Counterpunch

"Frisbee has written a lively and engaging book about boxing in the American West, with a particular focus on the turn-of-the-century Progressive Era. . . . Counterpunch is a finely researched, nuanced, and well-written study that deserves a wide readership among historians of sports, the West, and Progressive Era America."

"A compelling read beyond the narratives of early American heavyweight prizefighters. . . . Entertaining and engaging. . . . Boxing fans will undoubtedly enjoy this piece of sport history, but sociologists and sport historians in general might also find the author’s descriptions of the social, symbolic and political conflicts over heavyweight prizefighting in American compelling."

"A compelling book that uses prizefighting as a lens to examine political battles between white men, their concerns about manhood, and the need for progressive reform in the West. . . . Frisbee’s ability to describe the events will entertain boxing enthusiasts."

"In this sprightly, well-researched book, Frisbee examines the political battles over prizefighting in the West. . . Frisbee demonstrates that the most important matches of the time took place outside the ring in courtrooms and legislative chambers, where Westerners battled for the region's future. At stake were differing versions of morality, economic freedom, and social liberty. Highly recommended. All readers."

"An interesting interdisciplinary study that weaves sport, politics, and regional geography together."

"A nuanced treatment of the ebb and flow of the fortunes of prizefighting as a sport and as a growing enterprise juxtaposed with the changing moral values of American society."