Not only is this the best boxing bio I've ever read but one of the best period. The author is Candace Toft and it is only available through a United Kingdom publisher. Ron rose from the depths of hell and despair to become about as fine a man as one could find. A terrific fighter who got a late start in boxing and his story is so unique and compelling you will be surprised if not shocked at what you read. Rumor has it that Lyle will be doing a book signing early next year in Las Vegas. Toft did her homework in a big way and hit one out of the park with this story. Lyle in particular is said to be very pleased with the finished product. In short, it is a story that I think almost anyone in the classic section who want to read.
I've got that recently - going to start reading it properly soon - but have had a leaf through it and does look really interesting
I'm glad you guys bought the book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Lyle has been like a folk hero in Denver since he turned pro four decades ago. He trains young fighters today and will celebrate his 69th year this february.
Im not trying to be contentious here. I actually really like Ron and have all of the fights I know of his that were filmed. BUT, Im curious about you saying he became as fine a man as you can find. My understanding is that he was still getting into trouble well into the 1990s. Am I incorrect in this or has he mellowed since then and thats what you are referring to. Ron was, from my impressions of him, the charming street thug type. Far more intelligent and engaging than your average hood, which could make him far more dangerous and manipulative. Sort of like Hurricane Carter. And for the record, I will definately buy the book because as i said, Im a fan of Ron's, warts and all. P.S. If you have any contact with Ron I would like to speak with you. I have a question: This content is protected
They had to have filmed that fight with Bonavena. It was the biggest indoor sporting event in Denver's history up to that point. I hope someone manages to dig it up soon. I tried but got the runaround from the networks("we'll need money to search", etc).
I think you need to read the book and that will understandably clarify some questions about what type of a person Lyle was and is now. The first stretch in prison was from a 1961 murder that Lyle was not directly involved in. Although he knew the identity of the killer he wisely chose to keep that information to himself. I don't think that makes him a hero or anything. He would have been in grave danger had he decided to spill the beans on that incident so to speak. He ended up doing close to a 10-year stetch in prison for that one. In 1978, Lyle was again indicted for murder but ended up beating the rap. As I said before - the book explains this and the other incident in full detail. Candace Toft said she had an extremely hard time getting Lyle to talk about and expound on these events. The book will explain them a hell of lot better than I can.
