Jus bought this book and must say its by far the best boxing book I've ever read. Ive read loads but this one I can not put down, a must read for all hardcore fans.
It's the best sports book I've ever read, and I've got some good ones in my collection. Almost makes you feel as if you were there at the time when everything happened - the press conferences, the weigh-ins, the fights and the aftermath.
Ive watched the DVD 'The Fabolous Four' many times, but this goes into even more depth, the whole buil;d up evrything its incredible and probably the last book from the glory days.
my mate wasnt really into boxing until i pressed him to read that book. he read it but at the same time watched the fights / press conferences / media around each fight in chronological order as he went through the chapters of the book. now hes a boxing fan :rasta
It's a great book. But not one i would give to a non boxing fan. Could be a little dry for someone not into the sport.
The one criticism is that it doesn't go into quite enough detail with respect of Duran's shocking run of form after the Leonard rematch. It kinda covers the defeats to Laing and Benitez but kinda skips a bit before the fight with Hagler was made. You could also argue that there isn't enough mention of Benitez in it, though I suppose it's purpose is to cover the four men and their respective fights. I like the build up though, covering their amateur careers and what not, the already simmering rivalry between Hagler and Leonard etc.
Yeah it's ace. Not enough reference to Ayub Kalule's greatness, but apart from that, a solid, comprehensive, and thoroughly readable book.
Ive read Hand of Stone but it was difficult to follow, this is easy to follow and keeps you hooked whilst giving an indepth witness acount of events. Brilliant.
Who was his favourite? It's been a while since I read a chapter here or there..... from memory there seemed to be little bias in respect of the other three.
That book's going in the coffin with me when I go through the pearly gates. That and Budd Schulber's 'Ringside' My two favourite boxing books
