The Mind-Riders

Ryan Hart, banished from the sport in its early days because of his
lack of marketable emotion, is brought back by an obsessed media
executive who wants to see the reigning champion beaten at any cost.
Hart is not certain that he can win, after such a lapse of time, nor is
he certain he can resist pressure to give the vast virtual crowds the
dose of sadistic exultation they crave. But that doesn't stop him from
heading into the virtual "ring" and fighting the bout of his life!
Rousing science fiction adventure by a master of the genre.