What a past fw years for terrific boxing books !

Those two are my favorites, along with Kelly Nicholson's Jeffries book "A Man Among Men" and the two Conn bios that are out there. Adam's books are top shelf, too.

 

Mike Tyson has admitted using a fake ***** to fool drug testers, he also states he was off his head on coke for one of his fights. He says his drug problems began in the late 80's and that he was in such poor shape for his bout against Frank Bruno that "Bruno should have kicked my ass!"

I do hope this is the Undisputed Truth from Mike and not some sort of well thought out list of lies for the reason of his fall down.

 

Yeah, I read that article. I guess what people will deem 'lies' or 'truths' will depend on where Tyson stands in their estimation as a person and fighter.

 

Not only are good books appearing but lots of good vintage photos as well:


[url]http://galleries.apps.chicagotribune.com/chi-vintage-boxing-in-chicago-20131021/[/url]

 

spinner, as an "oldtimer", I loved those photos of the above site. Are there anymore ?

 

Thanks for the recommendation, He. Or maybe I should say something nasty cuz now you just guaranteed I'm going to be out $40 soon :smoke

I'm buying it....

 

Chuck - did you ever come up with a list? I'm always looking for recommendations. Thanks.

 

I would recommend John L. Sullivan and His America, by Michael Isenberg; In This Corner, by Peter Heller; and Once They Heard Cheers, by Bill Heinz. Heller's book is not accurate at times (especially the interview of Don Jordan, who told some outrageous whoppers about his life), but I still found the book interesting. Heinz's book includes chapters of athletes in other sports, but I found the chapters of the boxing figures so interesting, especially the one about Jack Hurley, that I recommend the book.

- Chuck Johnston

 

Im currently reading select chapters of John Ochs' soon to be released book on Jack Hurley and its amazing.

 

Other books that I enjoyed reading were Everett Skehan's biography of Rocky Marciano and Harry Otty's biography of Charley Burley. The Once They Heard Cheers book, by Bill Heinz, has an interesting chapter about Marciano. One finds that Rocky was one interesting individual after reading what Skehan and Heintz wrote about him. Despite being a truly great fighter, Burley had a very tough time making a living in the sport, which meant that he sometimes had to hold down a regular job during his career. Otty captures Burley's life very well.

- Chuck Johnston

 

I hope that John Och's book on Jack Hurley is a good one. Hurley seems to be
forgotten in recent decades. While never having a champion, Hurley did manage
terrific fighter in Billy Petrolle and some other capable ones. Moreover, Hurley
was one incredible character, something which Bill Heintz captured very well.

- Chuck Johnston

 

Ochs' book is going to better than just good. Its going to be a very important part of boxing history. Its amazing.