There it is, right next to a little notecard identifying it as “one of the largest fists in boxing history,” belonging to Primo Carnera, world heavyweight champion from 1933 to 1934.

In Madison Square Garden, full to the rafters, Primo Camera, Italian monster (6 ft. 6 in.), strode toward the ring, grinning. He wore a bright green cap and a sleeveless sweater from which ...