I've heard that Mailer thinks that he is the story. I've read too many Ali books to get that one though.
It gives a different slant on the fight from other books but, yeah, Mailer is determined to make himself an integral part of Ali-Foreman. Its def. worth a read even if there are moments when you just go :roll: and think "You wanker"....
Mailers a ****, but he makes fantastic books and is a very knowledgeable writer. But to see any of his interviews on youtube, he sounds like a arrogant *****.
Didn't Mailer write that Ali had decided on the rope-a-dope strategy beforehand? McIlvanney spoke to Ali a few hours after the fight and was told that it was improvisation.
I think Mailer's ego helps the book in a sense. It counteracts Ali's, and doesn't allow it to take over the entire thing, which is I suppose why I liked it.
Nothing But Trouble : Herbie Hide Get it for a quid from any good poundshops. It's funny as **** reading it in your head in his voice
War baby's excellent. I also thought becoming Holyfield was an ok read, nothing amazing but worth a read I have hands of stone but couldn't get in to it
McIlvanney On Boxing Basically McIlvanney's fight reports, don't let that put you off though. A must read. [ame]http://www.amazon.co.uk/McIlvanney-Boxing-Mainstream-Sport-Hugh/dp/1840186054/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1304073199&sr=1-1[/ame]