Product Description
Thomas Hauser has become “must reading” in the boxing community, and his latest book demonstrates why. An Unforgiving Sport brings together Hauser’s 2008 articles from secondsout.com and espn.com, in which he exposes the inner workings of HBO Sports, goes behind the scenes at boxing’s biggest fights, revisits historical figures like John L. Sullivan, and offers revealing portraits of Don King, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton, Bernard Hopkins, and a host of others.

Booklist praised an earlier collection of Hauser’s articles as “one more testament to [Hauser’s] talent and passion for the most elemental of our sports.” An Unforgiving Sport adds to Hauser’s definitive record of the contemporary boxing scene. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Boxing 10 Commandments
Good basic book for a new boxing student. Nothing takes the place of instruction by a qualified coach, but this is a good book to give a student to take home and go over the basics. Style of boxing will vary with trainers.

Best book on boxing I have read. Even better than Haislets classic!
I have read every book on boxing I could find over the last forty years and this covers material the others don't mention or barely touch on. The section on fighting using angles should be in every boxing manual. You can tell the author has been a diligent student of boxing and really knows his material and covers techniques and tactics others either never mention or barely touch on. Any student of boxing or mma should have this book. The best on boxing I have read in forty years!

Very Good Source
There's a ton of information here. The section on the defences to the various punches is worth the cost of the book alone. You can tell that the authros spent a lot of time working on this book and that they are very passionate about boxing. If the photos were clearer I'd of given the book five stars. It's definitely worth the money and you'll find yourself referring to this book again and again.

Comprehensive!
I was looking for a boxing book at the bookstore the other day and the first book that I grabbed was this book. I was first put off a wee bit by the title (`Ten Commandments') and was prepared to be disappointed since most boxing books that I have read are never written very well or if they are written well then the diagrams are often wanting. However, after looking through this book I was surprised at how well it was written and how thorough it was. All aspects of boxing training, fighting techniques, and boxing fundamentals were addressed. It's hard to find a boxing book that gives a good visual as well as a good written description of the subject matter but this book certainly fits the bill. The written descriptions of the boxing essentials are very concisely explained. The associated photos are of excellent quality and there are just enough pictures to clearly represent what is being explained in the written description.

The book starts with the building of proper on guard stances which is the foundation upon which everything else is built upon in boxing. Then long and shot term rhythm is covered. The importance of proper footwork is then explained. Further covered is: economy of motion, proper range, the laws of punching, counterpunching, the all important jab, the mechanics of punching (straight right, straight right body, left and right hook, left and right hook body, left and right uppercut), defense and counter attack (parries, catching, blocks for head and body, evasive movements,slips, ducks, slides and rides, and the rock back). The book goes on further to explain proper angling deviation from lateral back and forth motion so as to optimize evasive maneuvering, then the importance of sparring and associated training drills that are preparations for sparring, and finally the book discusses workout plans and coaching points, training equipment, general workout (warm up, bag work, shadowboxing and mirror training, jump rope, and sparring). All in all this is an excellent book at a good price and it is a very good reference book for beginners, armatures, and even professionals who want to get back to and review the basics .

thou shall buy this book!
i found this book to be havenly. most boxing books are to vague, only offering general instruction or overwhemling with to much info. having 10 commandments, made it easier to learn and therfore made my workouts more meaningful. all the best in your efforts great book! ... Read more

Product Description
Are today's boxers better than their predecessors, or is modern boxing a shadow of its former self? Boxing historians discuss the socioeconomic and demographic changes that have affected the quality, prominence and popularity of the sport over the past century. Among the interviewees are world-renowned scholars, some of the sport's premier trainers, and former amateur and professional world champions. Chapters cover such topics as the ongoing deterioration of boxers' skills, their endurance, the decline in the number of fights and the psychological readiness of championship-caliber boxers. The strengths and weaknesses of today's superstars are analyzed and compared to those of such past greats as Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Jack Dempsey and Jake LaMotta. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

An expert analysis of the origins and the current state of boxing.
I enjoyed this book. A major strength of this book is its wonderful compilation of interviews with boxing legends. The interviews tell a story of the history boxing, one of the most primal and basic human activities we engage in as people. The imagery of this book is also amazing, both the imagery formed by words and the stunning visuals. The tone is very "New York". You feel like you are sitting and listening in on a chat with boxing experts in their own gyms. The interviews obtained by Mike Silver are second to none in quality. This book is vital in any sports or boxing collection. It catalogues the history of boxing with a strong insight and expert analysis.

Repetitious, One Sided and a Complete Waste of Time and Money
When my good friend and fellow boxing fan, Marty Garfield, urged me to read "The Arc Of Boxing", I obliged him gladly as I am familiar with both its author and its central argument; that the boxers of the "Golden Age", the 1920s to the 1950s, were superior to the fighters of today. While I disagree with Silver's views, it is with the book itself that I have the greater problem.

I have been a devoted follower of boxing for almost 50 years and for me to find a book on my beloved sport boring is quite a stretch, but "The Arc of Boxing" doesn't read like a conventional book.TAOB is predominately a collection of monologues by boxing trainers and old-time observers of the sport, which sound suspiciously like taped phone conversations, each one stating and re-stating the book's central argument.I fault the author (actually the compiler) on his technique in that there is little interviewing done here.Each long paragraph continues, unbroken by questions, with each contributor stating the book's case over and over again until the mind-numbing repetition became almost too much for me to continue reading.

TAOB's argument for the inherent superiority of the old time boxers breaks down along two lines, that:
1."Golden Age" boxers had many more fights then modern boxers, giving them more "seasoning" and:
2.Modern fighters, trainers, managers, promoters, referees, officials and corner men are either incompetent, dishonest, or only in it for the money, as opposed to the wise, forthright and selfless participants of the "Golden Age"

Even though I disagree with his basic argument, I do have great respect and admiration for the abilities of the boxing legends referred to in Silver's book. I just find it amusing that boxing is the only sport where a sizeable number of its fans believe that the practitioners of more than 50 years ago are superior to their modern counterparts.This argument flies in the face of every measureable attribute of athletic ability.The human race is unquestionably bigger, faster, better conditioned, and possess superior training, nutrition and equipment than those athletes of the 1920's though the 1950's.

My quarrel with Silver's book is not with its argument but with its high price, lack of substance and its mean-spirited dismissal of everything and everyone connected with boxing over the last 50 years.Silver pushes me too far, however, when he demands that boxing be banned and asks his readership to join him by turning their collective backs on the sport.It is the coward's way out.

When I became a fan in the early 1960's, a movement to ban boxing had already gathered considerable momentum during the Kefauver hearings, and then subsequently, with the ring deaths of world champions Benny Paret and Sugar Ramos.If that effort had been successful, look what we would have missed!No Muhammad Ali, Roberto Duran or Sugar Ray Leonard, no Mike Tyson or George Foreman, no Oscar De La Hoya or Manny Pacquiao, no Vinny Pazienza for Christ's sake!Would we have been better off, as these old-timers seem to wish, with just our memories and the old fight films to keep us happy?I think not.Just because this thing we love may be old and gray or have put on a few pounds doesn't justify taking her out behind the barn and shooting her.After all, there are some people around who love her still.

Just Plain Thin
The book is thin for the $44 price tag, the scholarship is thin for a book intended to advance and support a thesis, and the actual contribution by the author himself is terribly thin for a book with his name on it.

It would be more honest to name the various experts interviewed for the book as co-authors rather than put Mr. Silver's name on it as sole author. A good 3/5 to 3/4 of the book is content provided by someone other than the putative author.

A college professor would give a paper written the way Mr. Silver wrote his book a 'D'... if they felt generous. The support offered for the book's thesis is simple: 'All these really smart people agree with me.'

The refutation of counter-arguments is equally simple: 'Anyone who disagrees with me is an idiot because, see, all these really smart people agree with me.'

If you want to read some smart commentary on modern boxing by Teddy Atlas, Freddie Roach, and Emmanuel Steward and don't mind overpaying for it then the book might be worth it to you. If you want to actually read a book and expect to actually see the promise made in the forward, that the book will make you think, kept... give it a pass.

Said smart contributions by the trainers named above is the only reason the book rates a second star, in my opinion. Without it, the bad scholarship and inflated price would make it completely worthless.

Doesn't say anything new
to an experienced boxing fan who has read other similar books and watched old fights.It is very subjective, and the price is ridiculously high.

Redundant and disappointing
I guess I should have known by the title but I was hoping more for a book the re-introduced some of the lost art.The author was dead on when showing why boxing is in decline when he showed the statistics of active fighters and the number of rounds they fought and such but the book was horribly redundant in its' claims that "the old guys knew how to do this" or "the old guys knew how to do that" and "nobody teaches this anymore".

What I'd have liked to see him do is approach some of the other guys with more of an attachment to the old school like a Georgie Benton and start to see what it would take to rediscover some of the old techniques rather than whining that boxing isn't like what it was in it's golden years.Guess what, nothing is!!

... Read more

Product Description
Spirited, fast-paced, and rich in detail, Rocky Marciano: The Rock of His Times is the first book to tell the full story of the man, his sport, and his era. Emerging from obscurity to win the heavyweight crown in the early 1950s, Marciano fought until 1955, retiring with a perfect 49-0 record - a feat still unmatched today. Yet as much as he embodied the wholesome, rags-to-riches patriotism of a true American hero, Marciano also reflected the racial and ethnic tensions festering beneath the country's benevolent facade. In this captivating portrait of a complex American sports legend, Russell Sullivan confirms Rocky Marciano's place as a symbol and cultural icon of his era. Russell Sullivan lives in the Boston area and is senior vice president and general counsel of Linkage, Inc., a corporate education company headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts. He is the author, coauthor, or editor of several books and articles on business-related topics. A volume in the series Sport and Society, edited by Benjamin G. Rader and Randy Roberts ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

The Rock of our Times?
Every boxing fan should know about The Rock, the only undefeated heavyweight champion of the world in history. So is he really better than Louis, Ali or even big ol' earbiting Mike? No one can ever tell.

What can be told is the sole story about Rocky Marciano. This book covers as much fighting, personal, social and cultural details one could ask for. After a while, some repetitive statements get boring. Sullivan also takes away some of his glamourous stats by stating in great detail how his fights were fixed with lesser opponents. I personally just think he filled the void between Louis and Ali, but nevertheless was a great champion.

You want to relive the 50's and have a good time about reading one of the world's greatest boxers of all time? This is your book.

"And In This Corner......................................
"Rocky Marciano The rock of His Times" by Russell Sullivan is a masterpiece of Sports Biography. Russell Sullivan "dosn't pull any punches " in this explosive story of a simple-man trying to make a "simple-living" in a very complex barbaric industry!

Sullivan knows his subject from all sides of the ring... and out. Not only does he know boxing, he knows the human spirit that envelopes it.This is a real "page-turner" and there is a wallop in every chapter!From Carmine Vingo to Roland LaStanza, and on to Archie Moore, the bell just keeps on ringing!

It's not just a story about boxing; it's a real tale about a contemporary "Lancelot" fighting his dragons from every direction.

"Marciano came to symbolize early-1950's simplicity.He was indeed, the rock of his times." (p.305)

Russell Sullivan does a superb job of bringing back those restless spirits at Madson Square Garden."And in this corner, from Holyoke, Massachusetts:
R O C K Y...........M A R C I A N O...........!!!!!!"

If, you haven't found a good book to read in a long time, don't "throw in the towel" just yet!Buy this book, it's a great read.

Well Researched, Even Handed .....
AS a boxing historian I have often seen Marciano placed in one of two groups, either Mt. Olympus or the 20th row ... boxing is a sport often divided by racial and ethnic lines and there is a tremendous Marciano fan base that irrationally places him in the Parthenon of fighters and use his undefeated record to justify it. No rational discussion of physical limitations or quality of opposition matter. Other's dismiss him altogether. What is so good about this book was that the author did a terrific job keeping rationallevel of perspective. He did not preach one way or the other, he reported as it was covered at the time so the content remains objective. As a result, we get an accurate, detailed account of a legendary champion and his times. In addition, we also enjoy shorter but interesting insights into many Marciano's opponents such as Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott and Archie Moore, legends in their own rights....

It is a highly recommended read along the lines of "John L. Sullivan and his America" and "Papa Jack."

Good bio of a great Champion
This was a good bio of Rocky Marciano. There really never was a more unlikely guy to become one the great heavyweight champions if you think about it. He had very little in the way of amateur fights and really didn't start boxing till he was in his mid 20's. He was very small for a heavyweight, even for that time. Marciano was the only heavyweight champion to never lose a fight and retire undefeated. He was one of a small handful of boxers that transcended the sport and became American icons that were synonymous with the times in which they were champion. Anybody that disparages his ring accomplishments either has an anti-white agenda or knows NOTHING about boxing. He had victories over fighters who are arguably the three most skilled, ringwise and crafty heavyweights to ever get in the ring, Joe Walcott, Ezzard Charles (he beat Walcott and Charles twice) and Archie Moore. I do not consider Marciano to be the greatest heavyweight ever but his ring accomplishments can't be denied.

But besides his big fights which were talked about in depth among other things it also goes into his life growing up in a poor Italian-American family. The very methodical process in which he was brought up through the ranks of the fight game after he turned pro. The likliehood that the main reason he retired was because he was sick of dealing with his over controlling manager. His penchant for being incredibly cheap and frugal. As well as his tragic death in an airplane crash.

Rocky Marciano is the bomb
By:Ryan Lemery
This was a very good book. it was entertaining as well as informational. I especially liked how it talked about racism and the struggles of being a boxer in that era. I liked how Rocky was known as the Great White Hope. But there were a few things that i didn't like. Things such as how a whole chapter would be about one thing that didn't even pertain to Rocky. I also didn't like how Al Weill was taking Rocky's money and using it for his own pleasures.Thank god Rocky found out about it. That was pretty much the only sad part in the book. Besides the part where Rocky died in a plane crash. And on his Birthday! I think that I almost cried. I really liked this book and i think that many people should read it. It would be a good book for people with big dreams, and big hopes.
... Read more

Product Description
The action of the ring comes brilliantly to life in these 22 tales representing every decade of the 20th century, from beloved writers including Nelson Algren, Paul Gallico, John O'Hara, O. Henry, Ring Lardner, Jack London, Ellery Queen, and P. G. Wodehouse. The fixed fight, courage under pressure, the crooked promoter, and death in the ring animate these stories and support deeper themes of love, life, and character.Amazon.com Review
With a stable of writers that includes P.G. Wodehouse,DamonRunyon, NelsonAlgren, Irwin Shaw,and O. Henry,Boxing's Best Short Stories is a collection that comes outswinging from the opening bell.

Unlike other sports, boxing is notone you play at. It's a serious, dangerous, and complicatedcombination of business, art, brutality, and need, and the best boxingwriting pulls no punches when it closes in on those themes. Notsurprisingly, in going toe to toe with those ideas, thesewriters--heavyweights all--find ways to bring in even larger ones:hope, love, despair, triumph, courage, family, dreams. Boxing providesa powerful arena for examining them, not an end in itself; though thesweet science is present in each story, the real action takes placebeyond the ring. In "The Croxley Master," Sherlock Holmes creator Arthur Conan Doyle, an amateur fighter in his own youth,weaves a classic tale of boxing as a way up and out as a medicalstudent finances his education with his fists. RingLardner's "Champion" spars with the bitter reality that a goodfighter is not necessarily a good man. PaulGallico's "Thicker Than Water" twists the tie that bindsbrothers. JackLondon's "A Piece of Steak" uses hunger--and the way it eats atand eats up the hungry--as its powerful central metaphor.

As withhis previous collections on baseball, football, and golf, Staudoharprovides a context for each story, and if his overall introductionstates the obvious--"For all its raw violence and scheduleddestruction," he writes, "boxing combines grace with power"--hisselections beautifully demonstrate the prose equivalent. --JeffSilverman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The classic writers span the entire 20th century
Fans of boxing will relish this literary collection of short stories revolving around boxing experiences, contributed by such notables as A. Conan Doyle, O. Henry, Ring Lardner and more. The classic writers span the entire 20th century and the breadth of boxing experiences. ... Read more

Product Description
"Every once in a while, a book publisher comes up with a great concept for a series of books that deserve more than superficial recognition. Such a series is The Greatest (fill in the blank) Stories Ever Told, anthologies that should win places on many bedside tables. On the long winter nights that lie ahead, such stories make great reading." -The Lexington County Chronicle

"THE GREATEST BOXING STORIES EVER TOLD assembles some of the best writing available on the sweet science and illuminates boxing in all its literal and symbolic glory. Each piece in this varied collection connects with the sort of powerful punch one can only expect from the world's greatest writers." -Boxing Digest

In THE GREATEST BOXING STORIES EVER TOLD, editor Jeff Silverman delivers a knockout collection of not only the best writing ever penned on the subject of "the sweet science," but also stories that relate to the larger human issues the brutal sport has come to embody. Whether the story be about the triumph of a heroic champion, a tragic death in the ring, the shady tactics of fight promoters, or victories against seemingly impossible odds, each story in this varied collection connects powerfully with the reader. THE GREATEST BOXING STORIES EVER TOLD is the perfect gift for fight fans and non-fight fans alike, and with its allstar lineup of "contenders" throwing "haymakers" and "uppercuts" in every round, it stands as the definitive volume of short stories on this enduring pugilistic pastime.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

sweet boxing poetry
Just a great sampling of writing on the sweet science from many different perspectives.The one by Daniel Mendoza is amazing,as he was one of the first champions - from the turn of the 18th century.The way he thought and expressed himself is so interesting.Pearce Egan was the first great boxing writer, and his piece was mesmerizing.Frank DeFord on Billy Conn was great, as was Jack London on the Johnson-Jeffries fight.Jimmy Cannon, Ring Lardner, Paul Gallico, and A.J. Liebling all contribute classic stuff.I like learning about the PEOPLE involved in boxing as much as the events and results of the fights, and this book was right up my alley.

Great place to start for fight writing
This collection has a ton of good material that will give you a sample of the various sources of high quality boxing writing available if you're interested. The time periods involved go all the way back to the early 1800s, not counting the surprisingly awesome passage by Homer from The Iliad. Probably the most heavily-featured period is from around the 1930s-1960s. Other than that Homer piece, I also especially enjoyed the passages by Daniel Mendoza, Heywood Broun, John Lardner, and W.C. Heinz.If you're looking to get into boxing writing, or if you're an MMA fan looking for something to read to make up for the relative lack of MMA writing, this is definitely a good place to start. You do have the inherent weakness of the anthology where you end up finding a few things you really like that are over before you know it, but with the internet you can take the names of the authors and easily gain access to more of the stuff you like best.If you want a sample of the type of quality piece contained in this collection, look up "Sport for Art's Sake" by Heywood Broun. You can find it on Google Books, it's my favorite passage from the entire package.

"Varied Boxing Stories"
Mediocre Read. Highlight is Frank DeFord's SI article on Billy Conn, originally titled the "Boxer and The Blonde". It helped that I had some knowledge of the subject matter. My Father knew Billy Conn's Father-in-Law, and I visited the Funeral Home when Billy was laid out. Also of interest was the script from the "I coulda been a contendah" Cab scene from "Onthe Waterfront". Of lesser or no interest were excerpts from the "Illiad and the Odyssey" and 1700/1800 fights. I really would not recommend this book to anyone, including hardened fight fans.

pulling no punches
A beautifully edited anthology that will appeal not only to devotees of the sweet science, but to any fan of great writing.Silverman includes work by some of America's greatest essayists (Liebling, Plimpton, Mailer, Baldwin) and most popular fiction authors (O. Henry, Jack London, Dashiell Hammett, Damon Runyon, Richard Ford).The excerpt from Pierce Egan's 1829 classic BOXIANA (a favorite of A.J. Liebling's) is a special treat. The only thing missing is David Remnick on Muhammad Ali; but you can't expect everything from a 368-page collection.Highly recommended.

Awesome...
the only thing that I can rite negatively about this boox is that there isn't any story about me.Did you know that I'm a former amateur boxing champion of Alvin, Texas. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A great follow up to volume one - very informative!
I am as equally impressed with this volume II of Workouts from Boxing's Greatest Champs as I was when I read the first one.Gary Todd has further demonstrated a sincere passion for traveling abroad to not only capture these great champion's workouts,he has also thoroughly captured the essence of each of these champion's fighting spirit and educated the reader about each of their respective achievements.A great read and a great depiction of the dedication and commitment required for accomplishing goals in life and becoming a champion.

Ron Brashear - [...]

Workouts from Boxing's Greatest Champs
I purchased this book as I have always been curious about boxing and the inner drive and commitment boxers make to take the top position in their particular individual sport.

I enjoyed reading the stories from champion boxers, striving to increase their stamina and take the punch that will provide them the glory they so deserved.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in boxing. My husbands best mate was a boxer in his youth, now 20 years later has engaged a personal trainer with boxing as the main focus of his workout. After reading Gary Todd's book, I purchased another copy as a gift to keep the momentum going for my husbands mate.

undisputed book on world champion boxers.
this has got to be the best book on boxing - period. i enjoyed the stories on each fighter in the book and was totally blown away with the book overall. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

A classic without communist meddling
All I can really say is, Smith with this book delivers beautifully on the topic and history of Shao-lin Temple style boxing. It illustrates the central concept of Shao-lin boxing (known as "Shao-lin Ch'uan") and offers a bit about the temple itself...without the modern communistic interference of the Chinese government. Buy this classic, because if it ever becomes totally unavailable, yet another lovely Chinese cultural treasure will be lost.

Also, if this is an area of interest, NEVER miss buying Robert Smith's work. Smith, a true Chinese-trained master of several arts, is also the premier martial arts historian in the West.

Excellent Little Book
This book is short and to the point.It is an excellent introduction to the Shaolin arts, as well as gong fu (wushu) in general.This book has a good amount of information in it, including drawings of the five animal styles and the exercising classics from Badhidarma.Near the end, there are a good amount of photos of two men showing (while the text explains) how to execute a interesting group of blocks, redirections and strikes--as well as a few variants.

All in all, one of my favorite martial arts books, despite it's lack of size.

A good basic guide to the Chinese form of self-defense.
Even though I am a certified Tai Chi teacher, my personal expertise has been the Japanese martial arts.Nevertheless, this book by Robert W. Smith, is a good guide to the basic principles, theories and philosophy of the Chinese form of boxing,or kung fu as it is called most of the time today.There are no so called "secrets" revealed and this is not a text that one can easily learn from without the direct guidance of a teacher.However, the book is well written and provides a good introduction into some of the Chinese methods of boxing.Rating: 3 stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Season of the Warrior: A poetic tribute to warriors, The Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, The Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Baton Advanced Techniques).

Secrets of Shaolin Temple Boxing
This book is very sentimental to me and my family as it has photographs of my Father and it was published the year after I was born so I am so very very happy to have found this book, thank you!

Not so good
I bought this book thinking it will help me in my research on the myths of the Shaolin temple's involvement with MA. This is a edited version of a book that was published in China in c.a. 1918 and it is one of the sources of the myths about CMA. Smith's book has to little, to called it a "definite" guide is misleading. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the ultimate companion for any serious boxing fan. Thousands of facts, stories, anecdotes and statistics make it a superb reference source, while over 250 illustrations bring to life the passion of the greatest moments in the sport's history. ... Read more

Product Description
The Most Wanted series (see page 25) puts on the gloves and steps inside the squared circle to chronicle the best and worst of the pugilistic world, plus everything in between. Authors David L. Hudson, Jr., and Mike Fitzgerald, Jr., answer the bell with fifty top-ten lists of famous fighters, fan-tastic finishes, oddball occurrences, and yes, even the punch-drunk palookas that padded the stats of some of the sport’s top stars. You’ll read about the greatest fight trilogies, the biggest upsets, the famous families, and the real-life boxing personalities who appeared in the movie reels. You’ll even read dueling lists about boxers with prison backgrounds and those who had a second career on the right side of the law, plus so much more.

Which all-time middleweight great, who set a record with fifteen successive title defenses, lost his debut bout at the light-heavyweight level? Whom did Muhammad Ali dub "Dracula" because of his missing front teeth? Which prolific puncher scared some opponents so badly that after they showed up at the weigh-in, they chickened out of the fight itself? You’ll find these tidbits and hundreds of others in Boxing’s Most Wanted. Whether you’re a new fan or a longtime student of the sport, you’ll find something in this book to amuse and amaze you. You don’t have to skip rope or chug raw eggs to get inside a boxing ring anymore-Hudson and Fitzgerald take you there to absorb all the jabs, roundhouses, and kayoes you can handle. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Fun Reading for Real boxing Fans
This is a fun reading for real boxing fans. Probably those that will enjoy the book the most are those that have followed boxing through the years, including past and present history. The title is filled with tidbits of information ranging from boxing firsts, traversing through sections such as great upsets, and most educated boxers, then finishing with sections with titles like boxing movies. Besides the fun bits that were found throughout the book, there was still an academic component which was evidenced in the bibliography and the well organized index. As a college professor and boxing coach, I can appreciate the work involved in creating a good index that can be used by students. As a general long time boxing fan, I can appreciate the wealth of information that author Hudson has provided in making this an enjoyable fun book. Kudos to the author. I give it five stars.

Fun, Informative boxing book
Fight The Good FightDavid Hudson is an attorney, boxing Judge, state boxing official, a good guy, a great friend of mine and an author of some 12 books. Boxing's most wanted is a funny look at the much maligned, manly sport of boxing and is well worth the price.

Good quick source book.
The books pretty much what I expected.Its a fun read and made me chuckle more often than not.Its a quick bit of boxing trivia that is a must own for any boxing fan.

Fun to read, lots of interesting information
I think anyone who has an interest in boxing will enjoy this book.There is a lot of great information that will be interesting to most readers, but mainly it's just a fun read.

Not as advertised
I thought first of all this book was boring.The important lists are of stuff you probably already know and the other lists are of nonsense.The reason I rate it so low though is that it is not as advertised in the title.Part of the title says "Chumps, and Punch-Drunk Palookas"...There is nothing like that in the book. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you want to box for fitness or competition, Boxing: The American Martial Art is an excellent guide to getting started. Professional boxing coach and trainer R. Michael Onello has created a 12-week, step-by-step boxing course that can be followed at home or in the gym.

Begin with the thorough boxing conditioning program designed to tone and strengthen your entire body, with a special emphasis on the abs, chest and arm muscles. From Lesson One, you'll learn stance and movement, defensive tactics and a simple method of wrapping your hands to protect them during training. As you work through the twice-weekly lessons, you'll learn the jab, straight right, uppercut and hook, then practice them alone and in combinations to increase your punching speed, accuracy and power.

The step-by-step lesson format guides you through the same drills used by professional boxing trainers and includes specifics like the number of reps, the type of equipment to practice on, strategic advice and key points to pay attention to as you progress. Once you've got the basics down, get together with a sparring partner to work on the offense-defense drills, counterpunching and putting your new skills to work in sparring practice.

The lessons wrap up with advice on creating a rotating 12-week training schedule by introducing more advanced training concepts and variations on the workouts. Also included is a chapter for trainers and coaches, including sample program handouts and training advice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

User friendly
Mr. Onello's book is as one would expect from an experienced teacher:It is straight forward, easy to understand, and results driven.I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in boxing for fitness or even for self defense.

Very poorly organized, overly basic
Don't be fooled by the title of this book.It is not a twelve week boxing course.It is an unintelligible hodgepodge of various boxing training techniques and descriptions of basic punches thrown together in an utterly disorganized fashion.There is no "program" at all in this book.No one could learn anything useful about boxing from this. It just describes the punches and a few simple boxing workout routines in a disjointed and very cursory way. The "routines", as such, are so elementary as to be useless. Just telling the reader to practice a jab, for instance, does not make a "program". I have to believe it was self-published, because no editor would let this pass muster.It reads like a series of unconnected chapters, with one describing a jab, another a hook, etc.
I guess if you were from Mars and had never seen a boxing match or had seen a boxing gym, you would learn a little, but that's pretty much all it would be good for. They actually show you a photo of a heavy bag, in case you have no earthly idea what it is.A complete waste of fifteen bucks.It makes me wonder if the other positive reviews are legitimate.

Straightforward & simple approach that produces real skills
This book works.It lays down a solid foundation.The exercises and practice drills continually produce and reinforce positions that the practitioner will appreciate later on.Its subtle but it will become quite apparent IF one does exactly as the book says.A good place to start.

The best how to box book available
The American Martial Art is the most comprehensive boxing book now available. It covers all the basic punches,and defenses. However, I enjoyed the sugggested workouts covering the heavy bag work,shadow boxxing and counterpunching. No other book I have seen covers counterpunching in any detail.This book offers several counterpunch workouts. Anyone one who puts in the time and effort and completes the 12 week course offered in The American Martial Art, will become a much better boxer. I highly recommend it.

Basic Introduction to a Great Sport / Art
The book gives a basic outline of the great American art of self-defense, Boxing. The author introduces the foundation to the necessary basics to train and compete, if desired. Yet, boxing is a hands on sport that must be physically executed to truly learn. A book can serve as a guide or to attempt to enlighten one to the basics, but without a coach or sparring partner it can never be understood.

The recent trend to train in the exercises of a boxer has gained popularity because it is one of the toughest sports, if not the toughest, to obtain to appropriate amount of fitness in order to safely compete. ... Read more

Product Description
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Duties/Responsibilities and Procedures
Banker?s Trophy Points
Team Competition
Brigade Open
Scoring System
The Job of Boxing Coach
Handwrapping
Roadwork
Shadow Boxing
Sparring
Jumping Rope
Heavy Bag
Calisthenics
Average Day?s Workout
Boxing Training Notes
Points to be stressed in Teaching Boxing Skills
Stance
Footwork
Left Jab
Defense for Left Jab
Straight Right
Defense for Straight Right
Left Hook
Defense for Left Hook
Straight Left to the Body
Straight Right to the Body
Left Hook to the Body
Defense for Body Blows
General Rules for Punching
General Rules for Defense
Combination Blows
Counters
Preparation for Bouts
The Bout
Between Rounds - Seconding
Coaching Between Rounds
Bout Strategy
Against Sluggers ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Not Much Good To Say About This One...
Outdated in terms of both content and illustration, and there are much better Judo books out there to spend your money on (see my other reviews).

Judo Book
This is one of the old, simple books on Judo.No frills and no extended theory.Just the real stuff done by men who know the sport.This is a great book for any Judo student to learn from and to keep as a reference.Bought a bunch of them as gifts for my Judo students.

I love this old book on Judo
An oldie but goodie.

This is certainly one of the better "old" judo books both in the book size, pictures and explanation. I still refer to it time and time again.

Good for those new to the Sport and Art of Judo
Shows the basic Judo moves and techniques in an east to follow format.Starting with how to fall properly to basic and intermediate throws and counter throws.I would recommend this book to people new to Judo and high school/college wrestling, due to it's simplicity and to-the-point photos and movement explainations.

Good pictures and helpful pointers
The beginning and intermediate Judo student will be pleased with book. It is a good introduction to the major Judo techniques, starting with the basics such as falling and unbalancing you opponent, and then introducing a number of the more common techniques (throws, sweeps, chokes, and holds). Each technique is accompanied by a number of pictures showing the progression of the moves (including different variations) as well as good explanatory text.

There is good reason that this book has had 48 printings! ... Read more

Product Description
"Carefully documents the ruin waiting for almost all those ill-advised enough to become professional boxers. He confirms all the legends, of crime, of swindling, of the miserable economic rewards allotted to the vast majority of fighters...the traditional racism of the American ring...No one, reading Sammons, can doubt that it is evil." - "Times Literary Supplement." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Enjoyable book, but not perfect
While this is a quality book to purchase (and worth it), the book is still flawed. Ali is presented pretty much as a pure martyr, and while he had legitimate reasons not to go to war, it wasn't purely done for altruistic purposes (better of mankind). Well researched, but some opinions get mixed in with facts along the way, skewing some parts (such as the Ali draft thing I just mentioned). Worth picking up, though.

Excitement outside the Ring
Jeffrey Sammons offers any serious student of boxing and its history a marvellous introduction to information that otherwise might takes months -or even years- to find and assemble. From his first question: "Crimeor Sport?" to one of his final conclusions that "like a weedshooting up through a crack in the sidewalk, (boxing) is firmly planted inthe foundation of our highly advanced society" Sammons examines theimplications and underbelly of what is for many of us, the most exciting ofall sporting spectacles. That Sammons may be harder on boxing and boxersthan some of the rest of us does not detract from the scholarship andeffort so evident in this careful history. In five years of my own study Ihave found almost no inaccuracies in Sammons' text and have used his textand footnotes to follow such fascinating subjects as the career of JoeLouis, his relationship to Mike Jacobs and later the IBC, the hold thatFrankie Carbo managed to exert on boxing in the forties and fifties, therise of television and how it affected the lives of most boxers, and theinternational role that Muhammad Ali played both in and out of the ring.Boxers are, and deserve to be, the greatest of sports heroes,not justbecause they risk and offer more than other athletes but because theirsport itself has put up so many barriers and hurdles they must overcome tosucceed.Sammons examines those obstacles and ends up, like the rest ofus, wondering about the world of boxing but at the same time recognizingjust how difficult it is for boxers to achieve the greatness of which they,and we, dream. While I may quarrel with some of Sammons' conclusions, Icontinue to admire his scholarship.No serious fan or student of boxingcan consider his ring education complete until he reads and rereads BEYONDTHE RING.

Wide-ranging with flaws
Good book for the serious fan or foe of boxing, widely researched.Style is sometimes academically inert, at other times gets on a high horse moralizing about abolition.Barney Nagler's "James Norris and theDecline of Boxing," an older, more limited study to which Sammons isindebted, is livelier. Sammons also needs to be more critical about hissources.A better book on medical, ethical, and social controversy isRobert Cantu's collection, "Boxing and Medicine."But Sammons isstill useful for broad historical and social concerns. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent book
Thomas Hauser wrote a very worthwhile boxing book with Black Lights, he tells a load of stories throughout with a multi-faceted view of the sport examining a number of personalities.

Perhaps it is just me but I had trouble feeling for Costello, I liked reading about him but he didn't come across as well as he might have if the author has fleshed him out a little more.

The problem lies in the lack of depth to a number of the characters that we see. What is Don King really like? Carl King? Jose Suliaman? We get a few pages devoted to each but you could do much more.

Readable book and worth buying.

Another Hauser Knock Out
The Black Lights

It's no wonder that after reading this Muhammad Ali chose Thomas Hauser to write his story.

How this book got it's name is another great example of what Hauser can do with just one paragraph!

I had assumed that this would be somewhat of a dry read or just not as good as Hauser's other books on boxing and the world of boxing. I had thought that since it's Hauser's first attempt at writing about boxing that it would be just ok - maaaan was I wrong - THIS is a fantastic book!

Hauser is an amazing writer and is exceptional in all his writings about the sweet science.

This is a great example of a book successfully covering and achieving what it set out to do. You get educated on the inside story of professional boxing and get a great and personal insight into the world of Billy Costello.

I was caught up in every chapter and did not want to put this book down. I've never heard of Billy Costello before this book and found myself being nervous for him, being excited for him, cheering for him and feeling now like I was there with him.

Great book for anyone.

The greatest ... a must-read for boxing fans
I first read The Black Lights soon after its publication in the mid-80s. I felt then that it was as good if not better than any non-fiction examination of boxing. Rereading it recently, I was still impressed by its thoroughness, insight and candor. Sadly, the same characters who held a stranglehold on boxing then are still in charge - King, Sulaiman, Arum. The only new player is HBO, which has replaced the three networks as the major bankroller of big fights. The fighters are still used for all they are worth and then tossed aside.
Billy Costello, whose Nov. 1984 title defense is the book's focus, had a distinguished ring career. Fortunately, he also had Thomas Hauser to record his grace under pressure. You cannot help but admire Costello for his dedication and decency amid the scoundrels who flock to the sport. Readers are sure to come away from The Black Lights with the feelings of true boxing fans - a mixture of fascination, admiration and revulsion.

Take a look at the real world of boxing
This is a great book by a writer I truly admire. Thomas Hauser wrote an incredible biography of The Greatest, Muhammad Ali, and in this book he really gives the reader an inside look at boxing.

Focusing in the careerof former champ Billy Costello, the author provides an interesting viewabout promoters (Don King included, of course), managers and the terribleagony of the fighter and his fears, in and out of the ring.

Reallyrecommended!

This Book is a Definite Contenda!
This is a nice quick read that gives a behind-the-scenes view of what it takes to put together a world championship fight. The book follows the career of former Superlightweight champion Billy Costello and theindividuals that comprise help him reach the top. Interspersed throughoutthe book are anectdotes regarding the promoters, trainers, televison execs,and boxers who all want a piece of Costello.

The book really takesoff when Costello's camp tries to set up a title defense for the champ.From the stuggles to find an opponent who won't pose much of a risk toCostello's crown, to the virtual soul-selling that occurs to get the fightbroadcast, to the fight itself, you feel the turmoil that Costello, histrainer and manager all go through. The description of the actual fight iswritten so vividly you feel like you're the one in the ring.

Thistrue story makes you sorry you never followed Costello's career as it washappenng in the early 1980's. And as an added bonus, the author gives youone more reason (as if you needed another) to despise Don King. ... Read more

Product Description
Jack Johnson was one of the greatest black fighters in the history of boxing. This is an account of an extraordinary fight, some extraordinary men, and an extraordinary time in Australia's social history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Lepratrick at the Brody residence.
A couple of weeks ago I was invited over to Lyle's house for dinner for some weird Canadian holiday called "Boxing-Day". When Lyle first called me and asked if I wanted to come over I was a little hesitant to make myself public again because I might have to talk about the Jack-Russell-Terrier. After listening to that Dog-Rat bark over and over, I decided it was in my best interest to go over to Lyle's and regain some of my sanity that the Jack-Russell-Terrier has been stripping away from me since it's un-holy insulting arrival to MY house. I called Lyle back and told him I'd be there ONLY if no-one would mention the Jack-Russell-Terrier or Morris (unless of course they had found him).

After I hung up the phone with Lyle, I realized that I did-not know anything about this Canadian-custom of Boxing-Day. Since both mom and Dad were home I was unable to go on Dad's "golden" computer and research it, so I had to research it in my head and on Home-Box-Office's-boxing-show. As I watched two guys in a ring punch each-othermerciless for a while, Dad walked in and started talking at me about something or another, so I just went up to my room and closed the door. Doesn't he know I don't want to speak with him due to his treachery against Morris?

As I sat in my room I wrote down the things I noticed about watching the boxing show:

Boxing Gloves
Robe
Shorts
Angry-Faces

Due to my time limit I was forced to prepare my outfit for the Boxing-Day celebration quickly. I snuck into Mom's room and grabbed a robe that closely resembled what the gladiators wore to the ring. There was a problem though.I noticed some loop in it that said some-thing about some-one named Victoria, I ripped at it until it came off, tearing a hole in the robe in the proccess. I was upset with the robe at first, but I figured that the hole probably made it look like I've used it before in other Boxing-Day celebrations. I wanted to fit in.

Now with that taken care of I ran to the basement to get my boxing-gloves that I use on my Sock'em-Bop-Buddy inflatable punching-man. I wanted to make sure I still had some of my old moves, so I punched at it for a while (mental note: tape picture of the Jack-Russell-Terrier to it when I'm done with this review). I snuck past Mom and Dad to return to my room to grab a pair of addias-soccer-shorts. I'm pretty sure Lyle and his family won't mind, due to me being American and all, and not having a real pair of boxer-shorts. I put the outfit on. I looked pretty good for a First-Time-Boxing-Day-Rocky. I looked over my list again, and noticed I still needed the angry-face to complete the out-fit. I stared at my mirror until it was time to go, practicing my angry-face. MAN did I make some angry-faces!You should have seen them!Watch this, I'm gonna make one now! GRRRRRRRRRRR!AAArrrrrrrrRRR!Oh man, you guys should see this!ARARARARRRRR!Now THAT was a good one!Okay, here I go watch---Oh yeah, the review.Anyways, I threw my coat over the out-fit so Mom and Dad wouldn't want to take my picture, or some other weird parent thing.

When I arrived at Lyle's, (oh yeah, for my fans knowledge, it's really hard to drive with Boxing-Gloves on), any-who, back on track. When I arrived at Lyle's I walked in and threw off my coat to show them my Boxing-Day out-fit. I thought they would be really impressed with my respect for their culture. They sat there wide-eyed for a moment, so I thought I would further impress them and I threw out some jabs and a hay-maker style air-punch.Lyle's father and brother started to laugh, Lyle's mom told Lyle to get me some "proper-attire". I followed Lyle to his room confused, I spent all that time on this out-fit to impress them and I got laughed at. Maybe I was too pre-mature, and we would switch after dinner.

Lyle gave me some clothes to put on, and informed me that it wasn't that type of Boxing... He did note he was pleased with my enthusiasm though. We walked down to the dinner-table and Lyle's Dad called me Sugar-Ray for some reason. What the HECK!? Is that how Canadians do Boxing?With verbal-punches? I thought I'd join in and made a comment on his HUGE bald spot. Lyle and Lyle's Mom and Brother laughed. I said "how'd you like that verbal upper-cut?".Then I layed into him with some verbal jabs about his chronic-alcoholism.Lyle's Mom quickly interjected by lecturing me about how Boxing-Day did not have aaaannnyyy-thing to do with Boxing, physical or verbal. She then went on with some snore about church donations and this-and-that. What I thought was a great idea for a holiday, just pulled a one-eighty. For some reason though, Lyle's dad continued to call me Sugar-Ray for the rest of the evening. What the HECK kind of thing is that to call a GUEST in your house!?What's next, Honey-Bottom?Candy-Striper?Cinderella-Man!?He was probably just drunk.

In Conclusion, I blame the turn-out of this evening on my own Dad.Since he doesn't allow me on the computer all that much, it didn't allow me the time to do the proper research. I might have to invest in a book on Canadian customs so this won't happen again.They have this Thanks-Giving prequel type thing that I don't want to get embarrassed about either.Pfffft.Those Canadians LOL!Whatever, leave me alone.My dog ran away and you should stop reading this and go help me find him you lazy Americans.Later.

howardtuttleman.com

Boxing Day, a One-sided View
While Jeff Wells does an excellent job capturing the tenor of the times he does Tommy Burns a grave disservice in treating him as the bad guy of his story, and Johnson the great hero. Burns could have done what previous holders of the heavyweight championship had done, and flatly refused to give Johnson a shot at the title. But, unlike the others, he allowed Johnson, a black man, his big chance. It was Johnson who turned his back on his race and denied similar opportunities to Sam Langford, Joe Jeannette, and Sam McVea. Jack Johnson was a talented fighter, but not much of a human being.

Required reading.
As I am not a fan of this journalist, I must admit I was a bit prejudiced when it came to reading this book. Credit where credit is due though, this book is very good. It reveals an insight into the world as it was in the early part of the 20th Century and especially Australia, the scene of the Burns - Johnson World Heavyweight title fight in 1908.The author brings to light the personalities of these two boxers and how the public reacted to these personalities at varying times.Overall it is a well-balanced and entertaining read. ... Read more

Product Description
This guide to the finer points of boxing provides the wisdom needed to make the transition from enthusiastic beginner to proficient pugilist. The ABCs of ring generalship, offensive and defensive ring movements, feints, and draws and fakes are examined and explained along with clinching techniques, head-hunting, body work, and counter-punching chains. Strategies for boxing against tall and short opponents as well as for a variety of fighting styles such as charger, speed-demon, stick-and-move, and slugger and brawler are discussed in detail. Specific drills focus on sophisticated ring stratagems such as throwing complex combinations, cutting off the ring, fighting off the ropes, generating power, and cornering an opponent are included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Good basic book to start.
A good basic book. There is no book that will be completly comprehensive in the skill of boxing, and no one will learn boxing until you actually get trained under a boxing coach, put on gloves, and get in the ring with another fighter. This is not to say that you can not learn and understand some of the principals and science involved by reading. It does make sense to some of the training and I recommend any student to read everything and talk with everyone. This is a good basic book.

An excellent basic guide to how to box by a master martial artist.
I find it interesting reading all the previous comments about this book.One wonders if reason, logic and objectivity are lost concepts for some people. I also wonder if everyone is reading the same book.I have read and written reviews on most of this author's previous books, as well as his DVDs.This particular volume covers the basic principles of boxing.True, some of the photographs were not clear, but I found the instructions easy to follow.As a life time student of the martial arts, I found this book helpful and informative.The various drills and suggestions are for the most part solid.I do not believe anyone can learn a fighting art completely by just reading a book. However, using this book in combination with real hands-on training under a boxing coach will produce excellent results.In conclusion, this book is for anyone interested in boxing. If one has an open mind, one can learn something of value from almost any martial arts book.Rating: 5 Stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Shotokan Karate Self-Defense Techniques: Combat Karate for the street, Wakizashi-Jutsu, Tanto-Jutsu, Martial Art Myths, Season of the Warrior, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton advanced techniques, Never trust a Politician).

A Simple, Knockout Delivery...
The beauty of boxing is its simplistic utility within a combative environment.With the proper adaptations, boxing skills and attributes can be applied in a sporting arena or in a non-sporting, combative altercation, equally.

This exceptionally detailed book of advanced boxing applications is, obviously, not for the beginner.But for the man or woman with a working understanding of the essential fundamentals of this pugilistic science, there are endless combinations, deceptive tactics and advanced maneuvering presented in an easy to access and comprehend black and white photo-format.

Once again, Mark Hatmaker has demonstrated his in-depth mastery of the Western Martial Arts Tradition, with yet another well-designed and easy to use manual, covering the more advanced applications of stances and guards, footwork, bobbing, weaving, and slipping blows.

He continues with the necessary nuances for generating true knock-out power, beating punches, and defensive applications within the boxing repertoire.Hatmaker stresses throughout this manual's training instructions that the practitioner must, first and foremost, focus on the correct form when executing techniques.And that it is this correct, repetitive practice, which leads one toward faster and faster expressions of said techniques.

Other concepts and skills fully demonstrated include developing an elusive offensive capacity through body movements, superior positioning and precision striking skills, as well as offering some rather rarely seen advance Ringmanship advice, should one want to make an adventure into such a competitive arena.

It's never boring for me to pick up one of Hatmaker's manuals, and just start to read it, as there will always be something new to learn, no matter how masterful or experienced we might believe our own skills to be.There is a wealth of information in this book that will serve the serious practitioner of boxing for many active years to come.

The Team of Doug Werner of TRACKS Publishing, and Mark Hatmaker, have managed to produce some very nice "gems" in this highly competitive book-publishing market of martial arts.This book of BOXING MASTERY can, likewise, be added to the list.

Rev. A. Bodhi Chenevey, RM, DD
Hikaze Learning Corner:
Home of the new DIVERSIFIED COMBAT ARTS & SCIENCES curriculum

A Must Have.
The diagrams throughout make it easy to understand, as do the explanations. I like that the book covers a lot of forgotten about or rather, rare forms-punches-and combos. The training techniques aren't bad either.

Good Boxing Instruction Book
Boxing Mastery is a very thorough instruction guide to boxing: its footwork,punch combinations, principles and physics. It is clearly written, well-illustrated with photographs and sound in its thinking. Like a good step by step workout in gym with a knowing old trainer. One of the the best boxing instruction books I've ever seen. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

an excellent read
I've been a boxing fan for 2 decades and have always wanted a book that encompasses the history of the Irish in boxing. Well, I picked up this book 2 weeks ago and can happily say that it was everything I hoped it would be. It's easy to read and full of fun information and facts.

The book does have a couple flaws, though. No.1, on page 222 the author says that Harry Greb "beat" Mike O'Dowd. In fact, it was O'Dowd who was given the newspaper decision over Greb(one of the few Harry ever lost).

No.2, on pages 177-178 the author describes race riots in 1860s New York, painting pictures of lynchings and mutilations in horrific detail. This was fine until he went on to suggest that John L. Sullivan, who was an admitted racist, would have approved of the actions of the murderous mobs! This is outrageous and purely speculation. Sullivan's rhetoric may have been anti-black but his actions sometimes betrayed otherwise. He had great admiration for the great black bantamweight George Dixon and on more than one occasion toured the country with him, dining and drinking with the man they called "Little Chocolate". Hardly the actions of a man who would approve of the murder of innocent black people, don't you think?

Other than that bit of silliness, the book was first rate and I highly recommend it.

ADDENDUM: After further research I've discovered that the press was split down the middle on the Greb-O'Dowd fight. In fact many of the sportswriters who favored Greb were from O'Dowd's hometown, so it's generally considered that Greb shaded him by a small margin. ... Read more