Mark  Allen  Baker

 

Holding the world featherweight boxing championship for more than 11 years, Johnny Kilbane's name became synonymous with the title. His accepted record of 51-4-7, with 78 no decisions and two no contests (25 victories by way of knockout), put him in elite company with other members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

 

In October 1917--while still World Featherweight Champion--Johnny Kilbane became a lieutenant in the U.S. Army to serve in World War I. Following his career as fighter, he turned to adjudication and transformed himself into a talented and prolific boxing referee. He did so while juggling other responsibilities such as operating a gym, serving in the Ohio Senate, or acting as Clerk of the Cleveland Municipal Court. As dedicated to public service as he was to pugilism, he gained the respect of his peers and his constituents and was admired for his commitment to family. This is his biography.

 

Book Reviews

 

"There does not appear to be a sportswriter in the field today who thoroughly researches a subject better than Mark Allen Baker. The author treats his subject as sunken treasure from a long-disappeared pirate ship. Mr. Baker is the diver who repeatedly goes deep into dark waters to excavate whatever nuggets and boxing lore that are available. Once again, with the story of Johnny Kilbane, the readers are presented with a chest full of boxing riches."

 

– The USA Boxing News Book Review – December 2024

 

"Through all the new changes the sport was going through, Mr. Baker writes in a heartfelt way describing how Kilbane persevered in his career, even after experiencing the early death of a beloved young daughter. Johnny was a family man and thought often of his wife and children and, in turn, made his decisions on how best his family can benefit financially from his title reign."

 

– The USA Boxing News Book Review – December 2024

 

"Mark Allen Baker writes wonderfully about a man who was a champion in and out of the ring."

 

– The USA Boxing News Book Review – December 2024

"Just like other books written by Mr. Baker, once again, a reader will come off an expert of a long-since forgotten battler and time as boxing ghosts from yesteryear jump off the pages to resurrect the exploits of one of the greatest and wily featherweights who ever laced on a pair of gloves. This enjoyable book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"

 

– The USA Boxing News Book Review – December 2024

 
In the weight sensitive sport of boxing, Jack Dillon, "The Giant Killer," was considered an anomaly. Size was irrelevant; besides, it was only a factor if he accepted as such. He refused. Sturdy, compact and indestructible, yet capable of turning on a dime, Dillon not only defeated his opponents, but he also humiliated them. This dynamic defined his prolific and unparalleled career (1908–1925). His accepted record of 94-7-14, with 129 no decisions and one no contest (64 victories by way of knockout), put him in elite company with other members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. While he claimed the middleweight championship for over two years, the unrivaled Hoosier pugilist was often recognized as the world light heavyweight champion. Moving up a division, he disposed of heavyweight contenders like tissues during flu season. On June 29, 1916, Dillon defeated Frank Moran and was clearly the top contender for giant Jess Willard's heavyweight crown. Yet, Willard, who outweighed Dillon by 60 pounds, and was about a foot taller, refused.

 

This first biography of the celebrated pugilist is based on contemporaneous newspaper accounts of the time and includes several appendices with career statistics and a selected boxing record.
Provides: meticulous attention to detail; every bout of Dillon's elite career confirmed through multiple sources; breaks new ground regarding many aspects of his life.

 

Book Reviews

"As he's done with many other great fighters, Mark Allen Baker stepped in a filled that void with yet another well-researched and well-written biography, this time about Dillon, who claimed the middleweight title championship for over two years and was often recognized as the world light heavyweight champion in his prime." –– Clay Moyle, noted author and biographer

" I enjoyed the read and highly recommend it to anyone who'd like to learn more about an early 20th century champion."–– Clay Moyle, noted author and biographer

"The book contains magnificent images enhancing Dillon's story … Kudos to Baker because, once again, he doesn't play it safe, the reason being most of his boxing books involve fighters about whom not much has been written … As usual, his writing is very readable and informative, his research impeccable, lively, and wise … The book is pitch and punch perfect." –– International Boxing Research Organization ( IBRO) Issue 166, June 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

Willie Pep: A Biography of the 20th Century's Greatest Featherweight

 

Among the best pound-for-pound fighters of all time, Willie Pep (1922-2006) was a virtuoso of the squared circle. As great as boxing fans know Willie Pep was, I believe he was even better! Overlooked is his incredible contribution to the sport of boxing as a referee, manager, and promoter. Disregarded was his tireless advocacy of the sport from multiple perspectives. From endless charitable causes to assisting in the return of boxing in the state of Connecticut, this elite fighter always answered the call.

 

Book Reviews

 

"We cannot think of one author out there who researches a subject as diligently as the author does. Not only is his narrative absorbing, but his footnotes alone make for additional compelling reading." –– The USA Boxing News, December 2022

 

"Willie Pep has been the subject of many books over the past 70-plus years, but never has his ring accomplishments been burned into the pages better than Mr. Baker's work." –– The USA Boxing News, December 2022

 

Tony Canzoneri: The Boxing Life of a Five-Time World Champion

 

At age 23, Tony Canzoneri already had three division titles under his belt and was widely considered one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world. Holding victories over Johnny Dundee, Charles "Bud" Taylor, Benny Bass, Jack "Kid" Berg, Kid Chocolate, Billy Petrolle, Lou Ambers, and Jimmy McLarnin, Tony earned induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, and later pursued a successful career in entertainment. This work chronicles Canzoneri's life, starting from his birth and early rounds in the ring, with chapters detailing his wins, losses, championships and life as an entertainer.

 

Book Reviews

"Mr. Baker's style is that of a literary archeologist as he tirelessly unearths thrilling details that few authors do. Tony Canzoneri has become the latest boxing archeology discovery, like the findings of King Tutankhamun!" – The USA Boxing News, December 2023