Read Ebook {PDF EPUB} Charley Burley the Life & Hard Times of an Uncrowned Champion by S. Rosenfeld Allen Building the Perfect Boxing Library, Quarantine Style. It’s an irony to some and perfectly logical to others. Boxing is near the front of the line when it comes to brutality in the name of victory, but it’s also a sport that has consistently attracted outstanding writers. Literary names as large as Hemingway were enamored with the drama of the ring and its possibilities for memorable fiction. And still others focused on the real-life events and generated long-standing nonfiction gems based on great fights, great fighters or great personalities. While the scope of those works is too immense – and readers’ tastes too varied – to boil down to a ranking of the 10 “best” boxing-fueled books, here’s a sampling of 10 titles that are worthy additions to any summer reading agenda, quarantined or not. 10. Harry Haft: Survivor of Auschwitz, Challenger of Rocky Marciano. Alan Scott Haft’s tale chronicles his father's improbable journey from Nazi concentration camps in World War II to a match with unbeaten future heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano in 1949. The book tells the saga of Harry Haft, who was forced to fight other prisoners in bare-knuckle bouts to entertain German SS officers. The fight with Marciano was the 21st and last of Haft’s pro career, which ended at 13-8 with eight knockouts. 9. Reading the Fights. Editors Joyce Carol Oates and Daniel Halpern assembled a collection of 23 essays from a strong gathering of writers including Oates herself, Norman Mailer, George Plimpton, Pete Hamill and A.J. Liebling, among others. In its review, Publishers Weekly suggested, “These 23 essays by a variety of writers would have us believe that a boxing match is not a slugfest between two guys hammering at each other's brains.” 8. The Fight. Norman Mailer’s 240-page classic tells every possible tale from the 1974 world heavyweight championship fight forever known as “The Rumble in the Jungle,” matching an aging Muhammad Ali with a seemingly unconquerable George Foreman. This passage pertaining to Foreman’s fists – “His hands were his instrument, and he kept them in his pockets the way a hunter lays his rifle back into its velvet case” – is by itself worth the price of admission. 7. Charley Burley, the Life and Hard Times of an Uncrowned Champion. Unless you’re a speed-reader, this 658-pager is likely to take up the weekend or the better part of a whole week. Author Allen S. Rosenfeld engineered a fascinatingly deep dive into the life of Hall of Famer Burley, who was a 15-year pro but never got a title shot. That injustice is borne out in the words of former light heavyweight champion Archie Moore, whom Burley floored four times while winning a decision in 1944. Moore called the Pittsburgh fighter the toughest foe he ever met. 6. Facing Ali. Considering the volume of material concerning Muhammad Ali, very few stones have been left unturned. That said, Stephen Brunt makes a worthwhile effort in his 2002 effort, which provides insight on fighting “The Greatest” from the perspective of 15 men who actually did it. Among the opponents telling tales are former champions Larry Holmes, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton and George Foreman, as well as slugger Earnie Shavers and others including Tunney Hunsaker, Henry Cooper, George Chuvalo, Brian London, Karl Mildenberger, Jurgen Blin, Joe Bugner, Chuck Wepner, Ron Lyle and Jean-Pierre Coopman. 5. The Onion Picker. A snapshot look at boxing in the 1950s is provided, with Central New York’s Carmen Basilio as the connecting theme, in this 214-page product of Gary B. Youmans from 2007. The book is packed with anecdotes and snippets from the career of the former welterweight and middleweight champion, who fought 79 times between 1948 and 1961 – including two 160-pound matches with Sugar Ray Robinson, both of which ended in split 15-round decisions. 4. The View from Ringside. Thomas Hauser is as good as it gets in most journalistic settings, so it’s no surprise that these 272 pages from 2003 are as solid as can be. The veteran Muhammad Ali biographer provides unique behind-the-scenes insight on the game, including the run-up to Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson, the feud between Bernard Hopkins and Lou DiBella, contributions from TV commentators and perspectives from familiar names like Gerry Cooney, Arturo Gatti and Hasim Rahman. 3. Ali and Liston: The Boy Who Would Be King and the Ugly Bear. This is not just another Ali biography. Instead, Bob Mee tells the tale of the early 1960s rivals in an engrossing back-and-forth cadence across 336 pages, contrasting Cassius Clay’s comparatively charmed existence with the chronic troubles – both real and perceived – that followed then- heavyweight champion Sonny Liston. Their early paths are examined, as well as the 15-month period in 1964 and 1965 when they met twice for what used to be the most prestigious prize in sports. 2. My View from the Corner: A Life in Boxing. This is an all-access pass provided by Angelo Dundee and Bert Sugar into the machinations that go into a big fight, including interacting with other trainers in what’s both a competitive and a collegial business. A worthwhile nugget comes when Dundee writes of helping Thomas Hearns following a bout on the Ali vs. Trevor Berbick show in the Bahamas. Hearns was badly cut, but he and trainer Emanuel Steward were unsuccessful in finding a hospital to treat the wound. Dundee spotted Steward in a hotel lobby and got him in touch with a plastic surgeon he had on standby for his own fighters. One hundred stitches in a hotel room later, and Hearns was ready to go. 1. The Last Great Fight. A book that measures up in every possible way to the all-time best, Joe Layden’s tale of the 1990 heavyweight championship spectacle involving Mike Tyson and Buster Douglas in Tokyo is a must-read for any fan. Not only are the 10 rounds covered in ample fashion over 320 pages, but the lesser-considered nuggets involving the fighters, their entourages and the event make for a fascinating read. One of the greatest upsets in the history of the sport deserves a high-quality package to wrap it in, and this one from 2007 more than fills the bill. An ironic way, if you like, to mark Tyson’s 54th birthday today. This week’s title-fight schedule: Last week's picks: None. 2020 picks record: 14-3 (82.3 percent) Overall picks record: 1,130-368 (75.4 percent) NOTE: Fights previewed are only those involving a sanctioning body's full-fledged title-holder – no interim, diamond, silver, etc. Fights for WBA "world championships" are only included if no "super champion" exists in the weight class. Charley Burley the Life & Hard Times of an Uncrowned Champion by S. Rosenfeld Allen. I recently completed your work . and I thank and commend you on your efforts. I am not sure I have read such a thorough and well researched study of boxing. This book is not only about Burley but also about Fritz Zivic, Billy Soose, etc. I will recommend this book to friends and colleagues. In fact, I will send your book to one of the local boxing writers. Dr. Joseph McNelis MD Gastroentorologist Sound Shore Medical Center Westchester, NY. Allen Rosenfeld, a long-time fixture on the Michigan boxing scene with a resume that includes coaching during a stint in the Army in the 1950s and later work with both Boxing Illustrated and The Ring magazines, was kind enough to send me a copy of his recent full-length project, entitled "Charley Burley: The Life and Hard Times of an Uncrowned Champion." The 680-page gem goes the distance and beyond on Burley, a Pittsburgh native who packed 98 professional bouts into a 12-year career that stretched from 1938 to 1950. The book's reviewers read like a who's who of the sport's biggest names. "In addition to thorough coverage of Burley's career, (Rosenfeld) gives you a panoramic view of the exciting middleweight picture of the late '30s and '40s," said Angelo Dundee, legendary trainer of Muhammad Ali and Ray Leonard, among many others. "I have read lots of boxing books, but this one was hard to put down." Emanuel Steward, who rose to prominence with the emergence of Detroit slugger Thomas Hearns in the early 1980s, said, "Charley Burley and his peers were among the greatest fighters of all time. Rosenfeld's research is extraordinary. And the writing is beautiful. In my 52 years in boxing, this is one of the most unforgettable books I have ever read." And lastly, noted historian Hank Kaplan chips in with, "Burley's boxing adventure has all the ingredients of an emotional drama. Rosenfeld's book is a dream come true. It is doubtful if a boxing career was ever treated in such depth." This rarity was accomplished by the North American author Allen S. Rosenfeld, living in Michigan, who visited Miami recently. The author wrote in English about a middleweight named Charley Burley, who for many of us was "very well known in his own home". Nonetheless, with dedication, study, and clarity of prose, Rosenfeld reveals the trajectory of an extraordinary fighter of the era of Joe Lewis, Jack Dempsey, and Jackie Robinson. "I believe that it was an injustice that this impressive boxer was marginalized after so many demonstrations of class in the ring, where he was almost unbeaten" said Rosenfeld. "He was the symbol of a champion without a crown". Burley, according to Rosenfeld's book, had everything needed for victory and fame. His right was a killer weapon. They say that even Robinson avoided a number of offers to fight him. "He lived and died an unknown" said Rosenfeld. "My book is intended to unearth a victim of social injustice in the 1930's and 1940's". Luis Perez Lopez May 2006 Diario las Americas Miami based Spanish newspaper and website http://www.diariolasamericas.com/ I have just read your book on Charley Burley. It is absolutely excellent. So informative, I enjoyed every page. I didn't want to put it down. You have done a wonderful service to the memory of Charley. He will be looking down and smiling . The reason I asked Lindy (Lindell) to put me in touch with you firstly was to congratulate you on your excellent book and to thank you for reminding me of fighters like Holman Williams, Lytell, Chase, Marshall, etc. as well. Brian Hughes. If one had no idea of Burley, or in that case Zivic, Williams and the like, Rosenfeld's breezy and informative writing style brings the sadly forgotten fighters of a bygone era back to life. The Author makes a good case for Burley as being a fistic great robbed of a title shot in an era of only a handful of champions who mostly fought non-title affairs instead of defending their laurels on a regular basis. It is a tragedy that befell many pugilists of the day. I loved reading this book and still find myself picking it up and reading random pages for enjoyment. Although Rosenfeld's book is on Burley, in reality he is nothing more than the central character in the author's account of the great black fighters who graced the ring in the 30's and 40's. Everything written is quality stuff. This coming from a man who actually got to see the men he writes about fight. There is an incredible amount of information in the book. It is apparent that the author loves boxing to have put together such an effort. The research was phenomenal. Jack Hirsch Contributing Reporter Ringsports.com. To the writer of the great Charley Burley biography. For all the pleasurable moments reading that gem, my last wish Al -- that you have a cult following. Thoughts on Boxing, Boxers and Fights. Steven Luevano, of La Puente, California, managed to keep his title last night after fighting to a draw with Mario Santiago of Ponce, Puerto Rico in an exciting fight that surpassed all expectations. Both fighters were down in the second round, and both took turns rocking each other. It was a classic give and take fight. I understand Santiago's grief and disappointment, to fight your heart out and end up with a draw and no title, but it was a fair decision. Santiago certainly deserves a rematch and if Luevano expects to be taken seriously as a champ, he'll give him one. Regarding the Monte Barrett and Tye Fields "fight", and I use the term "fight" subjectively, there is not much to say. Barrett stopped the giant Fields in 57 seconds of the first round. In one of the most controversial ending to a fight that I've seen in quite a while, super featherweight contender Humberto Soto, in what has to be the hard luck story of the year, lost the fight to journeyman Francisco Lorenzo, by disqualification, in what has to be the most ludicrous call I have ever witnessed. In round four, after battering a thoroughly beaten Lorenzo around the ring and on the verge of a knockout, Soto was inexplicably pulled off of Lorenzo by the seeming daft and incompetent Joe Cortez, without a word of explanation and without a standing eight count for Lorenzo, then allowed to continue, and again, Soto on the verge of a knockout is pulled away from certain victory by Cortez and again allowed to continue. During the final exchange as Soto was raining blows upon Lorenzo, who on his last legs threw himself to his knees. One of Soto's punches grazed his head and confusion ensued in the ring. Seizing the opportunity that he himself had created, Lorenzo cried foul and Cortez, who seems to be deteriorating with every fight, bought into it. Not having the the confidence to make the determination himself, in what was his call to make, and after conferring with every ring official he could find, and without a warning, or at the very least, a point deduction, Cortez finally awarding the fight to Lorenzo. It was unbelievable. Soto's career shouldn't be hurt by this and he shouldn't bother with a rematch either. All things considered Soto took it pretty well. Cortez needs to be reevaluated for his competency as a referee. Saturday, June 28, 2008. Manny Pacquiao Stops David Diaz. Manny Steward called him a throwback fighter, similar to Jake LaMotta. I agree, I also saw shades of Rocky Graziano, especially during the post fight interview. There's no pound for pound rating for hearts and guts, but if there were Diaz would be at the top of the list. Diaz is my kind of fighter, always trying, always coming forward, always believing he can win this fight, always throwing his punches. As Jim Lampley so aptly put it, "It was a merciful knockout". Diaz would still be punching otherwise. There is no quit in David Diaz! He answered all the questions and then some. Pacquiao is a human dynamo, a force of nature, he was magnificent.. It doesn't make one bit of difference if Floyd Mayweather Jr. retires or not, Pacquiao has been the pound for pound champ for quite a while. If you don't think so, then you haven't been paying attention. I'll go one step further and say that Junior better stay retired because Manny just might invade the welterweights in the near future. Wouldn't surprise me. Vic Drakulich did what he was supposed to do. He gave David Diaz every benefit of the doubt that he could have. For the most part he let them fight their fight, as a good referee should. Charley Burley: The Life and Hard Times of an Uncrowned Champion by Allen S. Rosenfeld. This book is not so easily defined. It is a biography but it is so much more than that. It is more akin to a documentary. It covers a period of time in boxing that is almost past the memory of fans of the Sweet Science. To some degree, It is also a primer on race relations in America, in a time when racial prejudice was widely accepted as the norm, both in sports and society as a whole. This book could also be used as a textbook for a course on boxing history at any level. It not only covers the middleweight division but the welterweights and light heavyweight divisions as well, albeit to a lesser degree. Charley Burley, The Life and Hard Times of an Uncrowned Champion, is author Allen S. Rosenfeld’s opus. That his blood, sweat and tears went into this book is obvious from the onset. What sets this book apart from most books is his inclusion of historic articles from the various sports writers and newspapers across the country, as opposed to an occasional quote. No stone was left unturned in the telling of Charley Burley’s story. The following paragraph’s from page 173 of the book says a lot about Burley’s character, especially considering the times in which he lived and fought. With all the action swirling around Pittsburgh, Burley got involved. He signed to take a turn with tough Kenny LaSalle. The Pittsburgh Press acknowledged Charley had been underrated. But it warned that if LaSalle hit Burley as often as he had Zivic he might kayo Burley. And Burley made one of his rare pronouncements: “I beat Zivic twice-and even if he should beat Angott, I should be the one in there with Armstrong. And if Zivic is at ringside tonight, I’ll show him how to knock out the fellow who beat him here two weeks ago but failed to get the decision”. Quite a pronouncement! The book does not sugar coat Burley’s career and gives us an honest snapshot at what some sports writers thought of him as shown by these two opposing views written by Regis M. Walsh, sports writer for The Pittsburgh Press: Following Burley’s win over the Cocoa Kid, Welsh wrote: “Move over - John Henry Lewis - move over and make room for another negro “champion” who calls the Hill District his home. Not a bona-fide, genuine titleholder like you are, but a vigorous, willing lad, today the possessor of a rather synthetic crown labeled “Colored Welterweight Champion” A year later after his fight with Jimmy Leto, Welsh writes: “ Burley’s retrogression in form is more or less pitiable. His win over Leto in ten boo- producing rounds was his third successive bad performance. He beat Fritzie Zivic in one of them, lost to Leto earlier in another-and last night’s was no better. The crowd was not bashful in venting venom in this one. Both leto and burley, 149, had better stay away from Henry Armstrong or who ever is welter champion” Pretty strong words. In a career that spanned from 1936 to 1950, Burley’s career is marked as much by those he did not fight as much as it was by those he did. He beat Archie Moore but lost to Ezzard Charles twice. He had a fierce rivalry with Frtitzie Zivic that is well covered in the book. He never fought Rocky Graziano, Jake LaMotta , and most notably Sugar Ray Robinson. With 83 wins and 50 knockouts, 12 losses and 2 draws, Burley’s record is not perfect but it is a damned good one. There is a section in the book entitled: Remembering a Friend by Frank E. Bolden. Bolden says this about Robinson and Burley: "Some of the local and national sportswriters said that Burley was afraid to fight Robinson. This is not true. In fact just the opposite is the case. When I was working in Detroit in 1946, Sugar Ray was there to fight Cecil Hudson. One evening at dinner Sugar Ray in answer to my question said he would never fight Charley because "I have seen him fight and I don't think I can beat him at this time". Ultimately, you will have to draw your own conclusions. There are a few historic photos scattered throughout the book, and they are appreciated. Some are not as clear as I might have liked but it takes nothing away from the book. I recommend Charley Burley: The Life and Hard Times of an Uncrowned Champion to anyone that loves boxing, it’s history and it’s rich collection of characters, and to any one that enjoys a good read. Rosenfeld’s heartfelt book brings them back into our consciousness. The Ageless Warrior. Burley held two impressive victories over Jack Chase and threw Archie way off stride in their April 21, 1944 bout at Hollywood Legion Stadium in spite of taking . I was always one of Charley Burley's biggest supporters throughout his career. Author : Mike Fitzgerald. Publisher: Sports Publishing LLC. ISBN: 1582618461. Category: Sports & Recreation. Charley Burley and the Black Murderers Row. This revised edition has an expanded record for Burley that includes amateur bouts, a Tale-of-the-Tape, venues, and weights for Burley and his opponents. Author : Harry Otty. Publisher: Exposure Publishing. ISBN: 9780954392420. Category: Biography & Autobiography. Charley Burley the Life and Hard Times of an Uncrowned Champion. Before I checked out the Charley Burley book, I visualized it to be another life story of a great fighter whose name I became familiar with during the days when I was getting my feet wet in boxing. Author : Allen S. Rosenfeld. ISBN: 9781410719850. Category: Biography & Autobiography. Combat Sports An Encyclopedia of Wrestling Fighting and Mixed Martial Arts. Charley Burley was an African-American fighter who was a top contender in the welterweight and middleweight divisions but . Born in 1917 in Bessemer, Pa., Burley turned pro in 1936 and won two of three fights with the tough Fritzie zivic. Author : David L. Hudson Jr. Publisher: ABC-CLIO. ISBN: 0313343845. Category: Sports & Recreation. The Arc of Boxing. Archie Moore named Charley Burley (above) the greatest fighter he ever faced. But even the prodigiously talented Burley could not remain undefeated in the torrid middleweight division of the 1940s (The International Hall of Champions). Author : Mike Silver. Publisher: McFarland. ISBN: 1476602182. Category: Sports & Recreation. Boxing Heroes Champions. 48 CHARLEY BURLEY FACT FILE 1917 Born Charles Duane Burley , Bessemer , Pennsylvania 1939 Beat Fritzie Zivic , ranked in world top 5 by Ring magazine 1942 Twice lost to Ezzard Charles , in world middleweight top 3 1944 Beat . Author : Bob Mee. Publisher: Conran Octopus. Category: Boxers (Sports) Boxing s Most Wanted. CHARLEY BURLEY Charles Duane Burley dominated the welterweight and middleweight divisions during the late 19305 and 19405 but never received a title shot. World champions avoided him like the Black Plague—which is perhaps how . Author : Mike Fitzgerald. Publisher: Potomac Books, Inc. ISBN: 1612340318. Category: Sports & Recreation. Charley Burley and the Black Murderers Row. THE CYBER BOXING ZONE: This book is a classic of its kind and no good boxing library should be without a copy. Author : Harry Otty. Publisher: Exposure Pub. ISBN: 9780954392413. Category: Biography & Autobiography. The Night the Referee Hit Back. Interview Mike Silver: Archie, you are in New York to honor one of your former opponents, the great Charley Burley . So I think it's appropriate to begin with him. You lost a unanimous ten-round decision to Burley and were knocked down four . Author : Mike Silver. ISBN: 1538136910. The Boxing Register. International Boxing Hall of Fame Official Record Book James B. Roberts, Alexander G. Skutt. CHARLEY BURLEY Charley Burley had an excelMIDDLE WEIGHT lent , if frustrating , career as a Right - handed ; 5 ' 912 " ; 142 – 162 lbs . black . Author : James B. Roberts. Category: Sports & Recreation. Charley Burley the Life Hard Times of an Uncrowned Champion. This collection of poetry is a "must have" for everyone. poetry lover or not. All can relate, all can empathize, all can sympathize, and all can conceptualize. This is indeed. "power!" WITH ALL MY HEART, BODY, AND LOVE. Author : Allen S. Rosenfeld. Publisher: AuthorHouse. ISBN: 1420851748. Category: Biography & Autobiography. Men of Steel. Foremost among these were Charley Burley , Lloyd Marshall , Holman Williams and Archie Moore . Moore did win a world title , at light - heavy , at an age when most boxers have retired . The others got nowhere . As an indication of their ability . Author : Peter Walsh. Publisher: Robson Books Limited. Category: Biography & Autobiography. Charley Burley. Charley Burley was a boxer of the 1940's, compiling a record of 83 wins, 12 losses, and 2 draws with 1 "no contest. Author : Allen S. Rosenfeld. Publisher: Rooftop Pub. ISBN: 9781600080463. Category: Sports & Recreation. Derbyshire Black Marble. Thornhill noted after interview with Ebor Gregory of Ashford ( 1944 ) that Samuel Burley had a workshop ' Top of Court Lane ' . Had showroom and employed four or five men . John Burley , brother , Charley Burley , brother , John Kidson and . Author : John Michael Tomlinson. Category: Ashford in the Water (England) Honky Tonk Parade. . brilliant Hall of Fame prize - fighter ” Charley Burley . Archie Moore called Burley the best fighter he ' d ever faced , and Sugar Ray Robinson refused to box him , but after his glory days as a pugilist were over Burley became a garbageman in . Author : John Lahr. Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic. Category: Celebrities. The British National Bibliography. Author : Arthur James Wells. Category: Bibliography, National. Them Ornery Mitchum Boys. Brother Robert sparred one time with Charley Burley , another of Moore's fearful opponents . Seeing an opening , Bob stung Charley with a left to the cheek , then suddenly felt a terrible burning in his side . Burley , in retaliation , had sunk a . Author : John Mitchum. Category: Actors. American National Biography. Two years later he died in CHARLES , Ezzard ( 7 July 1921–27 May 1975 ) , heavyMiddle Island and was buried in the . N.Y. ) have become the tender Charley Burley ; and twice outpointed future best known , even definitive , depictions of . Author : John Arthur Garraty. Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA. ISBN: 9780195127836. Category: United States. Boxing. . Brown Charley Burley Tommy Burns Georges Carpentier George ' KO ' Chaney Joe Choynski James J. Corbett Young . Lynch Charles Kid ' McCoy Packey McFarland Terry McGovern Sam McVey Peter Maher Owen Moran Battling Nelson . Author : Ian Morrison. Publisher: Guinness Superlatives. ISBN: 9780851123455. Category: Sports & Recreation. The Mercantile Navy List and Maritime Directory. Author : Great Britain. General Register and Record Office of Shipping and Seamen. Boxing Summer Reading List: 10 Books Every Fan Must Read. It’s an irony to some and perfectly logical to others. Boxing is near the front of the line when it comes to brutality in the name of victory, but it’s also a sport that has long attracted outstanding writers. Literary names as large as Hemingway were enamored with the drama of the ring and its possibilities for memorable fiction. And still others focused on the real-life events and generated long-standing nonfiction gems based on great fights, great fighters or great personalities. While the scope of those works is too immense—and readers’ tastes too varied—to boil down to a ranking of the 10 “best” boxing-fueled books, click through here to get a sampling of 10 titles that are worthy additions to any summer reading agenda. 10. Harry Haft: Survivor of Auschwitz, Challenger of Rocky Marciano. Alan Scott Haft’s tale chronicles his father's improbable journey from Nazi concentration camps in World War II to a match with unbeaten future heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano in 1949. The book tells the saga of Harry Haft, who was forced to fight other prisoners in bare-knuckle bouts to entertain German SS officers. The fight with Marciano was the 21st and last of Haft’s pro career, which ended at 13-8 with eight knockouts. 9. Reading the Fights. Editors Joyce Carol Oates and Daniel Halpern assembled a collection of 23 essays from a strong gathering of writers including Oates, Norman Mailer, George Plimpton, Pete Hamill and A.J. Liebling, among others. In its review, Publishers Weekly suggested, “These 23 essays by a variety of writers would have us believe that a boxing match is not a slugfest between two guys hammering at each other's brains.” 8. The Fight. Norman Mailer’s 240-page classic tells every possible tale from the 1974 world heavyweight championship fight forever known as “The Rumble in the Jungle,” matching an aging Muhammad Ali with a seemingly unconquerable George Foreman. This passage pertaining to Foreman’s fists—“His hands were his instrument, and he kept them in his pockets the way a hunter lays his rifle back into its velvet case”—is by itself worth the price of admission. 7. Charley Burley, the Life and Hard Times of an Uncrowned Champion. Unless you’re a speed-reader, this 658-pager is likely to take up the weekend or the better part of a whole week. Author Allen S. Rosenfeld engineered a fascinatingly deep dive into the life of Hall of Famer Burley, who was a 15-year pro but never got a title shot. That injustice is borne out in the words of former light heavyweight champion Archie Moore, whom Burley floored four times while winning a decision in 1944. Moore called the Pittsburgh fighter the toughest foe he ever met. 6. Facing Ali. Considering the volume of material concerning Muhammad Ali, very few stones have been left unturned. That said, Stephen Brunt makes a worthwhile effort in his 2002 effort, which provides insight on fighting “The Greatest” from the perspective of 15 men who actually did it. Among the opponents telling tales are former champions Larry Holmes, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton and George Foreman, as well as slugger Earnie Shavers and others including Tunney Hunsaker, Henry Cooper, George Chuvalo, Brian London, Karl Mildenberger, Jurgen Blin, Joe Bugner, Chuck Wepner, Ron Lyle and Jean-Pierre Coopman. 5. The Onion Picker. A snapshot look at boxing in the 1950s is provided, with Central New York’s Carmen Basilio as the connecting theme, in this 214-page product of Gary B. Youmans from 2007. The book is packed with anecdotes and snippets from the career of the former welterweight and middleweight champion, who fought 79 times between 1948 and 1961—including two 160-pound matches with Sugar Ray Robinson, both of which ended in split 15-round decisions. It’s an even more poignant read following the death of Basilio last November at age 85. 4. The View from Ringside. Thomas Hauser is as good as it gets in most journalistic settings, so it’s no surprise that these 272 pages from 2003 are as solid as can be. The veteran Muhammad Ali biographer provides unique behind-the-scenes insight on the game, including the run-up to Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson, the feud between Bernard Hopkins and Lou DiBella, contributions from TV commentators and perspectives from familiar names like Gerry Cooney, Arturo Gatti and Hasim Rahman. 3. Ali and Liston: The Boy Who Would Be King and the Ugly Bear. This is not just another Ali biography. Instead, Bob Mee tells the tale of the early 1960s rivals in an engrossing back-and-forth cadence across 336 pages, contrasting Cassius Clay’s comparatively charmed existence with the chronic troubles—both real and perceived—that followed then- heavyweight champion Sonny Liston. Their early paths are examined, as well as the 15-month period in 1964 and 1965 when they met twice for what used to be the most prestigious prize in sports. 2. My View from the Corner: A Life in Boxing. This is an all-access pass provided by Angelo Dundee and Bert Sugar into the machinations that go into a big fight, including interacting with other trainers in what’s both a competitive and a collegial business. A worthwhile nugget comes when Dundee writes of helping Thomas Hearns following a bout on the Ali vs. Trevor Berbick show in the Bahamas. Hearns was badly cut, but he and trainer Emanuel Steward were unsuccessful in finding a hospital to treat the wound. Dundee spotted Steward in a hotel lobby and got him in touch with a plastic surgeon he had on standby for his own fighters. One hundred stitches in a hotel room later, and Hearns was ready to go. 1. The Last Great Fight. A book that measures up in every possible way to the all-time best, Joe Layden’s tale of the 1990 heavyweight championship spectacle involving Mike Tyson and Buster Douglas in Tokyo is a must-read for any fan. Not only are the 10 rounds covered in ample fashion over 320 pages, but the lesser-considered nuggets involving the fighters, their entourages and the event make for a fascinating read. One of the greatest upsets in the history of the sport deserves a high-quality package to wrap it in, and this one from 2007 more than fills the bill.