Which Sugar Ray Robinson book should I read first?

jwizard · Post by **jwizard** » 15 Aug 2005, 03:02

Between his autobiography, "Sugar Ray," with noted sportswriter Dave Anderson and the new book "Pound for Pound" by Herb Boyd, which Robinson book should be my first read? (College is starting up soon so I won't have time to read them both in succession and there will likely be a large gap between reading them, so I'm just looking to read one right now).

If anyone has read them both, I'd appreciate your input.

Thanks.

-KOKid- · Post by **-KOKid-** » 15 Aug 2005, 04:06

I've only read "Sugar Ray" and though that was a very good book. Being that it's an autobiography, I would think that it is a good one to start with because you get to know how Robinson himself looked at the world.

"Pound for Poud" I believe, is more a bio by another author and will probably explain things more differently than Robinson saw them. For example: After reading "Sugar Ray" I was left with the impression that Robinson was a very down to earth and fair man. On the onther hand it is common knowledge that very many people and fighters percieved Robinson as a complete asshole.
It should be interesting to read both sides of the Robinson story.

-KOKid-

jwizard · Post by **jwizard** » 15 Aug 2005, 14:25

Thanks KOKid

Anyone else?

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 15 Aug 2005, 15:31

I'd go for the autobiog... very good read with lots of insights into how Robinson looked at things himself and how he rose up in the boxing world. Its also honest, or as honest as you can expect someone to be about themselves... all in all a great book imo...

dws · Post by **dws** » 15 Aug 2005, 23:02

-KOKid- wrote:I've only read "Sugar Ray" and though that was a very good book. Being that it's an autobiography, I would think that it is a good one to start with because you get to know how Robinson himself looked at the world.

"Pound for Poud" I believe, is more a bio by another author and will probably explain things more differently than Robinson saw them. For example: After reading "Sugar Ray" I was left with the impression that Robinson was a very down to earth and fair man. On the onther hand it is common knowledge that very many people and fighters percieved Robinson as a complete asshole.
It should be interesting to read both sides of the Robinson story.

-KOKid-

This is a good observation,get both as I have Sugar Ray and he certainly took it easy on himself compared to things I learned later.Also watch Bright Lights and Dark Shadows,an HBO special on Ray that interviewed Robinson's son,ex-wife,and friends.Just goes to show that being the greatest at something doesn't necessarily translate into being a great man.

Rory McCloskey · Post by **Rory McCloskey** » 16 Aug 2005, 01:57

"Sugar Ray" was one of the greatest books ive ever read i became addicting to srr for over a year.... definatly read it asap.

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 16 Aug 2005, 09:16

I enjoyed Sugar Ray by Dave Anderson.

tad · Post by **tad** » 17 Aug 2005, 09:59

Of the two I recommend "Sugar Ray". I believe the best is "Sugar Ray
Robinson The Inside Story" by Thomas Myler 1966. The Mylers have
written several books that I thought were excellent.

tad · Post by **tad** » 17 Aug 2005, 10:03

I apologize for the date error on the Thomas Myler book. It was 1996.