Book Review: The Uncrowned Champion: Boxing and the Mafia in the Golden Era

boxingThe true story of the life of a World Boxing Hall of Famer who didn’t play by ‘the rules’

If there ever was a life story that begged to be made into a major Hollywood movie, this is it.

What makes this story so unique? Joey Giambra.

Giambra is the only fighter in history to be inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame who did not win a title. Although he was ranked number one in the world of middleweight fighters, Giambra was denied the opportunity for a title fight due to the mafia’s control of boxers during the golden era of boxing in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.

This is just one of many extraordinary and true stories about the life—and near deaths– of the former boxer and Hollywood actor, from his autobiography, The Uncrowned Champion: Boxing and the Mafia in the Golden Era, by Joey Giambra, Gina Giambra, and Joey Giambra, Jr..

“ My story is unlike others that have been told before because it is the God’s honest, ghetto style, raw, Italian-American truth,” says Giambra.

Giambra originally self published a book about his life in the 1980’s that sold over 100,000 copies, without any marketing. Giambra purposely held back sensitive information in his original book, information about the mafia and other subject matter and names that were just not appropriate — or safe — for the times.

“I guess I felt vulnerable to retribution at the time, and was reluctant in naming names, and talking about the more sensitive and controversial stories of my life,” Giambra said. “But in this book, I hold back nothing,” adds Giambra.

The Uncrowned Champion is the dramatic and intimate story that details Joey Giambra’s rise from poverty during the Great Depression, to the world of boxing controlled by the mafia, to dining with royalty and celebrities.

“The book reflects my strong sense of honor, and loyalty to my family and friends, which at certain moments in my life, was a bit naïve.”

Some of the topics Giambra addresses in his book include:
– The consequences of his refusal to play by the mafia rules of boxing

– His life as a Hollywood actor
– His friendships with Marylyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Rocky Marciano, Muhammad Ali, and Sugar Ray Robinson

– His life and near-death experiences
– Rising from poverty during the Great Depression to dining with royalty and celebrities

Joey Giambra was ranked number one in the world during the golden era of boxing. In addition to his induction into the World Boxing Hall of Fame, he has also been inducted in the Boxing Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, Buffalo, Boston, and Rochester.

Giambra’s great boxing skills and movie star good looks made him a leading figure in the boxing world for over a decade. His friendships included heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano, Muhammad Ali–who Giambra taught the “Rope-A-Dope”–Clark Gable, Ann Margaret, Marilyn Monroe, and others.

Giambra’s acting career included roles in the movie The Misfits, the television series Mission Impossible, and the Joey Bishop Show.

Giambra is retired and lives in Las Vegas.

The Uncrowned Champion is available at authorhouse.com, www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, and other book retailers.