gain insights into Bruce Lee's mind and learn from his wisdom.

Undisputed Truth by Mike Tyson is a raw and powerful memoir that takes readers on a head-spinning journey through the former heavyweight champion's tumultuous life. From his tough upbringing in Brooklyn to becoming the youngest heavyweight champion ever, Tyson's brilliance in the ring was often overshadowed by his reckless behavior. However, even after hitting rock bottom, Tyson fought his way back to achieve success as an actor and newfound happiness as a father and husband. This book is a masterpiece that is both grimly tragic and laugh-out-loud funny, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the life of this inspiring American original.

Last On His Feet: Jack Johnson and the Battle of the Century is a powerful graphic novel that tells the story of Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight champion in the world of boxing. Written by Adrian Matejka and illustrated by Youssef Daoudi, the book takes readers on a journey through Johnson's life, from his humble beginnings to his rise to fame in the face of a racist justice system. The book combines breathtaking illustrations and striking verse to tell the story of a civil rights figure who has been denied his proper due for more than a century. Last On His Feet is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of sports, civil rights, and American culture.

Muay Thai Mastery is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to the techniques of Muay Thai written by Jerry Laurita, a Kru in Muay Thai and a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Korean Sword. The book covers everything from Muay Thai stances and footwork to punches, elbows, knees, and kicks, as well as punch and kick defense, clinching, sparring, and daily training regimens. With over 600 photos, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the beautiful and deadly fighting art of Muay Thai. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning or improving their skills in Muay Thai.

Footwork Wins Fights is a comprehensive guide for martial arts enthusiasts who want to take their training to the next level. The book covers all the essential aspects of footwork, including body mechanics, footwork patterns, superior positions, and techniques/strategies used by some of the greatest fighters in history. With over 23,000 words and 300 pictures, each technique is explained in a clear and concise manner for easy understanding. This independently published book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their fighting skills.

The U.S. Army Hand-to-Hand Combat is an illustrated guide that teaches the basics of hand-to-hand fighting techniques. It covers various topics such as vulnerable points, holds, escapes, and using objects as weapons. The book emphasizes aggressive tactics, stressing that the only way to subdue an opponent is through offensive measures. This manual is a must-read for anyone interested in learning self-defense or training in martial arts. It is authored by the U.S. Department of the Army, known for publishing several survival and warfare manuals. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for those looking to develop their fighting skills.