As a few of you may be aware a future book is the oncoming goal for Ted Spoon. Over two years ago a question was asked on these boards about what you would like to read and learn so that some fan-opinionated trajectory could be scooped up and taken into account. There were many ideas about having real fight reports, big events being put into the contexts of their time, information on training methods, punching power tests, diagrams and manuals to better explain how the bare knuckle style evolved, fighters best performances etc. Since then many new members have joined, so once again, if you would all be so kind to help out, please state what you would like to both read and learn about concerning our favourite subject.
Be smart and use your head. Hagler-Leonard from a Hagler fan's point of view. also the rise and fall of one of boxing's most dominant fighters-Roy Jones jr. I'll tell you more later.
Don't be too wordy like nat Loubet. You know how us boxing fans are. And more photos like the famous SuzieQ on Walcott. That left an impression on me.
I don't have it any longer unfortuntely and haven't for quite some time, but one of my favourite boxing books from my younger days was the boxing volume from the NY Times' Encyclopedia of Sports series that they did in the late 70's. The book consisted primarily of the day after reports (fight reports and other happenings in the sport) that their writing staff did over the years, and I believe the time frame covered was from the Dempsey-Willard fight up to the third Ali-Norton fight. It was quite an enjoyable read and since then, while not always an option, I've preferred to read about things (fights and other coverage of the sport) that happened by reading writings from when they did actually happen, and not some account written years after the fact. That book also only cost me a buck eighty-nine when I picked it up in a cheap bin in back then, so, coupled with the enjoyment I got out of it, it'd have to have been the biggest bargain I've ever spent money on as far as boxing reads go.
I always thought the behind the scenes stuff before a fight was really good. Training camp stuff from the fighters perspective and also from trainers. What was his mindsight before a fight? How hard/long did he train. Sparring partners and stories about sparring sessions. Two books in particular which really covered this angle great were 'The Fight' by Norman Mailer and "Ali: His life and Times" by Thomas Hauser. Raging Bull was ok on this, but it was mostly from Lamotta's point of view. I think the Trainers are a great part of the story. Guys like Dundee, Futch, and more recently a Freddie Roach. Colorful guys with tons of experience and stories.
Perhaps the best service you can do for a true boxing fan is to introduce them to a great fighter they never really thought about before.
Some of these are trivial or basic stuff, others may not be, but they can all contribute to a better book: -Graphics, illustrations. They need not be rare, they just make a page a lot more "read friendly". For instance, on the tale of how Liston supposedly slapped "Dick the Bruiser" into submission, a picture of him made the story a lot more appealing. Of course a rarity like this is always a bonus: This content is protected -Where possible, comparison of fighters from different eras is always interesting. Threads like that go 10 pages in no time here so obviously there is a lot of interest and controversy, which sells. -An unbiased view. Of course everyone has some bias, but when i read a book that says Marciano took easy title defences, i lose interest quickly. I guess there are a few more but i forgot. Good luck with the book though, i'm looking forward to see exactly what it is about and adding it to my collection.
The same thing I'd look for in any book -- fiction or non-fiction -- TS: Is it a page-turner, do the characters come to life, can I not put it down. Boxing's close to my heart, so if the story's set against that background, so much the better, but it doesn't get a pass to be judged on any other criteria than great writing. The sobering thing for an amateur boxing star to learn is: the day he starts punchin' for pay, he's measured against Ray Robinson. So it is for me with a book. It has to be a great book, period...the Ray Robinson of books.
To make a quality book you need to be an excellent writer most importantly, with a subject that both you and your intended audience would find interesting.
There is a book coming out called "Four Kings" about Leonard, Hagler, Hearns and Duran. Also, looking at janitor's emblem reminds me that there is a book about Harry Greb. I don't know when they'll be in the stores but I am looking forward to both.