I agree that Hurley was a brilliant manager. Great post. Hurley found a way to get Matthews the big bucks which is the name of the game
It is hard to think of a better all-around boxing man than Jack Hurley, who was a master as a promoter, matchmaker, manager, trainer, cornerman and publicist. Some people make comparisons between Hurley and Jack Kearns, but the latter really wasn't a trainer and didn't watch the bottom line well as a promoter. - Chuck Johnston
One after another Russ. Very repetitive and the same old mistakes from Duran. He was also getting ripped off terribly by Eleta which shortened how far his money went quite dramatically if all is true. It's a brilliant read Russell.
I'm currently reading: A Ringside Affair: Boxing’s Last Golden Age Lawton, James It covers the very end of the Ali era, the Four Kings era, and the Tyson era. All in All, a good read. A couple errors in the book where he refers to Tony Sibson but clearly means Alan Minter (referencing the near riot at Hagler vs Minter). Does it twice. He has a chapter on Leonard - Hagler and seems to go out of his way to discredit Leonard's win. I've never seen that fight for Hagler on numerous viewings, but I recognize that roughly 50% of people do see it for Hagler. That's maybe the most polarizing fight ever. The chapter just seemed a bit petty to me. Really good coverage so far on the Tyson era. Recalling how that unraveled is fascinating. I recently read 'I Am Duran'. That's an enjoyable read.
Partying and hangers on mainly. Bought some expensive things too but just gave everyone everything at times.
What's the name of the again? Would you say it's legitimately the best Duran book you've ever read? (The 1st one? Or just a really good book?)
Haven't read Hands of Stone but this one is I Am Duran and is his autobiography. I would say it's all meat and next to no filler so it can be read quick quickly and easily but you still get lots of the good bits. His life outside boxing is extremely interesting.
Just finished the Lawton book ,I though it was okay but not great.Also just read A Neutral Corner by A J Liebling,excellent!
Hurley made a great effort to keep business expenses low when managing fighters, promoting boxing shows or being a matchmaker. Kearns didn't seem to do that. Also unlike Hurley, Kearns often took risks as a promoter that didn't make any business sense. - Chuck Johnston
I can echo this. Pollack's research is phenomenal and the books are definitely worth the money people may balk at. He's not a great writer, if I'm being honest, but the knowledge of the fighter he is writing about, his opponents and the era(s) in question is so fascinating and in depth that you will be captivated. Off on a tangent, bought myself a copy of a biography about Tony 'Two Ton' Galento from a secondhand book shop for £2 at lunchtime today. It's called 'Two Ton: One Fight, One Night: Tony Galento v Joe Louis.
Mexican American Boxing in Los Angeles by Gene Aguilera is very good. Hundreds of great pictures, which are the focus of the book. Not enough text, but there are a lot of good stories in it. If you have any interest in the LA boxing scene you will like this one.