"Four Kings" by George Kimball

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Briscoe, Jan 9, 2010.


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  1. Briscoe

    Briscoe Active Member Full Member

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    Just finished this book, and I'd say it provides some good insight and information.

    The heartbreak of Hagler's struggle for recognition. The sly Sugar Ray and his negotiation tactics and dropped titles. The animal, Duran. The physical freak of awesome KO power and excellent boxing skill, Hearns.

    There's lots of info in here. For example, Hearns and Leonard almost fought before Sugar Ray went for his first title. Dundee was on vacation and the fight was almost made! Dundee came back and explained that eventually these guys will fight later on and that Hearns was too high risk at the time.

    Reading this book gave me greater insight and more respect to all four fighters. However, I'm still a little annoyed over Ray's title collecting (and dropping) and Hagler's chip on his shoulder (they claim it's still there).

    I recommend it.
     
    Briscoe, Jan 9, 2010
    Briscoe, Jan 9, 2010
    #1
  2. Stonehands89

    Stonehands89 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Kimball did a great job. That book is THE must have for anyone interested in 1980s boxing.
     
    Stonehands89, Jan 9, 2010
    Stonehands89, Jan 9, 2010
    #2
  3. Jack Dempsey

    Jack Dempsey Legend Full Member

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    I just read the Hit Man biography and can confirm that 4 kings is a much better read if you want some insight into this great era of boxing
     
    Jack Dempsey, Jan 9, 2010
    Jack Dempsey, Jan 9, 2010
    #3
  4. Bill1234

    Bill1234 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Very good book, at the last hall of fame induction thing I had the chance to get Kimball to sign the book but for some reason I decided against it. I now regret that decision. He expained how he was around Marvin quite a bit during his championship years and shared his experiences at the fights (as he does in the book).
     
    Bill1234, Jan 9, 2010
    Bill1234, Jan 9, 2010
    #4
  5. Dave's Top Ten

    Dave's Top Ten Active Member Full Member

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    dont' know WHY I haven't bought this book yet, and will do now. For me, the 80s was the last great period for boxing (and I remember at the time, the opinion was that it wasn't a great period - if only they knew what we have now)
     
    Dave's Top Ten, Jan 9, 2010
    Dave's Top Ten, Jan 9, 2010
    #5
  6. Stonehands89

    Stonehands89 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Marantz's "Sorcery at Caesar's" goes well with Kimball's. Although it does shine what will be for some an unfortunate spotlight on Leonard's often shameless shenanigans.
     
    Stonehands89, Jan 9, 2010
    Stonehands89, Jan 9, 2010
    #6
  7. crippet

    crippet Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Agreed - An excellent read!
     
    crippet, Jan 9, 2010
    crippet, Jan 9, 2010
    #7
  8. GazOC

    GazOC Guest Star for Team Taff Full Member

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    I think Kimballs book is a fairer reflection of the times. "Sorcery..." bends the truth a little on occasion to suit its agenda.
     
    GazOC, Jan 9, 2010
    GazOC, Jan 9, 2010
    #8
  9. natonic

    natonic Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Agree with this.
     
    natonic, Jan 9, 2010
    natonic, Jan 9, 2010
    #9
  10. GPater11093

    GPater11093 Barry Full Member

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    Gutted for you mate a stupid decsion.

    My mate from Ireland was at a show and Kimball was at the same show (as he likes to go to Ireland at least once a year to watch a fight) and they got speaking and apparently Kimball aint in too well health and has cancer.
     
    GPater11093, Jan 9, 2010
    GPater11093, Jan 9, 2010
    #10
  11. IntentionalButt

    IntentionalButt Guy wants to name his çock 'macho' that's ok by me

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    Great book, about as even-handed as you can hope for.
     
    IntentionalButt, Jan 9, 2010
    IntentionalButt, Jan 9, 2010
    #11
  12. TBooze

    TBooze Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Are you talking about Hitman (The Thomas Hearns Story) by Brian and Damian Hughes?
     
    TBooze, Jan 9, 2010
    TBooze, Jan 9, 2010
    #12
  13. TBooze

    TBooze Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    There was a thread a year back about this. I agree with you, considering we have four genuine boxing superstars, I picked up a fair bit of info I did not know.
     
    TBooze, Jan 9, 2010
    TBooze, Jan 9, 2010
    #13
  14. IntentionalButt

    IntentionalButt Guy wants to name his çock 'macho' that's ok by me

    400,119
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    As did I.

    Also, while remaining largely objective in his view of the four "protagonists" Kimball makes no effort to hide his disdain of Cosell (of whom my opinion was already as low as can be), which is admirable given how much adulation-by-default that ***** generally receives simply for being famous. :yep
     
    IntentionalButt, Jan 9, 2010
    IntentionalButt, Jan 9, 2010
    #14
  15. ollyc

    ollyc Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Great book, but I didn't care for the manner in which he referred to Kirkland Laing as a 'Jamaican born journeyman'.
    I wasn't expecting an in-depth summary of Laing's career; he wasn't significant enough to deserve more than a passing mention, but Kimball could've merely mentioned that Duran dropped a hugley unexpected points decision without the inaccurate dismissal of Laing.
    Just a minor quibble.
     
    ollyc, Jan 10, 2010
    ollyc, Jan 10, 2010
    #15
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