Boxing Book Review: “Life In The Ring”

I admit that I’m not the best reader in the world, but I agreed to review a new boxing book recently released by Hatherleigh Press entitled ‘Life In The Ring’. Written by John E. Oden, a white-collar boxing champion, this book is a compilation of the life-stories of boxing legends of yesteryear and present day.

The author has selected 15 boxers ranging from Jack Dempsey and Muhammad Ali to Joe Calzaghe and the Klitschko Brothers. Each chapter of the book is dedicated to a boxer (or pair) and there are 12 ‘rounds’.

This is the sort of book I like because it’s written in an easy flowing style and as each chapter/round is based on a different boxer, you can pick it up and put it down, reading the chapters in any order. Short stories within one book works well for me!

The author cleverly compacts the boxer’s life-stories, lingering on great moments and really giving the reader a sense of each man’s personality and drive. Each chapter is ‘rounded-up’ with the life- lesson or ‘message’ that the author has derived, resulting in a book that combines an inspirational theme with boxing.

I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Oscar de la Hoya and Jake LaMotta and have been amazed at the out of ring activities of many of the boxers. ‘Giving back’ to society is something we don’t always hear about.

Common to all the ‘chosen 15’ is the determination of each one to succeed inside and out of the ring – and this seems to be the underlying thread throughout the book.

I thought the summary of weights and rules at the back was useful and even the glossary was entertaining!

I am certain that ‘Life In The Ring’ will be an enjoyable and informative read for boxing fans and an inspiring read for young boxers.

For more information about “Life in the Ring” Visit: www.hatherleighpress.com