What's the best boxing book you've ever read? (Charlie

jonp · Post by **jonp** » 01 Dec 2007, 21:16

Everett Skehans book on Marciano is one of my favourites and im just working my way thru Willie Peps Bio which was wrote by Brian Hughes and is a great read.

classboxer · Post by **classboxer** » 01 Dec 2007, 21:55

I have been reading boxing books all my life but Chris Eubanks is a stand out

David Mathews "looking for a fight" is top Dollar as well

King Tubby · Post by **King Tubby** » 02 Dec 2007, 09:25

I'v read the David Mathews one, good book, surprised so many people enjoyed Eubank's , I'll have to get that out of my Christmas book vouchers.

this bloke · Post by **this bloke** » 02 Dec 2007, 10:36

jeff fenech ''i love youse all''

T.M.K · Post by **T.M.K** » 02 Dec 2007, 12:02

Hi gents,

it was a while ago, but I remember Ken Norton's bok was brilliant. I also enjoyed Joe Frazier and Larry Holmes' efforts (I was going through a Heavyweight-champs-autobiogs phase).

Not truly boxing per se - but Lenny McLean's book was fascinating.....

best wishes

"T.M.K"

Syntax Error · Post by **Syntax Error** » 02 Dec 2007, 12:10

1) Smokin' Joe - The autobiography of Joe Frazier.

I really enjoyed Smokin Joe's book.

He had an interesting early life & it's great to read how he overcame big obstacles to become a champion.

His hatred of Clay (as he always calls him) is both sad & fascinating to read.

2) Unforgivable Blackness - The Rise & Fall of Jack Johnson is my 2nd favourite boxing book - great read.

3) Ghosts of Manila - I was shocked at what a good read this was. I didn't think that a whole book about ONE fight could be such a good read but it was. 8)

Syntax Error · Post by **Syntax Error** » 02 Dec 2007, 12:13

It's quite bizarre that there have been no recent books about Tyson or even an autobiography from the man himself.

There were dozens of books about him when he was in his prime & he was still in his early 20's, but now he's 41, it would be an ideal time for a book from the man himself.

Damian · Post by **Damian** » 02 Dec 2007, 13:50

jonp wrote:Everett Skehans book on Marciano is one of my favourites and im just working my way thru Willie Peps Bio which was wrote by Brian Hughes and is a great read.

I am a big fan of Skehan's book. It is brilliantly written.

Forgive me for plugging it

but Brian Hughes's latest book, a biography of Sugar Ray Robinson ('Peerless') is also well worth a read and can be bought from the author direct at:

http://www.sugarrayrobinson.co.uk/

It will make a great Christmas present!

Alternatively, PM me and I will arrange to get a copy sent out.

Finally, there is a book out about the 1st Ali-Frazier fight by Micahel Arkrush which is also a decent read.

classboxer · Post by **classboxer** » 02 Dec 2007, 14:39

Syntax Error wrote:It's quite bizarre that there have been no recent books about Tyson or even an autobiography from the man himself.

There were dozens of books about him when he was in his prime & he was still in his early 20's, but now he's 41, it would be an ideal time for a book from the man himself.

Dats True

Matt W · Post by **Matt W** » 02 Dec 2007, 16:10

Speaking of Tyson, I thought Blood Season was a good read.

STRATHMAN · Post by **STRATHMAN** » 02 Dec 2007, 16:25

I remember Archie Moore's autobiography being a good read.

I was enjoying reading the Unforgiveable Blackness the Jack Johnson until someone nicked it when I had only read half of it on holiday.

Dirk Kelly · Post by **Dirk Kelly** » 03 Dec 2007, 05:44

Emerson Poncey Name Ghent wrote:
Mario wrote:Dark Trade's a fantastic read but i'd have to say Eubanks is my favourite so far. As someone else pointed out, i was surprised at how much he discussed boxing due to some of his alleged comments after he retired.

Has anyone else read Thomas Hauser's Ali book? cos i picked it up a few weeks ago but havent got round to reading it yet and i think it could take some time to get through!
Dirk bought it from a charity shop, as we were both thinking of getting it, and he said it wasn't very good.

Suprising as Hauser is arguably the best boxing writer around right now and a huge Ali fan.

It just wasn't what I was expecting, he starts a chapter with a brief about something then has lots of various different people tell the story or their memories of the event. It just felt strange to me to read. May try it again but just couldn't get in the vain of it, just couldn't get it to flow.

Dirk Kelly · Post by **Dirk Kelly** » 03 Dec 2007, 05:51

Paul Briggs is book is great up until the last few chapters. Couldn't believe that he focused so little of the book on his first World Title Shot, felt he was making excuses for his defeat which is a shame.

My all time favourite is Benny by John Burrowes is excellent not just for the rise and fall of arguably Scotlands finest champion but the social and economic fators in Scotland at the time. Scott Harrison should be made to read this book.

Also loved Hands of Stone and the Johnny Tapia book.

Just started Unforgivable Blackness so will keep you updated on my views.

Thanks for all the other tips, justed ordered lots of them to see me over Christmas and for Emerson's Christmas stocking!

punchers chance · Post by **punchers chance** » 03 Dec 2007, 06:34

Emerson Poncey Name Ghent wrote:
Loynesy wrote:Neil has a gallery at Ceasers in Vegas. The most amazing, iconic sports photographer. Keep meaning to treat myself and have just got a new apartment in New York with lots of empty wallspace.

In fact, if Hatton wins I'll buy one on Sunday (although I'll have the mother of all hangovers)
Thanks for that mate. I'll pop into the Palace for a butchers next weekend.

In the Caesar's Palace Poker Room there are quite a lot of impressive boxing photos mounted as huge canvas prints on the perimeter walls, featuring some of the great Vegas fights. I liked the one of Foreman (vs Lyle) on the back wall, and also there is a great photo looking down on the ring from above in one of Ali's fights.

Also at Caesar's there is a statue of Joe Louis but this is right next to a wall of slot machines and could do with a more prominent siting in my humble opinion.

Miuna · Post by **Miuna** » 03 Dec 2007, 06:36

Eubank's and Dark Trade --are just amazing

Dioufy · Post by **Dioufy** » 03 Dec 2007, 06:50

Only read Hatton's so far but going to start Calzaghe's after Xmas though.

Tykemania · Post by **Tykemania** » 04 Dec 2007, 05:07

Not sure that the boxing parts are the "best" per se, but as a book about the human beings within the fight, few can beat "If Only", the story of the Johnny Owen - Lupe Pintor fight in 1980.

Greg Nicholas · Post by **Greg Nicholas** » 04 Dec 2007, 05:14

Eubank exposes himself as being ill..

Maximo took me on for about a week and then said, 'You're punching like a girl, I'm tired of telling you the same thing about the left hook - you're slapping the left hook. Go back to Andy.' I told him I would get it right, so I went into the corner of the gymnasium and stood close by the wall for over an hour and a half, throwing the left hook, over and over and over, hundreds of times. Trying to get the pivot right, I had to get the angle right. Over and over, thousands of times in the corner, every day, obsessively for weeks. This was a routine of my own making - if I was ever unhappy with a particular punch or move, I would stop, retreat into a corner of the gym and repeat, repeat, repeat. Thousands of times. By the end of each little punishment session, I would be drenched in sweat. This was intense, I wouldn't just throw the punch, I was trying to perfect every intricate detail.

The precision of my preparation continued right up to the moment I stepped in the ring. It was not enough for the camp around me to be free of arguments. My room also had to be immaculate. By that I mean picture perfect. I did not allow anyone else to tidy up, not even the room maids. I would send everybody out and be left alone, then I would spend time making sure the quilt was devoid of even the slighest ripple, like a piece of slate. The curtains would be inch perfect, rigid as a marble pillar. I would check each drawer individually and on several occasions found some slightly opened or had dents, which meant that it was not exactly flush with the cupboard. I needed everything to be ordered, it would play on my mind if the smallest detail was incorrect. The same applied to my shorts, my laces, everything. I boxed in yellow shorts from the Malinga fight in 1992. I had fanatical routines for lacing the boots. People would lace them laboriously for me, but they never did it correctly.

The attention to detail continued after the fight when the job was done. Before the bout, I watched every tape available on the opponent - after all, this was a business plan. Afterwards, I would watch the fight in its entirety many times. Then I would watch it again this time just looking at my moves. Then again for the opponent, the ref, the judges and even the crowd. I had to memorise everyone's reactions, contemplate every punch and every facial contortion of every person in the front rows. Perfectionism was the only way. The objective was to raise the fans in the positive or the negative, but I would try and get a reaction in the future.

If, during the entrance to the ring for a world title defence, I had realised I'd forgotten to push a drawer completely closed, I would have thought about turning around and going back to the hotel.

That is sick..

E · Post by E » 04 Dec 2007, 10:51

Tapia's book is very interesting but also poorly written.
Paul Briggs is good - very honest. Comes across as a bit of a bastard previously.

From memory these are a few I liked:

The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Boxing
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1844424014?t ... WDS9TKXMME&

THis by Harry Mullan - and the best overall look at boxing history - I remember reading it over and over again when I was just getting into boxing in my teens. It has been updated I believe.

This Bloody Mary is the Last Thing I Own
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0571194583?t ... JFKZ2S1G5M&

This is written by Jonathan Rendall who is a bot cynical about boxing but is well written and takes a different slant

War,BAby
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0224060732?t ... AQZ4XKXC2&

This is subtitled the glamour of violence and covers the Benn - McClennan fight.

There is this other book, which is excellent - the name escapes me......but a lot is based around Manchester, and I remember a really good chapter on MIchael Gomez...... I'll try and remember...

DavidPayne · Post by **DavidPayne** » 04 Dec 2007, 11:02

In the Red Corner; A Journey Through Cuban Boxing - Fkking brilliant.

This Bloody Mary is the Last Thing I Own - Brilliant, just for the chapter on Maloney saving the author from a shoeing.

SweetScience by AJ LIebling

The Fight by Norman Mailer

Spud · Post by **Spud** » 04 Dec 2007, 12:56

Frank Maloney's book - thoroughly entertaining

Khaosai-Galaxy · Post by **Khaosai-Galaxy** » 04 Dec 2007, 13:03

Spud wrote:Frank Maloney's book - thoroughly entertaining

Did you ever find someone to read it to you, in the end?

Mario · Post by **Mario** » 04 Dec 2007, 13:16

Maloney's book was pretty good, especially if your a Lennox Lewis fan. If i didnt see the cover i would have thought it was a Lewis biography.

Spud · Post by **Spud** » 04 Dec 2007, 13:18

Khaosai-Galaxy wrote:
Spud wrote:Frank Maloney's book - thoroughly entertaining
Did you ever find someone to read it to you, in the end?

My son read it to me - ommitting any big words.

dondada · Post by **dondada** » 04 Dec 2007, 15:39

'The Life and Crimes of Don King' by Jack Newfield.