BoxRec

I know there's a dozen+ threads about the best boxing books, of which some have some great narrative and writing style.

I know we all have our favourite styles too.

But are there any recognised pieces or who, in your opinion is a great writer or what are the great pieces.

I've been dipping into Egan and have always loved Liebling's stlye, I love Hauser too as he strikes me as accessibly diligent.

But, have you guys got any recommendations? As I say, not books per sa, but fav' pieces/articles and/or fav' writers and their articles (and I guess books @ self)

Thanks.

A.J. Liebling is the best.

Hugh McIlvanney for me, and I'd say I've read a majority of the great boxing writers. His pieces on Leonard-Duran 2 and Johnny Owen are amoung his best, and can be found http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/ ... 818085.ece http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/stor ... 97,00.html

I just find him so perceptive, seems to find the human interest aspect, and he uses brilliant metaphors. Bugner had "the physique of a Greek statue, but fewer moves", Bodell(?) "Looked like he learnt his footwork in a deep sea diving school", Johnny Owen "The kind of physique that makes him elusive when he is standing still". In reference to the 'No Mas' fight after someone commented Duran never gives you the ball. "Realising that Leonard was taking the ball away from him for keeps, Duran resolved to put a knife in it.", which I think summed it up perfectly.

Leibling is good, especially for the background before the fight, but his tireless references to Egan grate with me.

Scottrf wrote:Hugh McIlvanney for me, and I'd say I've read a majority of the great boxing writers. His pieces on Leonard-Duran 2 and Johnny Owen are amoung his best, and can be found http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/ ... 818085.ece http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/stor ... 97,00.html

I just find him so perceptive, seems to find the human interest aspect, and he uses brilliant metaphors. Bugner had "the physique of a Greek statue, but fewer moves", Bodell(?) "Looked like he learnt his footwork in a deep sea diving school", Johnny Owen "The kind of physique that makes him elusive when he is standing still". In reference to the 'No Mas' fight after someone commented Duran never gives you the ball. "Realising that Leonard was taking the ball away from him for keeps, Duran resolved to put a knife in it.", which I think summed it up perfectly.

Leibling is good, especially for the background before the fight, but his tireless references to Egan grate with me.

This is true. He refers and praises to Egan far too much. It seems he is infatuated with him.

Surprisingly, Joyce Carol Oates has amazing insight into the sport.

Among the old timers from the days of Sullivan and Jeffries, you have to give a shout-out to W. W. Naughton, Sam Austin and George Siler. Its really fun to go back and read their stuff on microfilm.

raylawpc wrote:Among the old timers from the days of Sullivan and Jeffries, you have to give a shout-out to W. W. Naughton, Sam Austin and George Siler. Its really fun to go back and read their stuff on microfilm.

Hype Igoe??

Springs Toledo, hands down.

kikibalt wrote:

raylawpc wrote:Among the old timers from the days of Sullivan and Jeffries, you have to give a shout-out to W. W. Naughton, Sam Austin and George Siler. Its really fun to go back and read their stuff on microfilm.

Hype Igoe??

Hype came a little later than Naughton et al. But, yes, I liked Grantland Rice, Paul Gallico, Damon Runyon, and, later, Jimmy Cannon and Arthur Daley.

Cheers fellas, much to explore.

Srebmun wrote:Cheers fellas, much to explore.

You might like to pick up a book like 'Come Out Writing' by Hughes/King or 'The Greatest Boxing Stories Ever Told' by Jeff Silverman, a selection of articles from loads of authors and might give you an idea of who you like.

Scottrf wrote:

Srebmun wrote:Cheers fellas, much to explore.

You might like to pick up a book like 'Come Out Writing' by Hughes/King or 'The Greatest Boxing Stories Ever Told' by Jeff Silverman, a selection of articles from loads of authors and might give you an idea of who you like.

Will do, cheers.

robert Edgren

http://boxingbiographies.com/bio/index. ... &Itemid=27

'The Sweet Science' is the pinnacle of boxing writing. No other author/journalist can come close to compiling literature perfection like Liebling did. That is the epitome of sports writing, regardless of the sport.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_onl ... s_books/1/

It's very personal, there is no 'best'. I've read 'Sweet Science', and I prefer McIlvanney.

I agree about Liebling, I love his writing style and I find I'm actually enjoying Egan's too.