BOOK REV

CHARLEY BURLEY AND THE BLACK MURDERERS' ROW

By ; Harry Otty

This is one of the best books I've read this year. Charley Burley was a special fighter in a time when there was a vast surplus of good boxers.

The author Harry Otty takes you on a journey that covers much more then the life of Charley Burley. It captures the historical existence of this whole era and the great men who did battle inside the ring. As in the case of
professional baseball, it is a shame that so many great players spent their careers in the Negro Leagues and never received their just due. In boxing there are several cases where competent fighters were denied title shots due to their color of their skin.

   Mr.Otty explores the plight of the outstanding Negro boxers of the 1930's and 1940's. Although the book centers on the life of the fabled Burley, it also enlightens the reader to the abilities of Holman Williams, Eddie Booker, Cocoa Kid, Lloyd Marshall, Jimmy Bivins and Jack Chase just to
name a few.

   This is a fine read. I highly recommend it.

Jim
Amato

The University of Arkansas Press is proud to announce the publication of a new book by acclaimed author Thomas Hauser.

Tom Hauser has become "must reading" in the boxing community, and his latest collection of columns demonstrates why. "The Greatest Sport of All" recreates another year in professional boxing and adds to the definitive record that Hauser is creating of the contemporary boxing scene. The book includes an inside look at great fighters, great fights, and the powers behind the throne. There are revealing portraits of contemporary luminaries, a look back at giants like Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali, and more.

"The Greatest Sport of All" is available at bookstores and through Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, and other major websites.

Larry Merchant (HBO Sports): "Nobody else does what Tom Hauser does for boxing. And if they tried, they couldn't do it as well."

Jim Lampley (HBO Sports): "There are two kinds of people in boxing. Those who say, 'Oh, boy; Tom Hauser is writing an article about me,' and those who say, 'Big problem; Tom Hauser is writing an article about me.'"

Teddy Atlas (ESPN): "Thomas Hauser gives boxing fans a press pass into restricted places."

Jerry Izenberg (Newark Star-Ledger): "Thomas Hauser is the rarest of the rare among boxing writers. He's a relentless reporter, a good listener, a thorough source-developer, a conscientious fact-checker, and a superb writer. If Hauser writes it, you know it's true."

Jay Larkin (former head of Showtime Boxing): "Thomas Hauser is the conscience of boxing, which makes him the conscience of the unconscionable."

Lennox Lewis: "Thomas Hauser respects boxing and boxers. He gives readers insight into what happens in and out of the ring. Everything he writes is fair-minded and reality-based with a human touch."

MILLION DOLLAR MAYBE ( Book review )

Category: Books
Genre: Sports
Author: Bill Coleman

Bill Coleman wanted to be boxer. He wrote about his aspirations while in High School in 1979. He did embark on an amateur career and he won the 1986 South Dakota 132 pound Golden Gloves title. As the saying goes, " Life comes at you fast ". Soon Bill was working his way up the corporate ladder and raising a family. Nevertheless the boxing bug never left Bill.

By now Bill had become a corporate Vice President with a lucrative income but he still had that burning desire to box. Finally Bill made a decision that would alter his life. In 2002 at the age of forty he became a professional boxer. He walked away from a high paying job. He strained his relationships with family and friends but he was determined to pursue his dream.

His dream ended in 2004 compliments of the Nevada State Athletic Commission for reasons Bill never quite agreed with. Bill estimates with projected income, stock options and other perks he lost about a million dollars while chasing the brass ring. That is not to mention the extensive damage to his personal life.

I enjoyed this book. It was honest and to the point. It is not yet in mass print but if you would like a copy contact Bill Coleman at :

hometowndecisions@earthlink.net

Jim Amato

Author: Arthur Mercante

He was the best referee of my time and were some great ones. Men like Mills Lane and Joe Cortez among others. Arthur Mercante was the cream that rose to the top. Now he has written a book titled " Inside The Ropes ". It is a recollection of Mercante's travels through the landscape of boxing. Mr. Mercante has decades of memories that he shares his readers. It is a wonderful trip back in time as he talks about some of the famous fights that he acted as the third man. Patterson - Johannson II and Ali - Frazier I among others. Mercante talks about some of the best boxers he's come in contact with. Foreman, Frazier, Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard and a young Cassius Clay.

I thoroughly I enjoyed this book. It's a slice of boxing history through the eyes of a man who has seen it up close and personal. I highly recommend this fine book.

Jim Amato

Check out this book by Gleason's. It is a total 4 week body makeover that gets you into the habit of exercise that you will get you going. An interesting forward by the owner of Gleason's Gym, Bruce Silverglade, a gym which fighters have contributed to its rich, traditional history.

Basically a book which provides a basic plan for women, men can also get a hint of what fighters go through, the exercise routine and the discipline and dedication that is needed to complete the boxer's regimen.

And the basics include a vast array of a boxer's arsenal, from the left hook to the right cross, of how to properly punch and what goals to set for yourself.

The book is set to four weeks workout regimen, each week giving the prescription for the participant to work the body.

Young or old, male or female, the basics of boxing and the techniques involved are here, from building a foundation to evolving into something better, both physically and mentally, to a much better lifestyle for the individual participant.

You don't have to turn pro, you don't have to be the tough one, all you need is a need and will to get better and definitely this is the script to get you started. And I do recommend this for a woman who is looking for the discipline to get into the best shape of her life.