Boxing Books

I read this really good one called 'Ringside' by Budd Schullberg

 

What about Oates's boxing writing rubs you the wrong way? M

 

I might be doing her a disservice here as it's some years since I read "On Boxing", but I remember feeling at the time that the book came across as an exercise in self-justification, in that she was trying to overly intellectualise boxing in order for her to be able to justify liking it, both to herself and her peers.

It all felt a bit dishonest to me, like she was ashamed of admitting just liking the sport for what it is.

 

So what's this Joyce Carol Oates stuff about then? Anyone fancy explaining?

 

Oh okay, i've never came across her and i hate her already, slut.

That book i mentioned by Budd Schluberg, Ringside. There's a great chapter called 'Confessions of an ex fight manager', anyone should give it a go.

 

But 'The Life and Hard Times of an Uncrowned Champion' retains the title for me, easily actually.

 

To be honest I think I think I read it when I was 15 or something, so I don't think that gave me much chance to enjoy it anyway !

 

The Black Lights by Thomas Huauser is good.

 

A good writer's work, I can't put down. Any boxing writer that compelling to you?

 

Springs Toledo and AJ Liebling for me

But for actual books Allen Rosenfelds Burley book was awesome

 

I hated "The Fight". I thought it was just far too pretentious and that annoyed me.
Atlas' book is a pretty interesting read though

 

:good