I have Haft's biography, 'Harry Haft: Survivor of Auschwitz, Challenger of Rocky Marciano', written by his son at home but I am away at University currently otherwise I believe I would be able to reference it and answer your question. Haft was a fascinating individual and I would recommend his biography as it is a quick read but has some bumps in it. The author could've used a better editor frankly. Still it is a light book and easy to pick up and dive into, the only dubious claim I found was that he claimed to have taken a dive against Marciano. I just find this really doubtful. Nevertheless I love to see Haft mentioned on the forum! EDIT: From what I recall much of Harry's early experience fighting was not through boxing but fighting other prisoners of concentration camps for scraps of food and other amenities in a sort of smoker tournament. Harry was just a remarkably strong individual in mental fortitude and physical respects.
At the beginning the man who made him in the gym. lol Drat, someone cashed in my chip damn it @Jackomano
He trained Haft for all his fights and forced Haft to retire, since the Athletic commissions and media thought Haft was going to be another fighter that died in the ring.
