Does anybody know of any biographies of boxing promoters. I find their stories particularly interesting but often it is very hard to find information on them in comparison to boxers. I have just finished the Budd Schulbergs Ringside A treasury of boxing reportage that goes into decent detail about Mike Jacobs. I have also read Mickey Duffs autobiography which i found fascinating. Does anybody have any more info on or can point me in the direction of books documentaries etc of famous promoters Tex Rickard, Mike Jacobs, Jack Solomons, Don King, Bob Arum, Mickey Duff, Frank Warren?
I have read jack solomons book. he ran a fish market stall and branched out into boxing. he started out with sunday morning shows with kippers for breakfast thrown in with the price of entry. it was an intresting read. jolly jack came across as a complete chancer. Micky duffs book was fantastic. The art of matchmaking was well described as well as all the players of the day. He called it 20 and out because he made 20 world champions. I respected duff, he did not suffer fools and hated and had no fear of gangsters but he came across as a guy who loved people who didnt grumble but hated anyone who drove a hard bargain even though he came across as one himself!
What is the Jack Solomons book cant find anything for him on Amazon? Any idea where i could get it? Im in complete agreement with the Duff book cracking read and like you said really gives you an insight into the world of the promoter and the manager. Some of his gambling was crazy though!