Google didn't have much to fear and saw Android climb to 52.6 percent, even if its ascent wasn't as rapid as that of its Bay Area neighbor.

ENGADGET: ComScore: iPhone grew to 34 percent US share in a pre-iPhone 5 world, Android still on top at 52 percent

As if Jennings's ascent isn't strange enough, here's where it gets downright bizarre: The people in his corner insist that his day job actually helps Jennings as a boxer.

WSJ: This Top Heavyweight Has a Day Job

Strikingly, at least by House and Price's account, employees' pursuit of wealth wasn't a big factor in HP's ascent.

FORBES: Book Review