Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Needs to be updated
This book appears just as it had in 1974.There appear to be no updates.Some of the references are outdated.Also, I was expecting some of the finer points of boxing to be discussed.No such luck.The book is more of an overview.Newer books go into far greater detail about things like weight transfer and such.It was cheap and a quick read but skip this one.

Classic
Readers may be taken aback by the simplicity of the techniques; however, they are extremely effective.Floyd Patterson was a terrific boxer.Muhammad Ali modified his techniques by moving around more.Imagine getting in the ring with either of these guys.Although Floyd Patterson had a different style than Joe Louis or Max Schmelling his training style in here is the same.I would love to see a Joe Louis, Max Schmelling, Muhammad Ali or Rocky Marciano get in the ring with these ultimate fighter guys.Although the brazilian fighting style of ultimate fighters is very effective, they wouldn't last one round with any of these boxing greats.We live in a naive generation that is impressed by these moronic thugs.They aren't that tough.These boxing greats are tough.Not one of them could take the punishment Max Schmelling could absorb.Not many of them could catch up to Ali.Not any of them could handle the punches of Louis or Marciano.And not any of them could last two seconds with Floyd Patterson.

A Class Act-Floyd Patterson
Floyd Patterson's book is less of a guide for boxers than it is reflection of a man who put others above himself. His kindness, restraint and humility are what youth today should aspire to rather than emulate the big mouthed thugs that came after him. ... Read more

Product Description
Ken Regan was a young photographer in 1964 when he covered Muhammad Ali's first fight: his historic victory over Sonny Liston in Miami Beach. Afterward, the young photographer embarked on a life-long love affair with the sport of boxing.

For the next four decades, Regan would go on to chronicle the greatest fights and the greatest fighters of the age. His extraordinary photogrpaphs include many of the most enduring images ever created in the annals of boxing, as well as portraits of notable trainers, managers, promoters, writers, and the whole panoply of celebrities associated with the sport. Featuring some of the greatest ring action in boxing history, Knockout takes us from sparring sessions and press conferences to weigh-ins and post-fight sessions.

Knockout also features Regan's compelling stories and firsthand accounts of his amazing photographic journey into the heart of boxing. Beginning with his early magazine work shooting prizefights and throughout the following decades, Regan developed close personal friendships with some ofthe greatest fighters. Regan captures intimate moments showing fighters with their families at home and on the road. With numerous black-and-white and color images, many of them seen here for the first time, Knockout is destined to be one of the most celebrated books ever published on the subject of boxing.

Foreword by Norman Mailer, preface by Budd Schulberg, afterword by Chris Murray. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

It's a Knockout
Sublime photos.
Insightful writing.
A must have for any Boxing fan.

It's such a large book and it is only fitting as the photos are glorious.

a STUNNING presentation of great photos by a GREAT photographer!
I have been noticing the name Ken Regan next to some of the greatest photos I've seen during my half century of living and wasn't surprised when flipping through the pages of this book to see his name on the cover. I recently bought the book and the print quality matches the photographic efforts. This is truly a "coffee table" book. If you are a fan of boxing..and some of the greats of the era from the 60's through 80's you should LOVE IT as I do.

Beautiful collection of pix
This is a fantastic collection of pictures from one of the great photographers of our time.Even if you're not a fan of the sweet science, it's a perfect gift for someone who is.

Wonderful book!
Bought this as a Christmas gift for my hard-to-shop-for Dad - he loves it!He couldn't put it down and has been showing it off to everyone who comes to his house.Highly recommend for all boxing fans!

Undisputed heavyweight champion of the world
Ken Regan is the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World!

Absolutely brilliant photographs. A magnificent book.

A "Must Buy" for any fight - or photo - fans.

Lincoln Russell ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

The Boxing Club as Ghetto Sanctuary
I met John Sugden in 1997 whilst he was guest lecturing at De Montfort University on FIFA and ethnographic research methods.John is a sport sociologist at the University of Brighton.His three case studies of boxing gyms were conducted during his stays at the University of Hartford, Belfast, and Cuba.

His comparative ethnographic approach to these case studies reveals that boxing clubs are sanctuaries for inner city youth.Almost as if these boxers were Shaolin monks, the drug dealers and gangs have an unwritten code in their conduct toward boxers that allows boxers to concentrate on their craft.In addition to insights on boxing and prize-fighting are revelatory examples of Sudgen's participant observation research techniques, which call to mind the likes of Jack D. Douglas and perhaps Elliot Liebow.

Students of Anthropology and Sociology should find this volume to be very useful to conducting their own field research, as well as providing a sound example of writing up results.An intriguing book on a neglected sport topic, this book will be useful to all who are writing a thesis or dissertation based on social research.

A prize-winner
This book was recently (1998) recognized by the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport as the best book of the year. ... Read more

Product Description
With informative but accessible text, the sport is brought to life. An indepth look at the sport, from its history and beginnings to the modern game, how it's played, who plays it and the rules that govern it. Packed with facts, stats and full-colour photographs, this is the essential guide. ... Read more

Product Description
In choosing his one hundred best boxers, Patrick Myler has cast aside any consideration of titles. The only criterion is that every man had the mark of greatness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

No Strib ?
Good book, but the lack of an entry for William 'Young' Stribling is amazing. Stribling is still nr. 2 on the all-time knockout list, with 124 KOs in his pro career (second only to Archie Moore), and yet, is nohwere in this book (?!). Stribling is known as one of the best boxers in history, and had the best feint of all boxers. I just can't understand why he is not in the book. He had something like 255 total fights, and fought Max Schmelling.

Is it Just Me, or is the research Just a bit Barren in this Book?
And the British flavor is a bit too heavy for my likes.

Naseem Hamed, John Conteh, Nigel Benn Randy Turpin and Len Harvey are top 100 material but Tony Zale, Luis Rodriquez and Antoinio Cervantes are Not? YIKES!How does Ken Buchanan merit 6 pages for his biography and Carlos Monzon merit 2?

Larry Holmes's title reign (7 years, 20 defenses) is summed up in a paragraph and only ONE title challenger is mentioned: Gerry Cooney.In essence, Larry's career is described as such:

"Holmes beat Earnie Shavers in a title elimination bout and then had to face Ken Norton with a bum arm. After defeating Norton, Larry defended against Gerry Cooney and then in a dispute with Don King he dropped his WBC belt, but carried reconition under the IBf flag. After two losses to Spinks, and disparaging remarks to Marciano, Holmes retire only to return to be ko's by Mike Tyson."

At one point in time in Holmes career, he was 48-0, 32 by Ko with 20 title defenses. And essentially ONE title defense is discussed?Sheesh.

However if you want to read some details on Naseem Hamed's 12th professional fight with Vincenzo Belcastro, you can.

Vanilla writing, No new stones unturned and a poor/biased selection of fighters make this book rather forgetable.

A Bert Randolph Sugar, Mr. Myler is NOT.

Hawk

One Great Century
One Great Century

This is a perfect book for the boxing enthusiast.

It's Patrick Myler's pick for the top 100 best boxers of this last century.

This is one of those books where even the introduction is worthy of note.

He gives a few pages of info for each fighter - starting with interesting statistics - nicknames, titles won, birthplace and date - and won loss record. He also briefly describes each fighter's career and life.

As he himself says any list of a specific number of greatest is bound to leave out some and at least stir up some controversy. This book comes pretty close though, but you'll need to decide.

At the end - he gives his top 10 list - THAT'S tricky business.

It's a great book to read from cover to cover or just skim to find out info on your favorites or a fighter you're not familiar with. Luckily each "chapter" is in alphabetical order and is listed as such on the contents - so it's easy to find a fighter.

The one thing that everyone can agree upon is that it's been one great century!

A well-researched book on the top boxers of the century
It is hard to dispute Muhammad Ali's claim to be 'the Greatest', but he is just edged off the top spot by Sugar Ray Robinson in the opinion of Patrick Myler, author of A Century of Boxing Greats. Myler states: 'Some say thereis no such thing as the perfect fighter, but Robinson came as close to itas makes no difference.

The author admits that his choice of the 100 bestfighters of the century will provoke arguments, just as the '100 bestanything' is ultimately down to personal opinion.

They appear to be thereall: Bob Fitzsimmons, the first triple titleholder in history, is there andso are present greats, like Oscar De La Hoya, Roy Jones and other toptalents of today.

As well as providing potted histories of his top 100,including details of titles won, nick names, career records, Myler givedinteresting background information on their lives outside the ring.

In myview A Century of Boxing Greats is a great read and a most valuablereference book.

Niels Thorsen,

Boxing Research Corner ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in 1967, Pa Kua was the West’s first look into the esoteric Chinese martial arts. It has been a valued and sought after text ever since. It was put out of print in the 1970’s, but since that time interest in the martial arts have continued to skyrocket.

Pa Kua gives an introduction to the little known mystical martial art from China, Pa Kua Chang (also known as Ba Gua Zhang), translated as "Eight Trigram Boxing". Smith describes its history, profiles its great practitioners and gives a series of unique exercises, illustrating the solo practice and their fighting applications. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

A good basic guide to this Chinese self-defense art.
Though I was primarily involved in the Japanese martial arts, I did study Tai-Chi and a little Kung-Fu.I found this book interesting when I purchased it in 1970.This provides a basic history, philosophy and origin of this Kung-Fu system.It also covers the basic eighteen exercises of Pa-Kua, as well as the main principles of this Chinese boxing art.The photographs are clear but I do not believe you can really learn this art by just reading thisbook.If you are studing this King-Fu system this book can help to clarify the movements your instructor has taught you. In conclusion, this book is of value for those who are studying with a Pa-Kua teacher.Rating:4 Stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author:Martial Art Myths, Season of the Warrior, Never Trust a Politician, Shotokan Karate Self-Defense Techniques: Combat Karate for the street, Tano-Jutsu Manual, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques).

Good but Vague
This work was pretty good, and is really valuable for someone who wants to know this form.However, the book is vague, with almost no photographs until the form.There are no applications, which I wanted so bad.The book is also very short.Overall, It's pretty good. However, it doesn't compare to his first work on Hsing-I quan.

Pa-Kua book is good!
As a relatively new student of Pa-Kua, I found Mr. Smith's book to be a good introductory text to this wonderful and complex internal style. While he does offer a very good history of Pa-Kua, my only criticism would be that he has a bit too many picturesand not quite enough explanatory text for a book of this size. I would like to know more about the purpose of each movement and less images, since I don't think one can actually learn a martial art via a book alone,but I do think that one can glean valuable insights form the author's experience, and that knowledge, combined with a good teacher, can help one learn this fascinating art more efficiently.

Reprint of the now classic book
This is a reprint of the now over 30 year old classic that was the first book written by a westerner on this still obscure art. Pa Kua, or the "art of overkill," as it's sometimes called, is still much less known than its sister arts tai chi and hsing i.

After a brief into, some taoist philosophy (such as a brief explanation of the I Ching, and how it relates to pa kua), Smith gives a brief account of the history of the art before getting into the actual techniques. The introduction also includes some delightful stories about the adventures and exploits of some of the most famous masters.

There are two main basic technique sections, one presenting 18 basic movements, and a Forms and Functions chapter of 20 techniques shown with a partner that demostrate the applications. These include hand and foot strikes, traps, takedowns, and throws.

Smith then provides an excellent commentary on how to practice and some do's and don'ts. They're detailed, and at a high level of sophistication in terms of the theory, including much practical advice such as how to relax, how to breathe, how to prepare your mind, and so on. Another important point is that the pa kua techniques are not so much techniques in the traditional sense so much as concepts that manifest change according to the principles of the I Ching. If you understand these and internalize them then your progress will be great. The comments in this section are worth the price of the book by themselves.

Finally, the unique classical circling exercise is presented with a couple of variations thrown in the good measure. These are shown by Paul Kuo, one of Smith's teachers in Taiwan and a famous pa kua master who I had heard of for some years before I saw him demonstrating the form in this book.

I had just one or two final comments about this unique art. The evasive and circling skills of a true pa kua master are formidable and I once had the opportunity to spar with one and see them for myself. I being an advanced karate practitioner, and very big, strong, and fast at the time and the pa kua master being 20 years older and much smaller, I felt he was no match for me in terms of strength and that I had the advantage as far as "duking it out" and trading punches and kicks went.

However, I never got the chance to do that. The master would quickly disappear behind me as soon as I moved toward him. His evasive skills were truly a delight to see and I came away with a new respect and appreciation for this unusual art which is still rarely seen even in China.

the circular art of ba gua
This book presents the first descriptions in English of bagua methods transmitted by Zhang Juen-feng to the Hung family of Taipei. The Hung school became renouned and feared for their fighting prowess, so I agree fully with the previous 5-star reviews. Although such forms are posited on a line, there are many spirals and circles inherent to the movements as well, and the system does include a related set of circle walking and circular changes passed down from Zhang. So bagua is circular - true enough - and the author takes things to that level, as exemplified in the circling method of Paul Guo (along with footnotes on Wang Shu-chin, another peerless fighter; just ask the Japanese who met him). Mr Guo was a municipal police officer, also skilled in xing-yi, whose bagua was based on that of Sun Lu-tang. The book does not provide details on the many fighting functions inherent to the circular changes for reasons of time and space and those given by the author himself (i.e., linear methods more easy to grasp for Westerners at the time). Think about it. Given his vast experience, it is unlikely that the author would take the time to learn and publish a method that was devoid of fighting applications. In fact, he showed many of them in his regular classes, and importantly, also taught principles on how to look for other applications. Times being what they are today, it should be no problem for the uninitiated and perplexed to find someone also skilled at the circling methods in order to lend a convincing hand. But first, give the book a fair shake, try some of the methods, and then go out and find a teacher to help you along. Respectfully, even if you are an undefeated mixed-martial arts champion, a thorough study of these practices will surely improve your skill level and definitely change your outlook on these arts. ... Read more

Product Description
Distilling the martial art known in the West as kung fu, Robert Smith presents Chinese boxing (ch’uan shu) as an art “that combines the hardness of a wall and the softness of a butterfly’s wings.” His lively, pragmatic account conveys the discipline and insights acquired in ten years of study and travel in Asia. Smith describes his work with t’ai chi master Cheng Man-ch’ing, and connects ch’uan shu with the softer aspects and inner power of that popular practice. Fifty black and white photos illustrate this informative and personal account of the Chinese boxing tradition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Chinese Boxing
Excellent book!Numerous fascinating characters.Reading about Smith living in Taiwan and searching these guys out to get to train and learn from them was very interesting.Throughout my own experience reading the book I would continually confront myself with the fact that I was stationed in Taichung in the mid-70s and many of these individuals would have been there at that very time while I was completely oblivious to it.

This extremely interesting book presents just what the title promises: it discusses the masters; it discusses the methods.(It helps clarify the use of some terms, too.)You also get, in numerous instances, the 'family tree' as it pertains to who was trained by this master, who was trained by that one, and so on.These martial artists are often so different from each other as well.You get the guy who looks like an athlete gone to seed, complete with booze and smokes, who hurts you even when he's pulling his punches along with the 120-pounder that you can't move when you are "pushing hands."

If you are interested in the subject, you will definitely like the book!

Interesting read, although lacking in accuracy.
The author's information on Shuai Chiao is errant. He states that "Shuai Chiao is defective in that sweeps are not in it's repertoire", I would offer that Master "Shang" (I think he is refering to late Grandmaster Ch'ang Tung-sheng) only taught him a limited number of Shuai Chiao techniques.Shuai Chiao is indeed a complete system, teaching kicks, sweeps, joint locking, punches and throws, emphasis on throwing.As for Shuai Chiao not "evolving", as a complete martial art, there is no evolving that needs to take place.In regards to Shuai Chiao's effectiveness against Judo, I can state from first hand experience (I trained in Judo for 8 years while living in Japan and participated in numerous Judo competitions) that Shuai Chiao is very effective against even the most senior of Judoka, and can be preformed just as effectively in a Judo gi as the tighter fitting short sleeved Shuai Chiao jacket.
In fact the technique I found MOST effective against Judoka was the Shuai Chiao leg sweeping technique "jian twei".

Sifu Bryan Baskett
1989 U.S. Middle Weight National Champion - Shuai Chiao

Pretty good
The book is o.k. I guess.It is quite interesting although a bit superficial.The biggest regret is that the author concentrates his studies almost exclusively on internal northern systems, mostly Hsing I, Bagua and Tai Chi.Apart from that, it's quite an entertaining book if you are interested in the subject of Chinese martial arts masters.

Superb
The author, a US government employee, arrived in Taiwan when that nation's government was extremely grateful to the US. He was given introductions to many of the leading Chinese martial artists of the time, and took up every one -- adding what they had to teach him to what he had learned earlier in the US and during a posting in Japan. Virtually all of the masters he describes in the book are dead and no longer available for interview. His accounts of what he saw, heard and experienced can never be matched, and Asian principles of loyalty to a single master mean that nobody other than he was able to study as widely from the leading teachers of the day. The more you learn personally about Chinese boxing, the better this book shows itself to be. For those on the first steps of this study, the book's a profound inspiration.

Biased and arrogant!
Once I finished reading this book, Robert W Smith made a really terrible impression as both an individual, a writer and a martial artist. He writes and communicates in an arrogant and conceted manner. However his book on Baguazhang was a lot better. This book is a waste of money, though you will find out what one American thinks, if that is what you want. His attitudes about chinese martial arts on Taiwan and on China are biased. He just seems to really dislike China.

... Read more

Product Description
In the tradition of Sports Shorts and Golf Shorts, Liebman knocks 'em out again with this latest collection of hilarious one-liners related to boxing. Here are some of the sport's funniest quips, slams, jokes, and witticisms from the likes of George Foreman, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Don King, Sugar Ray Leonard, and many others. ... Read more

Product Description

Boxing's greatest trainer reveals all

"The book is written in a highly conversational tone, and by the end the reader will know precisely what it is like to listen to the Bill Walsh of boxing hold court on the exotic art of the cornerman."
--New York Times Book Review

"[H]ere's one for the fans: an as-close-up-as-you-can-get view of boxing's biggest, baddest personalities and poundings."
-Men's Journal

"The teaming of esteemed boxing trainer Angelo Dundee and Bert Randolph Sugar, perhaps the best boxing writer around, produces a lively and insightful look at professional boxing in the second half of the 20th century… His fascinating portraits of Ali, Leonard and Foreman make this a terrific read."
--Library Journal

"This book's appeal lies in Dundee's colorful and punchy personality, as he enlivens the prose with entertaining, Yogi Berra-like jokes, tautologies and euphemisms. It's no surprise that Dundee helped Ali develop his famous rhymes."
--Publishers Weekly

Angelo Dundee was named Manager of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association in 1968 and 1979. In 1994 he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He continues to train boxers and has acted as ringside commentator for many televised fights.

Bert Randolph Sugar is the most recognized and well-known boxing writer in history. The former editor of Ring Magazine and Boxing Illustrated and publisher of Fight Game magazine, he has written dozens of books on boxing and is a regular ESPN sports analyst. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

A Proper Boxing Book
After reading so many shallow biographies or books by fighters that have achieved very little it is a refreshing pleasure to come accross Angelo Dundee's book.

This book covers boxing from the 50's to the end of George Foremna's secoond comeback around the mid 90's and is a pleasure to read.

Dundee aided by brother Chris virtually hustled himself into boxing and the sport seemed to have so much character in those early days.

The vision of Glessons gym described almost allows you to smell sweat from the pages of the book as a motley bunch of characters that hang around the gym are described that range from match fixing hoodlums to wannabe fighters.It is a good introduction to the book.

Ali's career is covered in depth and although this account is not of the quality of Thomas Hausers book, the insight from the corner provided by Angelo Dundee gives this account its own appeal.

The strengths and weaknesees of the opponents are considered in the detail that only a trainer could, especially one so thorough in his research as Dundee. The problem with Ali's career is that it has been so well documented that there are few suprises but Angelo provides one of the better acounts that I have read.

I found the section on Sugar Ray Leonard the best in the book and was suprised by the off hand treatment that Angelo recieved from Leonard's legal team.

Whereas Ali improved his terms of employment with Dundee, the Leonard team renaged on previous agreements and were run like a faceless cooportation.

Leonard was quite happy to go along with the flow and never stood up for his trainer. The fights with Duran, Hearns and Hagler were well covered and again the benefits of Angelo's experience offered new insights.

The book closes with George Foremeans second career and him recapturing the world title at 46 - This has historical significance but is not covered in the same depth as the other two boxers. Again Angelo identified and exposed a weakness in Michael Moorer and all George had to do was wait for the moment. Not unlike Manny Stewart tutored Oliver McCall against Leonnox Lewis in 1994.

All in all a good read for boxing fans.

very good book
Great information and back stories, I liked this book a lot.
The bookseller was prompt and the used book was in very good shape.

A Nice Book
OK, maybe 1 star isn't exactly fair, but this really could have been a THE boxing book.After-all, Dundee has been at the heart of boxing for 60 years.He must have seen and heard sooooooo much more than is in this book.

Sure there are some interesting anecdotes, and cute stories but there is nothing insightful or revelatory.He goes to great pains to make sure no dirt is spread on anyone.I mean, he doesn't even address the issue of a Ali continuing to fight with certified brain damage.The only mention of his first hand encounters with the ever present mob is when he said 'hello' to Carbo at a restaurant.And when an interesting tidbit slips through the filters nothing comes of it.Like when he mentions in passing that everyone in Buster Douglas' camp was terrified of Douglas.It would have been nice to know why and what happened.

The depth of story telling is on par with what you would hear on Jonathan Ross or Jay Leno.

So I guess my one star comes from my huge disappointment that the book has been so thoroughly neutered and sanitized.

Not as good as "Facing Ali" but an entertaining read
Plenty of info on the life of a man in the center of the boxing world for many years. Well written and a fun read, but overall I enjoyed "Facing Ali" more.

My View from the Corner
An excellent bio from Angelo Dundee...a slice of the times,insight and history of prominent past boxers (Ali, Basilio, Frazier, Liston,et al),that can never be found anywhere else. Just outstanding! J.Boylan ... Read more

Product Description
Before there was Ultimate Fighting, men like Jay C. Champ Thomas made their livings beating each other senseless and occasionally dying in the ring.Thomas is an American legend.Beginning in 1923, his career as a boxer, wrestler and boombattler spanned nearly six decades!A veteran of over 10,000 bouts, Thomas successfully defended himself against some of the world's fiercest aggressors.Now he shares his secrets with those who wish to study the real manly arts.Thomas uses a panoply of tricks and punches only to defend himself against unscrupulous fighters, and he cautions against employing them recklessly.In order to defend oneself, it's important to know all of the distateful options that can be brought into play. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

it's real
It's real. Do alot of freeze framing on championship fights and you will notice the top tranked boxers usings these techniques with skill. Usually the outlaw punches are done very quick and in the middle of a blindingly fast combination, as they are very hard to pick up, even in slow motion. You have to freeze frame, like when Buster douglas knocked out Mike Tyson, he did a crushing uppercut, then finished "iron" mike off with an elbow to the head and the old 1 - 2 to make it look good. These tactics are so smooth, even professional commentators, referees, and judges don't know they happened. This book doesn't concentrate on low blows and other obvious lawbreakers, but uses deception. Glove laces are tapped up in regular matches, but are not in amateur bouts and sparring, so that is a great tip to look out for. GH

A funny read...
This book is more or less a waste of time in terms of reading it as non-fiction... however, it has emense entertainment value.It reads very smoothly and Champ's braggadocio can't help but make you crack a smile.The guy's hilarious!The meat of the text could easily be summarized in a page or two, but Champ goes on to weave tales of how he came to learn the deadly arts within and how he used these forbidden techniques when angered beyond reason... I'm sorry, but it's really very funny (tears are running down my face as I write this)!

As a resource, I honestly can't recommend this book and would probably give it only 1 star... but because of the lack of entertaining boxing fiction out there, I can recommend you borrow it at least to check it out.Good stuff, if read in the right light!

Good for the ring but not the street
Champ Thomas book gives a good overview of the dirty tricks that one may encounter in a boxing ring but I cannot see how one might encounter them, or use them, in a streetfight.The author's war stories add some spice tothe book however and readers will get a feeling of nostalgia from the typeof politicaly incorrect language he uses.

The title should be: Back to the ooooooooolllllddddddd days!
I am an active boxer myself and this book is rather ridiculous and amusing than anything else! It starts with the fact that that guy and his little *tricks* refer to a time where i have still be fluent, and im 21. Stufflike: "Scratch your opponents face with the ropes of yourgloves"...uhm: Mr. Thomas...today the part of the gloves where the"ropes" are gets covered with tape! Then most of his punches arebasically the same. The whole book could be done in 5 pages! His littlestories are pretty boring and one feels like sitting at a table with a guywho wont stop telling you what a damn hard guy he's been and yaddayadda...simply never stops talking about his past and all! *yawwwn* TheKILLER PUNCHES are actually not really executable in a ring...first of all:The motion you have to do is too slow! The opponent will hit you before youcan do that lil *miss, pull back, and hit him with the outside of theglove* thingy...pathetic! Second: Most of the punches will definately NOTbe tolerated by ANY official in the ring! I mean: sure...go for theshot...perhaps you are lucky and do knock him out, just dont be surprisedif you get disqualified! Seriously...the techniques and tricks he describesin that book reminds me of a "low budget production" where theguy gets a bottle dragged across his skull and 10 guys attack that onehardass one after the other...life is NOT like that. A glass bottle breaksyour face and 10 guys attack you all at once! Same with the book...realityis different! If a punch takes almost 2 seconds your opponent has rippedyou apart in the mean time and the ring official is NOT blind! So, sorrypal...that book sucks!If you are interested in boxing and some hardpunches: do NOT buy this book, but train hard and be hard in the ring! Take care and keep it real... ...singing off with with a jab, jab,uppercut, hook combination from the city of guts and balls,Mad Dawg

Mike Tyson Must Have Read This Book
One of the dirty tricks that "Champ" Thomas mentions in his book is the arm trap. Anyone who saw Mike Tyson fight Francois Botha knows that. at the end of round one, Tyson trapped Botha's arm in exactly the same wayThomas recommends, with the intention of breaking it. Ear bites are theonly thing missing from this book. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

One of 2 best boxing books I have read
I have read 5-6 boxing books over the past 5 years. I have bought many boxing DVD's. This is the best boxing book I have read: insightful, well written, cliche free. This offers a very reasonable review of the strengths and weaknesses of boxing heavyweights. As a aside: this is much more informative and well written than the books by Bert Sugar.

No new ground but still a good book.
This is a rather enjoyable book.Its not meant to be a blockbuster or reveal any new ground breaking information regarding the fighters.It's basically a nice picture book about boxing that can be thrown on your coffee table.The pictures are very nice quality.The information about the fighters is more a "cliff's notes" version of the division.Its the equivalent to a piece of bubble gum to the boxing fan.

Outstanding history of the heavyweight division with a twist
This is one of the finest books I've ever read on the history of heavyweight boxing.What really propels it from the realms of the mundane are two traits that are as follows.

Firstly the prominence given to pre-Louis black fighters who partly through their own talents (ie no one wanted to square up to them) but mostly due to American racism were never given the opportunity to compete for the crown.And arguably they were so superior to other boxers of their day, that it's likely that the history of boxing might have been radically different had they had that chance.It's great to see Pete Jackson, Sam Langford and Harry Wills finally get their dues.

The second thing to recommend this book is the warts-and-all approach that Evans takes.I get so tired of reading how these guys were killers in the ring but gentlemen outside.Not true!Boxers are rough, hard men and it's refreshing to read a book that doesn't attempt to air-brush them and instead reveal all the squalid ugliness and prejudice that enveloped them.On the downside, I do get the impression though that Evans is digging for dirt slightly and going for sensationalism somewhat.For example, Dempsey is quoted as having said that Schmeling's victory over The Brown Bomber was a great validation for the white man and yet I have copies of The Ring from that era (between the two Louis-Schmeling bouts) where Dempsey is simply gushing over Joe, stating that Louis shouldn't get disheartened by his loss.

The most annoying thing about Kings Of The Ring, though, is the lack of proofreading.There are some scandalous errors such as attributing Liston-Patterson II to 1967 instead of 1963 and for this reason I cannot recommend it to a total newcomer.However, provided you know your facts already, this is a fine read that I'm already referring to over and over.And Evans' final paragraph on Tyson is a fitting and eloquent swansong to the man who could have been Dempsey, Louis and Marciano combined had he reined in his darker impulses.That paragraph is worth the price of admission alone.

A very nice history of the Heavyweight Champions
This book is never going to be ground-breaking as there has been so much written about the Heavies of the years. One thing that attracted me greatly was the use of rare photos that I hadn't seen before.

The stories on Harry Wills and Sam Langford were much appreciated as they were both overlooked in so many books.

A glossy and enjoyable book, recommended.

kings of the ring
I must admit I picked up `Kings of the Ring' with a little trepidation. I like my sports books to be correct in every detail as well as sparkling and original, and I was concerned this might be coffee table fare - great on pictures but light on text. I found myself extremely pleasantly surprised.



The book is broken up into chapters on all the heavyweight champions and a few who never won universal recognition, from the bareknuckle days to the present, and yet it manages a seamlessly coherent narrative. In the early 20th century, for example, the theme is one of white (mainly Irish-American) men striving to the top while battling to keep African Americans out of the loop. This allows the author, Gavin Evans, to delve deeper than any other I have read into the lives of some of the great fighters who were frozen out of the title race (Peter Jackson, Sam Langford and Harry Wills) and also to look at the failings of the great champions with an unblinking eye.



He clearly admires many of these men and the way they fought, but he never allows that to blind him to their many faults. As he writes in his introduction, "In retrospect their flaws probably seem more remarkable than in their own airbrushed times: the extreme racism of most of the early white gloved champions, the violence against women and other men, the greed, the stupidity, the links with organised crime, the alcohol and the drugs." All of this is exposed without recourse to euphemism or, indeed, for hyperbole and in some cases the picture that emerges is genuinely shocking. For example, I was raised to think of Jack Dempsey as a sweetheart outside the ring as much as he was a killer inside the ropes, but, sadly, this book presents a very different picture of the man: a violent, racist, bully for much of his life. Jack Johnson, Joe Louis and even Rocky Marciano also emerge more flawed, or rather more rounded, than the bowdlerised versions of their lives I'd previously encountered.



Despite all this, Evans clearly adores the old heroes - as much for their flaws as for their assets - and he lovingly provides vivid details of their fights and their lives as champions. In the end, though, he emerges as something of a modernist, taking the view that boxing, like every other sport, has moved on. He ends by predicting, tongue presumably not too far from cheek, that in 50 years time we'll be saying: "Ah, Tyson, Holyfield, Lewis, Klitschko - they don't make them like that any more."



So, definitely worth a cover-to-cover read and on top of that the pictures are truly wonderful. I've been following boxing for many moons but most of the pictures of the old champions were ones I'd never seen before, and they include contemporary cartoons and other illustrations. Highly recommended. *****

... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

A gentleman C grade
This book 'reads' as if Mr. Sugar spoke into a recording device rather than actually writing the words. In other words, much of the book sounds like spoken rather than written words. Also, Mr. Sugar places some fighters at a ranking that is hard to understand. For example, Gene Tunney defeated Jack Dempsey twice and fought Harry Greb. Jack Dempsey was famously battered by Greb in sparring sessions, fought infrequently after becoming champion, did not fight black fighters. Yet Mr. Sugar places Dempsey ahead of Tunney. Ultimately the ranking of fighters is a difficult proposition, but consider that Mr. Sugar places Dempsey well ahead of Larry Holmes. Can you imagine the thoughts Mr. Dempsey might have had, if he looked across the ring and stared at Larry Holmes in his prime, rapier jab intact?

A decent book for new or casual fans of the "sweet science"
Bert Randolph Sugar, he of the everpresent fedora and unlit cigar, is one of the best known "talking heads" in the boxing media.He is articulate, writes well, and is very passionate about boxing, the greatest, truest, and purest of athletic competitions.However, he is more a boxing writer than a boxing historian, as is demonstrated by the fact that he believes (and promulgates) many of the myths that have floated around for years about this or that fighter without having bothering to check any primary sources to confirm these stories (Sugar relates many of these fairy tales in this book, but states them as fact, such as Willie Pep having won a round in a fight with Jackie Graves without having landed a single punch [Pep himself, in most of his accounts of the bout, said that he did, in fact, throw and land more than a few punches in that round], that Harry Greb's last name was Berg [Greb's birth certificate says otherwise], that Jack Dempsey broke Jess Willard's jaw in their 1919 battle [an injury that none of the reporters who interviewed Willard in the hours and days after the bout seemed to notice], that Greb broke Gene Tunney's nose with a headbutt in the first round of their first of five wars [Greb and many ringside reporters attributed the break to a left hook and Tunney himself stated that it was probably the result of a Greb right and definitely not from a butt], that Sam Langford gave Jack Johnson all he could handle in their fight [Langford admitted more than once that 'Lil Arthur had whipped him)], etc, etc).

More importantly, Sugar's understanding of boxing technique is good but not impressive, which is aptly illustrated whenever he demonstrates (and butchers) a technique that he is relating and by the fact that he rarely describes in great detail the particular TECHNIQUES that made this or that fighter effective, but, instead, waxes on the boxer's STYLE of fighting.For these reasons, it's hard to take his ranking of boxing's greatest fighters too seriously, especially since, like most boxing fans when they produce fighter rankings, he places far TOO MUCH weight in determining a fighter's "greatness" on the boxer's popularity, "historical importance"/legacy, the "name" fighters whom he fought, the number of titles that he won, etc and NOT ENOUGH weight on the fighter's willingness to take on all comers and his effectiveness against all of the basic boxing "styles" (e.g. outboxers, pressure fighters, stalkers, stick and movers, etc) and against opponents who possessed a certain skill or attribute to an exceptional degree (indeed, among the reasons why I do not place Sugar Ray Robinson - whom Bert Sugar and many others deem the best boxer pound-for-pound of all time - among the top five of MY all-time lb4lb list is the fact that he went to great lengths to avoid fighting good stick and movers [Robinson liked to be the matador] and legitimate powerpunchers [which should be obvious given that, despite fighting in the talent-rich 1940s & 50s, the hardest hitters that the Sugarman could boast of facing were Artie Levine and "blown-up" welterweight Rocky Graziano, who was well past his peak by the time he fought Sugar Ray - to get an idea of how many great punchers Robinson AVOIDED during this era, check out the list of opponents FOUGHT by Robinson's outstanding peer Charley Burley, whom Sugar Ray, of course, "ducked" - then again, if I were put on "queer street" by good but far from great hitters like Levine and Jimmy Doyle, I'd probably want to avoid thunderous punchers like Burley and Lloyd Marshall, too.)

Another problem with the book is that it is littered with typographical, grammatical, and factual errors (that is, the ones aside from the myths Mr. Sugar embraces).Furthermore, boxing fans who have read some of Sugar's other books will feel a sense of deja vu because he tends to recycle his best bon mots in most of his books.And, there is also the fact that Sugar, given the brevity of each of the boxer profiles, invariably relates the boxer's most famous fight or most well-known characteristic, which is beneficial to boxing "newbies" but boring for knowledgable fans.

All in all, BOXING'S GREATEST FIGHTERS is a decent enough book for new or "casual" boxing fans, but hardcore fans will not find it anything special (except to argue over Sugar's rankings).For the benefit of less knowledgable fans, I present the following list of great fighters whom Sugar did not include in his book: Eddie Booker, Fighting Harada, Frankie Genaro, Owen Moran, Jimmy Bivins, Fidel LaBarba, Billy Petrolle, Young Peter Jackson, Mysterious Billy Smith, Freddie Steele, Lloyd Marshall, Holman Williams, Michael Spinks, Jack Blackburn, & Lew Tendler.

Boxing History
If you like boxing and its glorious history, this book is for you. Bert Sugar is the recognized king of boxing writers, and he knows his stuff. A must for the boxing fan.

Great Overview of the Sweetest Scientists
All Top 10, Top 25, Top 100, etc. lists are designed to provoke arguments, and this one does.All of the fighters in the book deserve to be here (I guess, there are a lot from before 1920 that are waaaay before my time).The disagreements come with the rankings, why fighter A is ranked higher than fighter B.But Bert Sugar backs up his opinions with facts, which is all you can ask, agree with him or not.Great reading for any fan of the squared circle.

A Book Written by a Stubborn Old Man
I have tremendous respect for Sugar, but putting Iron Mike Tyson at # 100 is absolute garbage.Tyson in his prime is at least, at the very LEAST a top 50 all-time great.Not only was he a great fighter, but also consider the fact that he is the biggest box-office draw in boxing history.During the 1980's Tyson was the MOST popular athlete in America, and this was during a time when Bird, Magic, Jordan, Montana, and Ray Leonard were all in their primes!He defended his title 10 times from 1986-1990 and even regained the title when he was past his prime in 1996.Rocky Marciano the most overrated fighter of all time only defended the title 6 times.That 49-0 record should not be seen so sacred as the so called experts see it.Did Tyson become a joke after he bite Holyfield's ear?Yes and with a capital J, but in the 1988 revised edition of The 100 Greatest Fighters in Boxing History, Sugar ranks Tyson at # 27.That is more realistic than Tyson's current ranking of # 100.The fact is the majority of the fighters in this book are so old that young boxing fans don't know who they are and quite frankly a few of the names in this book don't matter.Mike Tyson mattered and next to Ali is the BIGGEST superstar in boxing history.Sorry Jack Dempsy, the 2 Sugar Rays, and Joe Louis, but that's just the way it is.Bert Sugar is just far too old and stubborn to understand that. ... Read more

Product Description
"The T'ai Chi Boxing Chronicle is a translation of the text left behind by the Orthodox Masters who developed this system of boxing. Over a period of generations, fives basic movements were developed, called the Bone Marrow Washing Exercises. These exercises helped the monks restore their health and will-power. As the movements were passed down from generation to generation, the meaning behind the movements of Tai Chi was almost completely lost. Due to the integrity of Kuo Lien-Ying, this information is presented without modification or alteration. This book contains a clear explanation of the physical laws of the art of T'ai Chi that hold true wherever it is practiced. The person who studies the information contained in this book will have the tools to achieve the highest level of mastery and skill to be obtained through the practice of T'ai Chi Ch'uan."
-Guttman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Tai Chi Resource for the Experienced and Devout Practitioner
I am an American Tai Chi and Qigong Association (ATCQA) certified Trainer. I found the that the book articulates the body-mechanics of Tai Chi through the symbolic, language of Taoism.The information in this book integrates many topics found in classical treatise and as such implies a teaching approach that would be foreign to a reader uninitiated in Chinese Cosmology.These topics discuss the unity of opposing forces and attempts to explain how one can manipulate such forces by the recognition of physical movements that are referred to as energies.Like Taiji Quan, the effort is difficult to communicate and is only meant to be understood by either an experienced practitioner or a devout student doing independent research to reinforce study under a Sifu or Master.

If you are an experienced practitioner or a devout student then this book is a treasure.When one studies the applications of Taiji for reasons of health, form or combat the power of the resulting knowledge can only be realized when one has the capacity to integrate the compartimentalized, knowledge espoused in the Art.For one who is not ready the information will be daunting or evasive.Miyamoto Musashi believed that if one knows the way of strategy then he/she could see the way (The Tao) in everything and that there would be no need for a teacher in any endeavor.The author of this book understands the concept of strategy and is talking to others who have the same skill-set.

A reviewer infered that the author is not really teaching anyone how to do anything.To a person that did not have a grasp of Eastern Strategy he would be correct.If you are a Westerner and do have a grasp of strategy this book will appear to give clear explanations to what some readers would deem as isoteric philosophy.It will suggest how to combine Eastern Cosmology with body-mechanics and how to integrate the nuances of stillness and movement in order to manipulate the physical energy of an opponent in combat; moreover, how to understand how these energies can be used to understand one's self.This is a cultivation process essential in the effort to progress in Taiji Quan and this book can help one evolve using this internal martial art form.

I loved this book and it is great use to me in the continuous training of myself and my advanced students. If you are a Pugilist who has been studying martial arts like Western Boxing, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, Xingyi or a Mixed Martial Artist for at least a decade and are in the research stage of your progress, you will find value in posessing this book.

Master Gurjot K. Singh, M Ed.
Retired US Army Ranger & Drill/S.E.R.E. Qualified Instructor
Professional Tai Chi Trainer (ATCQA Level II of III)

The Art of Western Tai Chi Ch'uan: The Supreme Ultimate & Sweet Science Of Boxing With 10 Limbs

A Rare Look Into The Art
If you are looking for a step-by-step form book, this is not for you. This is not intended for a beginner. The author assumes you are already familiar with the basics.

Contained in Guttman's text is the essense of the practice, the sensations you should feel during the movement, the weight distribution, etc. with heavy emphasis on peng-ching (uprooting.) While Kuo Lien-Ying is supposedly citing theChen family chronicle, it is highly unlikely that any actual Chen document mentions Wudang, Zheng Sanfeng (who only began to be associated with martial arts in the Epitaph of Wang Cheng Nan as early as the 1600's,) or a Wang Zhongyue, so that part of the book I find highly dubious. Regardless, the information here is still very valuable for anyone practicing Taiji Quan, even outside the Quangping Yang style. The text covers the philosophy and the energies (forces) of Taijiquan, the foot movements and their intricacies, as well as the postures which they are implemented in, explaining each in painstaking detail.

In a market oversaturated with picture books, this one has special meaning as it attempts to explain the finer details in the movements, as a teacher would. Not an easy read, but you will not walk away empty-handed by any means.

Overly Complex, Occasional Tidbit
If you are researching Tai Chi then this book is a valuable tool for finding a few (and I do mean few) useful pieces to the puzzle.If you are looking for simple and easy to understand, or you are a novice to Tai Chi, Chinese, and Engineer Drawings then keep searching.

The drawings in this book are ridiculously complicated. I have worked with engineering specs, blue prints, flow charts and a myriad of other scribbled communication and have never seen something that will make your head spin faster.

The text is a mixed bag.In one corner you have pieces of the text that are legible and easy to read, offering useful information.In the other corner you have secret code that will put you to sleep in 30 seconds or less.The Yin Yang Theory was not designed as a style of writing!

I think this book offers more than most but falls short in effective communication.

This is one of the best approaches to Tai Chi Chuan study ....
Even though there are many styles of Tai Chi Chuan, this book can help all understand how to approach the study. It's difficult but worth the effort to incorporate this book's contributions into your practice. An excellent guide!

Not written by master Kuo
I have been studying with Simmone Kuo for 2 years.Sifu Kuo's widow.She warned me about this book because it was written without the families consent and it has almost nothing to do with the late Kuo Lien Ying. ... Read more

Product Description
Thirty years of ringside reporting from one of the world's most honored sportswriters

A living legend on both sides of the Atlantic, British sportswriter Hugh McIlvanney is best known for his incisive ringside boxing commentaries. Employing a writing style as muscular as it is graceful, McIlvanney never fails to infect the reader with his enthusiasm and sense of awe for the sport, while at the same time revealing the deeper truths at work in all such extreme expressions of human will and physical prowess. As one critic put it, "The genius of McIlvanney is his ability to magnify and precisely delineate those elements of sport that contain fundamental truths about the human condition."

First published in 1983 to great acclaim, this sport classic is reprinted with the addition of recent dispatches to span 30 years of ringside reporting. The Hardest Game includes McIlvanney's commentaries on such immortal bouts as "The Rumble in the Jungle" (Foreman vs. Ali, Zaire, 1974) and "The Thriller in Manila" (Ali vs. Frazier, Philippines, 1975), and the most memorable fights in the careers of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, and others.

"Anyone who admires writing as muscular as it is graceful should buy this book." -- The Daily Telegraph ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The Easiest Review
The Hardest Game is The Easiest Book to review. Just open to any page and read. Without being florid or using up too much ink McIlvanney puts you in the arena with a style that is perfect. It is always a sobering jolt, when one thinks that they have some writing ability, to read an author like Hugh McIlvanney. Am I really privy to the same dictionary as this guy? It is nice to know that I have this book on the shelf.

Great Boxing Writer!
One of the best books about boxing I've ever read.Mcilvanney is an excellent author and his knowledge of boxing is incredible.

The Sweet Science According to Hugh
Through 90 compiled articles that span 30 years, McIlvanney takes us back to the time when the great prizefighters roamed the ring (Ali, Foreman, Frazier, Hagler, Leonard, Tyson, Lewis, Bowe, Holyfield). Also included are some memorable fights for top-ranked British fighters as well as his thoughts on the issues facing boxing then (and maybe even now) - ring deaths and the dearth of good heavyweights.

Like his subjects, McIlvanney pulls no punches. Here are some excerpts:
On the people who believed that Tyson carried Buster Mathis Jr. for a few rounds in one of his first fights after prison, he has this to say: "Anybody who believed that drivel about the set-up would lose an IQ competition with a plant".
On Riddick Bowe as a possible contender who could give the paroled Tyson much trouble: "...But Bowe is handicapped by his ability to out-eat a squad of navvies" [ellipsis mine].

The only limitation I have with this book is that the articles consist merely of preludes and postscripts to a fight. This would prove no problem when the article is read in the context of a newspaper where events are fresh on the minds of the readers but when read by people who weren't even born during the time of those fights, there's that sense of missing the plot felt by the reader.

Still, McIlvanney's insights are priceless. Quite interesting are his evaluation of the heavyweights. Though it's a given that Tyson had talent, he refused to see him as Ali's equal which was proved prescient. Holyfield was what he considered a "synthetic heavyweight" - a good matchup for the 5'11 Tyson but cannon fodder for taller heavies like Lewis or Bowe. His disdain for Lewis who seems to be always one good punch away from a knockout, is also quite evident in the text.

All in all, McIlvanney tackles the sweet science like no other writer and boxing as well as his other favorite sports (horse racing, football) should consider themselves blessed that such a talented writer patrols the beat.

33 Years of Boxing in a Nutshell
Hugh McIlvanney, as an authoritative columnist over the past four decades for The Observer, The Sunday Times, and Sports Illustrated, is a name that has become synonymous with boxing reportage.Having sat on press row or before closed-circuit television for hundreds of British and international prize-fights, the sheer volume of his writing alone places him in the same category as Nat Fleischer, Bert Sugar, W.C. Heinz, and A.J. Liebling, writers who tracked boxing's evolution first-hand over a great number of years.

The Hardest Game, now in its third edition, is a set of McIlvanney's writings over a 33-year period, spanning from the mid-1960s to the late 90s.The collection focuses mainly upon heavyweights, with Muhammad Ali as lead character through the 60s and 70s up until his final bout against Trevor Berbick in 1981.The book's final, bulky section, 'Further Dispatches,' gives weight to Mike Tyson, who dominated headlines as undisputed heavyweight champion, rape convict, and attracter of box office records after serving three years in prison.But while emphasizing these two juggernauts, McIlvanney does not fail to provide us with the larger boxing spectrum, looking into other important heavies such as Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Evander Holyfield, and Lennox Lewis, besides lighter talents such as Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Ken Buchanan, and Barry McGuigan.

McIlvanney's reports are usually in couplets, first previewing the fight, than describing its results and aftermath.At least in this writer's opinion, his previews are of greater interest, since they are more insightful and bring deeper meaning to the fights by examining boxers as people rather than media-spun messiahs.Naturally, his stories on Muhammad Ali are the most engaging, as they follow that bright icon through his off-hours and supply glimpses of Ali's out-of-ring persona.While Ali is a hard man to compete with for attention, McIlvanney succeeds in describing the lives of other fighters and keeping our interest.Perhaps most enlightening for non-UK readers is McIlvanney's second part, 'Some of Our Own Who Could Have a Row,' giving a wonderful look into British fighters who have gained notoriety at home and abroad.

McIlvanney is a writer whose style is unquestionably British, using elaborate sentence structure and a rich vocabulary.Especially in his 1960s and 70s articles, the language is ornate and may be awkward to those who are not used to this journalistic way.But underneath is a writer who has a solid perspective on the fight game and applies long-treasured values of journalism that are these days forgotten.Besides looking upon fighters as human beings with normal strengths and weaknesses, McIlvanney keeps a fine objectivity in watching both corners.We rarely, if ever, sense that McIlvanney is getting carried away by a particular fighter and he never ignores the flaws that could bring a man eventual defeat.

The main weaknesses of McIlvanney's collection, besides an ornate language, are the depth of his fight recaps and the overall material he's selected.Those who are expecting complete, blow-by-blow fight accounts will be disappointed, as the recaps give far more importance to McIlvanney's views on what took place and what it means for the sport as a whole.While his perspectives are hard to beat, he gives rather loose, sometimes hollow, descriptions of what actually occurred in the ring.And except for such gems as a story on boxing at Rahway (New Jersey) State Prison and reports of Mike Tyson's rape trial and doings in jail, there is very little to read outside of pre-fight buildups and the fights themselves.

McIlvanney, however, is the right man for this job.He is a journalist with wide-open eyes and ears and is never afraid to type out a strong opinion.Even though his emphatic views have left him in a few awkward situations - including several articles that all but write off Evander Holyfield's chances of becoming undisputed heavyweight king - he is far more right than wrong and gives a clear map of the directions that boxing has taken.McIlvanney even deals intermittently with the dangers of boxing, having seen Welsh bantamweight Johnny Owen die of fight-related injuries in 1980 and watched Ali become stricken with Parkinson's Syndrome in more recent years.Every so often, the book pops out of its glory-induced trance and asks the basic question of whether civilized societies should allow this game to continue.

The Hardest Game is more of a sporting document than a social one, making it hard to recommend for mainstream readers.Its main focus is boxing and it rotates around boxing.But those with even a nominal interest in the sport will find The Hardest Game informative, especially with Ali and Tyson still dominating the sports landscape.

McIllvaney is Incredible!
Probably the most eloquent sportswriter I've encountered, he combines his wonderful writing technique with a thorough knowledge of the sport gleaned from years spent ringside.Best of all are his comments on the sport of boxing in general, which succinctly describe the multitude of paradoxes that exist within an environment that is at once brutal and, in its own way, incredibly noble.McIllvaney understands boxers and their suffering and transmits their lives so realistically, it's as if one knows them personally.You can't go wrong with this one! ... Read more

Product Description
An ancient and "internal" martial art, Hsing-I uses chi to achieve effective street fighting prowess. This seminal text deftly covers history, philosophy, training sets, and two-person fighting techniques. Also included are quotations from the ancient Chinese masters that detail the mental disposition of the boxer, along with ample photographs and illustrations. This primer about Hsing-I has been widely sought by collectors since the book's first publication almost 30 years ago. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A True Classic
This is one of my favorite books in my martial arts library.It contains a wealth of information, most of which are forms, on the major internal style of Hising-I chuan (or else known as Xingyi quan).It also shows applications in combat, with step-by-step instructions for everything. Its real treasures, though, are the stories about the masters, and the advice the masters themselves give.Not to mention the really cool pictures of a few of them doing the techniques themselves! Awesome book.

Just Plain Great
This book was instantly my favorite book on martial arts.It is moderately detailed, but the pictures of the masters, as well as the great stories and advice, make this book priceless.I myself am not experienced in this beautiful art of Hsing-I Chuan (i hope to be in the future though), but I can definitely tell this book is something good--great, actually.I also liked the applications, though many most likely will not work in a real life conflict.The fact that two full forms are listed, and a comparison is made against the orthdox method (in which the whole form is shown, making it 3 forms in a way).This book is superb

Information book
It's a nice book as a extra guidance if you already practice Xing Yi.If you are seeking a manual, this book is not for you.The book only goes to describe everything, but it never shows many pictures.And the 12 animals are barely touched upon.Once again nice introduction or extra guidance, but not a manual.

This is a Keeper
This book was one of the earlier books on martial arts that I purchased. Not knowing a thing about martial arts at the time, I couldn't get my mind around much of what was presented. On the other hand, I loved the stories within and the "advice of the masters" segment right away. I remember staring intently at the pictures of Yuan Dao, Paul Guo and especially the little section featuring the five elements done by Wang Shu Jin. Taken in an unposed mid-action way, they really convey Wang's dynamic actions. Having since studied both Xingyiquan and Baguazhang for more than a decade, I have come to realize what a goldmine was presented here. This book still lays, beaten and tattered, littered with highlighting and notes, on my bookshelf. This is because the book presented Xingyi postures by highly skilled practitioners along with excellent guides to its meaning and practice. Newer books may show more material, or translate large tracts of key points, but this book still has the goods: first rate practitioners showing their art. Recently when giving a gift to a person I wanted to get interested in Xingyi, I still chose this book.

Excellent book on Hsing-I Martial Art
This is one of the best books available on the subject of Martial Arts.
The book is on a specific subject - Internal Martial Arts (of China) known as Hsing-I.The illustrations with pictures are lucid.The book covers basic principles, basic techniques, philosophies, all the 12 style forms, brief history and biographies of masters, masters' advices, applications to self defence and a lot more.It very clearly explains why Hsing-I is known as Mind-Body Boxing.The author has put his heart into writing about Hsing-I.The scientific approach of a western mind combined with the author's expertise in the oriental subject make the book complete, thorough and interesting.The book is complete in itself on the subject.It also explains importance of Chi (Energy or Pran) cultivation that is the basis of all the internal martial arts including Hsing-I.

The book provides a complete and thorough knowledge on Hsing-I.
It is a complete reference on the subject.

Very rarely have I seen a martial arts book so interesting, lucid and complete. ... Read more

Product Description
Fittingly, it is in Las Vegas, boxing's capital, that author Jonathan Rendall, a young British boxing enthusiast, reflects on his own exit from the boxing scene. What unfolds is the true story of his boyhood romance with the sport, his canny coming-of-age as a boxing writer, and his risky bid to bring the unknown Colin "Sweet C" McMillan to the World Featherweight Championship.

This is a knockout performance by a graceful writer whoknows his subject, knows how to spin a yarn, and knows how to make aneclectic stable of characters come alive on the page. As a stylist,Rendall comes out swinging; when he finds an opening, he can score,whether he's in a smoky British boxing club or beneath the neon skiesof Las Vegas. He is not afraid to run counter to so much of the goodboxing writing that has come before him: what others have praised ascolorful, he sees from his insider's perspective as somewhat sinisterand grotesque. There is a sadness, a melancholy really, to much ofRendall's personal journey as he begins to distinguish betweenboxing's realities and its myths. And yet he's capable of relatingthis with an almost surreal sense of humor, well timed and wellplaced, like good jabs should be. A lesser writer might have beenflattened by the ordeal; it's Rendall's grace under pressure that, inthe end, leaves him standing. --Jeff Silverman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

then don't drink it so quickly!!
Funny book, great perspective on boxing, I just wish he'd put a bit more about some of the incidents he witnessed and people he met. The talk about the trip to Cuba was pretty saddening. Quite different from standard boxing books, but very enjoyable!

A book in two parts
This was a strange book as the first half of it was excellent and the author spun some interesting tales about a pair of old-time boxers and the rise of his own boxer.

Then at about the half-way mark, the lustre of the book seems to fade and it becomes fairly mundane. It is almost as if the author lost the energy to write as well as he had for the second half as he did for the first half.

Disappointing.

Heart wrenching, exciting, incredibly readable
This is a non-fiction book about the fight game by a guy who goes from easily beaten young college fighter to professional sportswriter to manager of a world champion, and the people he meets and things he sees along the way. There are many heart-wrenching sequences set in and out of the ring, some great fear, great exhiliration, and great sadness. This guy's powers of observation and description powers are phenomenal. This one really hit me hard.

This guy has a gift for the scary.His search for old-time legend Kid Chocolate in Cuba is lively and colorful and time and again unsettling and nerve-wracking.His getting helplessly caught up in the wrong party with the wrong, and very unsavory, people, while safety helplessly and unstoppably drifts away as if in slow motion, makes for a vivid, torturous waking nightmare.

But he's also funny. His description of the dressing down of a prime Sony Liston by the a tiny tough as nails ex-pro and streetfighter provides an absolutely hilarious come-uppance of the legendary thug by someone who wouldn't put up with a bit of it no matter how small he was nor how big and sure of himself was the heavyweight champion of the world.

Rendall manages to capture the terrible liveliness of the world of boxing in writing whose keen observation and honesty lays both himself and his subject almost uncomfortably bare.Here is a man who has truly felt what he has written about, and takes us to places we can't help but be fascinated by but are grateful to encounter only on a well-written page.

Not just a boxing memoir.
Very enjoyable read wether you are into boxing or not. Many anecdotes on travels, famous and not so famous people who add color to this well written and entertaining read. Shows some of the questionable business practices at the top of any profession and shows a glimpse at what it's like to manage a profesional athlete to the top and all that comes with that too. You will turn the pages one by one once you get started...

Boxing's good,bad and ugly - wrapped up like poetry.
When John Salley was playing for the Detroit Pistons he said of the NBA's roughness that "the only way to learn how to fight is by getting beat up."And so the only way to learn about man's attraction andobsession with climbing into the ring - short of doing it yourself - is byreading "This Bloody Mary Is The Last Thing I Own." Jonathan Rendall uses a master storyteller's touch to introduce real-lifegreat characters whom anyone will find interesting and compellingregardless of whether they're fans of the sweet science, or hate boxingcompletely. "This Bloody Mary" not only tells the story oflegendary brawlers like Kid Chocolate and Jack "Kid" Berg butexplains with the casualness of a kindly stranger seated next to you at abar why some men like to fight, why others have to fight, and why nearlyevery one of them - in the end - eventually wants to stop fighting. From a sweaty gym at Oxford, to the bright lights of Las Vegas, to theruins of the Polo Grounds in New York City - "This Bloody Mary"takes you on a trip through boxing's highs and lows and lets us peer intothe hearts and minds of the men who just keep fighting.Don't passit up. ... Read more

Product Description
Fists, fury and the sweet science of white collar boxing.

From elite boarding schools to executive boardrooms, white collar boxing has never been more popular. With its roots in the English aristocracy, the "Sweet Science" is gaining fans among the alpha males (and females) of industry, banking, finance, and law.

Now white collar boxer John Oden traces the history of the sport from organized bouts at English boarding schools in the 19th Century to today's brawls between stockbrokers and bankers. Along the way he details his own transformation from a milquetoast investment banker to "The Pecos Kid," one of the most fearsome white collar boxers in New York.

Boxing legends Gerry Cooney and trainer Emanuel Steward, among others, have enthusiastically embraced white collar boxing. At the intersection of professional and amateur boxing, it has inspired men and women from many different walks of life to participate in the ancient sport.

Each month, bouts are scheduled in the glistening hubs of finance from London to New York—black-tie charity events where some of the world's most powerful businesspeople battle each other into submission. White Collar Boxing is a compelling look at one man's odyssey through this growing phenomenon. 8 page photo insert. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

"Macho, Macho Man... He's Got to be...a Macho Man!"
Packs a punch.Hedge fund Wall Streeter John Oden pursues his Walter Mitty fantasy of lacing up the boxing gloves.Actually, he turns out to be very good at it and gives a passionate case for why the sport is a great avenue to fitness and self-knowledge.(A good riff and chapter on Bruce Lee as an inspiration!)

Two comments -- Oden says nothing about a wife and kids.The committment needed to be an effective boxer -- even a white collar boxer -- may be unrealistic for those with family responsibilities.

Second, Oden does have an occasional annoying habit to name-drop about the famous people he knows or the post fight limo rides to sumptuous NYC restaurants.

With all this, I still found it an absorbing read.....

Geezer jocks of the world, unite!You have nothing to lose ... except some flab or an occasional black eye!!

A Remarkable Contender!!!
John Oden's 'White Collar Boxing' is an inspirational read.It speaks of one man's journey into the ring while providing a peek into the entire world and culture of White Collar Boxing.

This man's story both encourages and captivates the reader.Each chapter is complete, informative and educational.Oden writes with clarity and knowledge.It clearly shines through in his historical account of the "Sweet Science".This chapter is one of the best and most comprehensive I have read on the history of boxing.

Chapter 16, entitled "Emanuel and Me", truly epitomizes the special relationship between an athlete and coach.This entertaining chapter clearly demonstrates the author's self discipline and confirms that he is not only a competitor but a true professional, both in the ring and out of it (where he is money manager by day).John Oden proves that anything is possible and goals can be attained.

This book is a must for all boxing --correction, make that all sports-- fans and an essential addition to any library.My advice is to find a quiet place and prepare to read this one all the way through in one sitting.By the end, you may want to go back and reread every page, as I have.You won't be disappointed!

More like One Man's Journey to Self-Obsession
The book starts off well enough with an interesting exploration of Oden's childhood.It also contains some interesting historical facts relating to boxing and gives some sense of what it's like to enter the world of white collar boxing.

Unfortunately, instead of letting the boxing emerge through Oden, Oden emerges through the boxing.This probably should have been a self-published work that he sent to his friends along with his boxing glove endorsed Christmas cards and other mementos of his boxing (yes, it's true, he really does send such self-promoting cards).The low point for me was when one of the greatest trainers in the world told him that Oden's 3 round bout ranked fifth (as I recall) in the trainer's list of greatest matches, somewhere just below Ali vs. Fraser.I mean, come on, get serious.

Anisi's book is much, much better (and his ego appears much, much smaller).I suspect Anisi could also pound Oden into the mat, but that's another story.

Should you buy this book?Probably if you're really into boxing.Better to borrow it if you can.

A great personal and boxing success story
I should disclose that although I have not seen John Oden in years, many years ago we were close friends- we both lived in the same neighborhood in Manhattan and one summer shared a beach house in the Hamptons with 20 other New Yorkers. In addition to partying hard with John(we were both a lot younger),I was also involved in several business ventures in NY and Dallas with John. John is one of the most honest, hard working, generous, and reliable people I've ever met.He's the one friend we all would like to have. The thing I enjoyed most about the book is how inspirational it is, both from a boxing and personal career perspective.The author does a good job telling how he made his way from a very small town in Texas to becoming a partner in a major NY investment firm, and along the way helped put white collar boxing on the map. I can recall an incident years ago, when I was living in San Francisco-I was able to convince my girlfriend to let me attend one of John's famous weekend Mahattan parties.Before the party, we worked out at the New York Athletic Club, and just in passing, John said "I think I might sign up for some boxing lessons."I thought he was joking, but apparently he was not.The book is not written from the perspective of a professional boxer, but instead from the point of view of a guy, with a full-time professional job, who decides to jump into a totally unfamiliar area of life-boxing, and through shear drive and persistance, succeeds, and in a big way. The book includes a good amount of white collar boxing detail- its history, the boxers, the trainers, the Hollywood connection, the boxing gyms, training programs, fight night, the international boxing competitions, etc, but I think this book could be enjoyed by any regular guy or gal who has a dream to reach out and explore a totally new realm. A great book for anyone who has ever said, " I can't do that, I don't have the time, I don't have the talent, people will think I'm crazy."

Hello, John!
I will order this book immediately!I grew up with John Oden in Pecos, Texas, and I don't even have to read it to know it's a good one!!!
Suzanne Barker Massey ... Read more

Product Description
Dick Tiger was perhaps the greatest fighter to come out of the African continent. Emerging from an environment devoid of substantive traditions in boxing, he would overcome a litany of obstacles before becoming a two-time undisputed world middleweight titlist and an undisputed light heavyweight champion. ‘The Life and Times of a Boxing Immortal,’ the first comprehensive biography of Dick Tiger, puts the man in the context of his times. A migrant fighter to Liverpool, the repository of West African born fighters who kept the British game alive during the industry wide recession of the 1950s, Tiger later moved to America where he established a marquee value seldom attained by non-American fighters and where he played a prominent role as an ‘in-house’ fighter at the ‘Mecca of Boxing,’ New York City’sMadison Square Garden. His life also personified the hopes, aspirations and the tragedy of the Igbo ethnic group. An avowed apostle of Biafran secession from Nigeria,! Tiger’s support would cost him dearly. Here is Dick Tiger as never before explained: The ‘blue collar’ fighter, ageless ringman, commercial venturer, Nigerian patriot and Biafran rebel. From empty bottle trader to wealthy realtor, from Nigerian boxing booths to Madison Square Garden, from journeyman fighter to world championship fighter; ‘The Life and Times of a Boxing Immortal’ is a compelling study of human dignity in triumph and in tragedy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Black History Book
This Book was a journey from Africa to the United States with battles and victories.Dick Tiger never quit he kept fighting and pulling himself up from the rough fight that life dealt him.This book would make a great movie.We can all learn the lesson of staying tough in hard times.You will overcome challenges with discipline and persistence.

Excellent look at a champion
I must admit that I have only seen 3 of his fights (the disaster against Bob Foster and his fights with Gonzalez and Fullmer 1.) but he came across as a tough guy.

Perhaps not the most naturally gifted fighter but one who made up for it with courage and perseverance.

The book is a good read. Gives the life of Tiger very well, I guess my only little disappointment was the lack of personal stories in it. Would have liked a little more insights into the man from Ron Lipton.

Nevertheless this is a minor quibble, a good book.

Dissapointed
I wanted this to be a great book, but it wasnt.
It was very hard to read. It did not flow smooth and I had to keep going back to get a better understanding.I really didn't learn anything new about Tiger from this book.
The pictures were also of very poor quality.
I would rather have read a Bio. of Ron Lipton who did the forward to this book.

Enlightening
A comprehensive biography of Richard "Dick Tiger" Ihetu, two-time undisputed world middleweight champion and one-time undisputed light heavyweight champion. He was a humble man from humble beginnings in Nigeria, who went from Liverpool's boxing booths to New York City's Madison Square Garden. Makinde delves into Dick Tiger's life and explains the most intricate situations that allow us to know one of the greatest fighters of all times-a real history lesson.

Highest quality saga of one of the ring's great warriors
One of the best stories I have ever read, so much behind the scenes material it makes the most interesting and historical reading for anyone of any age.Great Introduction by Tiger's friend and former sparring partner, my father referee Ron Lipton, who really loved Tiger and told me about him since I was a boy.

One of the most complete researched books I have ever read, they should make it into a movie. This man fought the toughest people who ever lived in his division and was such a kind person. Truly amazing. Great job by Adeyinka Makinde.

Brett Lipton ... Read more

Product Description
A practical boxing guide covering developmental and fitness exercises, skill tips, technical information, and competitive strategies. This handbook contains essential information for competitive boxers, fitness boxers, martial artists, coaches, and fans.

Find answers to your boxing questions, including: Why should a boxer lead with the shoulder? How should my boxing strategy change, depending upon the style of my opponent? How do judges score bouts? Which drills will make me more effective in the ring?

Easy-to-follow instructions, diagrams, charts and tables help you understand competitive boxing skills and strategy you can put to use in the gym or in the ring. Learn to make informed decisions about your training, and gain the competitive edge for immediate success. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

A Comprehensive Publication
"The Ultimate Boxer" by Cristy Halbert is a comprehensive publication. There is something in it for everyone. Beginners and present boxers, as well as coaches will find information that is useful to them. For the working athlete, basic and advanced techniques are covered in detail. For trainers there are tips and important things to consider in dealing with athletes under their supervision. For those developing boxing programs there is information on ring dimensions, and supportive material such as boxing web sites and equipment and apparel resources. There was extensive use of drawings throughout the book and it is this factor that kept me from giving five stars to the publication. There are times when a drawing adequately serves the purpose, but in my opinion the demonstrations of skills are best done by real athletes. Some may have to be posed and others may be action pictures. However, most of the pictures should be images of live persons. In that way, the reader can follow the guidelines of the book even to the point of positioning himself exactly as copied from the example in the book. I still consider this book to be one of the best and most comprehensive books on boxing. I give this book four stars.

By Al Gotay, Ed.D., author of "Boxing Basics" and "Self Defense Basics".

Pearls of wisdom in this book
Recommended for those starting out in learning serious fighting and not powder puff hitting. Read everything, talk with everyone, and sort out what you can use. This is a good basic book for understanding the science of boxing. The real learning takes place in sparring and actual boxing.

1,1,2B
This is a great introduction to boxing. I read the book before I started training, now I am way ahead of the game only a month in and I am sparring with guys months more advanced than I am. Great book

Quite comprehensive
Quite comprehensive. More than just the basic though I wish it can go more in-depth. One of the best boxing books I can find so far.

One Book Is All You Need
I'm an amateur boxing coach, including collegiate level, and I've read a fair number of handbooks and manuals. This book is written by an elite-level USAB coach armed with a a PhD - qualifications don't come more thorough than that. When I started out, I learned absolutely everything I needed to know from this book to begin coaching - it is a comprehensive guide. Once you get the basics down, there are any number of opportunities to make these ideas fit your own style. You can't go wrong making this book the foundation of your amateur coaching. ... Read more