Three-Time World Champ
The Death-Defying True Story of a Kickboxer Turned Drug Smuggler . . . Turned Bu siness Icon
by Ted Pryor
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Pub Date Dec 03 2024 | Archive Date Dec 03 2024
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Description
The thrilling true story of the rise and fall of a kickboxing legend in the notorious 1980s Miami crime scene . . . and the shocking end that that led him to a new life.
From 1982 to 1987, Thaddeus J. “Ted” Pryor was the middleweight kickboxing champion of the world. But behind the scenes, he was a key player in the biggest marijuana trafficking operation in American history.
As a renowned athlete, TV model, and bodyguard to stars like Elvis Presley, he drew the attention of the head of the Miami mafia. When the kingpin wanted protection—and some flash—he made Ted his personal intimidator, keeping the peace in the celebrity-drenched nightclub scene and beyond.
But when the gangster blocked him from getting in on the big money of the smuggling business, Ted started his own.
Three-Time World Champ tells the electric story of how Ted became the master of the run-and-gun smuggling business around the Caribbean islands, hustling in hundreds of millions of dollars in weed under the noses of cops and coast guard patrols—until a dubious traffic stop began the unraveling of everything. What began as easy money became a ringside seat to kidnapping, murder, police double-crosses, and a harrowing turn in prison.
Three-Time World Champ brings readers directly into the action of neon-soaked, 1980s Miami, chronicling the rise and fall—and rise again—of an amazing man: a world champ of kickboxing and a world champ of smuggling who, in a wholly unexpected turn, becomes world champ of a business completely removed from everything that came before. It’s harrowing, it’s thrilling, and it happened just like this: the wild life of a Three-Time World Champ.
About the Author
Former middleweight kickboxing champion of the world, Ted Pryor is the founder and retired CEO of one of the largest child education providers in the United States. He is also an entrepreneur, film producer, adventurer, and convicted marijuana smuggler. He lives in California, Hawaii, and Italy.
Advance Praise
“Thad’s story is an American epic from the other side of the page, the innocent to the damned (and back). Sex, drugs, and rock ’n roll.” —Joe Pytka, director and cinematographer
“As the PKA Kickboxing analyst on ESPN—ringside calling Ted Pryor’s bouts as he dispatched a long series of opponents—I was naturally very impressed with his kickboxing skills. Add to that my surprise at how interesting and compelling his written words are in his new book Three-Time World Champ. It is always intriguing to see the different dimensions of our PKA fighters emerge, but the true-life experiences of Ted Pryor are engaging at a whole different level. Whether you like powerful fighters, hard-charging businessmen, and/or people who have come from the ‘hard streets’ to corporate or financial prominence, you will thoroughly enjoy this unique journey of Ted Pryor—captivating to the very end!”—Joe Corley, CEO of PKA Worldwide
“This book could be a hit TV series or a blockbuster Hollywood movie! Ted never did anything halfway. It was all or nothing. It’s not how many times you get knocked down but how many times you get up! Ted’s martial arts background taught him to never give up and when the going got tough the tough got going. His life was definitely a roller coaster of highs and lows and highs again. Congratulations on picking yourself up and never giving up until you reach your goals. There are so many life lessons in this book, good and bad. It is truly a story of inspiration and perspiration. So glad it had a happy ending.”—Jeff Smith, tenth-degree black belt and first PKA World Kickboxing Champion
“To excel in anything takes dedication and hard work—to become a champion takes even more dedication and hard work. To do it three times is the stuff of legends. That accomplishment alone would make Ted’s book a great read. Now, add his complex and fascinating life experience to that and it makes it a must-read! I met Ted Pryor when he produced a film that myself and Eric Roberts starred in called The Butcher. We became fast friends and spent an engaging fun time together. What I didn’t know is what folks will find in his powerful story of crime, business, and danger. Honest and redemptive! Congrats, old friend—a great read! It must be made into a film!”—Robert Davi, actor, singer, and filmmaker
“The adage ‘everyone has a story’ certainly applies to Ted Pryor. His book Three-Time World Champ is a compelling story about someone who lived life with its ups and downs. Pryor’s ups are sky-high, and his lows are dungeons. This is a story of resilience, grit, and, ultimately, the power of family and the human spirit.”—Maddy Howard, Canadian fitness model and actress
“Prior is the REAL DEAL . . . you might get lucky with one world title, but he’s PROVEN—Three-Time World Champ!!!! This book’s definitely a fun read.”—Bill Gottlieb, producer for Gorilla Pictures
“Ted Pryor is a true three-time world champion.”—Steve Shepherd, five-time world kickboxing champion
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9781637745885 |
| PRICE | $27.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 216 |
