Zora Folley: The Distinguished Life and Mysterious Death of a Gentleman Boxer

In July 1972, former heavyweight boxing contender Zora Folley died mysteriously at a Tucson hotel. Some say it was murder, some say it was a mob hit, others claim it was a freak accident. For more than four decades his death has remained unsolved. Author Marshall Terrill took more than a decade to uncover the truth about Folley's death, which is now revealed in "Zora The Distinguished Life and Mysterious Death of a Gentleman Boxer." Folley was a top heavyweight contender in the late 1950s and 1960s. Folley’s career culminated with the loss of a heavyweight title match against Muhammad Ali in March 1967 in New York’s Madison Square Garden. His life was a testament to his impeccable character and Chandler has named a city street, park and community pool after him. Folley was a decorated Korean War veteran; a consummate fighter in the ring; a role model for youth; a seemingly happily married father of nine children; a successful businessman and civic leader. His death at age 41 has remained shrouded in mystery for more than four decades, and the few available details concerning what happened hardly square with his distinguished and genteel life according to Terrill.