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No Ordinary Joe
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 Customer Reviews
Highly recommended, 01 Feb 2008
I read this book in 1 day and couldn`t put it down. Its a great insight into what makes a champion and what doesn`t. I particularly enjoyed the interaction between the other fighters that Calzaghe meets on his travels. It really gives you an idea what these people are like in real life. It is a chronological, in-depth story of Calzaghe's life, good and bad times.
I also found it interesting to read his side of the story. Particularly when you read something in the news, it isn`t very often you get to hear the real story from the horses mouth.
It is very well written and pulls no punches!
No Ordinary Sports autobiography , 27 Oct 2007
This is without doubt one of the most entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable sports bio's i have read. Numerous stories during the book make you laugh, in particular the various spats between Joe and Enzo. Most notably when his dad parked 2 miles away from the weigh-in to avoid paying to park!!! Also, this book gives a great insight into Joe himself and honestly appraises his career and feelings prior to the big fights.
My favourite sports book of all time is Donald McCreas Dark Trade and i found 'No Ordinary Joe' is not far behind. Very well written and easy to read, so much so that i finished it in 2 days on holiday earlier this year.
An excellent read for sports fans, much better than the usual Autobiography's, 26 Oct 2007
The best Autobiography of a sports-man I have read.
I read Freddie Flintoff and Michael Vaughan's autobiographies when I was on holiday last year and to be honest they both seemed like token efforts devoid of feeling and not offering much insight - Don't get me wrong, they were professionally written and I don't regret reading them but when I put them down I was left with the question - Well, what have I really learned about the person? Put crudely, there was no X-factor.
No Ordinary Joe is different. The book is ghostwritten but unless i'd read it on the inside pages I never would have known as some of the thoughts seem very personal and honest - Very rare today!(I'm 29 by the way not 79)
No Ordinary Joe is a refreshingly honest and often amusing (In an intentionally dry way) look at the life and career of Joe Calzaghe. The book covers the background and history of his family and the influence (In particular that of his Dad & uncles) they have had throughout his career as well as his preparations, the fights themselves and how he saw/sees his career progressing and what he intends to do after boxing.
Importantly (and probably one of the reasons why I enjoyed it) the book doesn't dodge the controversial issues and, in fact, meets all of them head on. I have followed Joe's career closely and can't think of any accusation etc. that wasn't addressed - Being called chicken for pulling out of specific fights, Enzo being briefly sacked as his trainer, The honesty about where his career was at the point of the Omar Sheika fight.
In fact, the book opens with a quote from his father/trainer Enzo "If you pull out of the Lacy fight, all that you'll be remembered for in the boxing world is for being a f*cking chicken, is that what you want?"
There are numerous other frank quotes like this and while some people might have been tempted to stay away from this type of thing, seeing it unecessary/too risky to address, this book doesn't. Articles criticizing Joe are plentiful (often quoted from newspapers columns) and believe me when I say they have not been amended or watered down in order to influence the reader to see him in a better light, you just get the article and then you have Joe's take on it, which to me seems to be largely genuine.
The book of course covers all of Joe's professional (And the significant amateur) fights and I enjoyed the insight into his state of mind pre-fight, how his fight preparations went, as well as how badly and how surprisingly long his injuries have affected him. I was also pleased to see his healthy sense of self awareness in admitting that he sometimes can't half be a pain in the ar*e and a moody so and so.
A damn good and insightful read and to make a bad (but accurate) pun, it pulls no punches.
Nick
Fascinating if carefully monitored look at a boxing star, 03 Sep 2007
Joe Calzaghe's autobiography is a quick read and, for the most, entertaining enough. It's not orgies and sniping - like Nigel Benn's; it's not anecdotes and swearing - like Ricky Hatton's; it's a straightforward, seemingly, appraisal of a career that is yet to be done.
Calzaghe is an enigma. He is very low profile considering he is - without doubt - one of the best British boxers ever. For the legions who have heard of Amir Khan and Frank Bruno, there are small cohorts who know how good this guy is.
And, ironically, he takes a lot of stick. Go on a boxing talk board and say you're a Calzaghe fan and wait for the vitriol to pour down.
He doesn't say it directly, but Calzaghe is a complex man. He relates how two people close to him - his Dad Enzo (great trainer, by the way, my God how good is he!) and Frank Warren, the promoter - have told him, in no uncertain terms, to just get over the hand injuries and get on with it. He puts that in his autobiography, but still he is mumbling and fussing about his hands. It is almost cognitive dissonance: "I know everyone says I should just fight on, but listen tm my hand problems and feel sorry for me!"
There is precious little in terms of Calzaghe's personal life which, I feel, is a shame. Not that I want to hear the in and outs of his divorce, but he has cited how much it affected him and yet, apart from a line, we wouldn't know he was married.
There's a bit of the confessional about the book. JC knows he is an awkward so and so - he's an Ayrton Senna, a Nick Faldo, a Kevin Pietersen, a sporting perfectionist, a ludicrously talented man who has difficulty relating to those who just don't get it, who just don't get how good he is. He admits this, but, unlike Ricky Hatton, he has not learnt to stand back. To laugh at himself. He'd probably be a lot more happy if he did.
If you have ever seen Calzaghe fight when he means it, like he did for Jeff Lacy, you should be a fan and you should buy this book. The definitive work on the Welsh wonder, though, has yet to be written.
A highly readable book from a great champion, 29 Aug 2007
No Ordinary Joe is the autobiography of Joe Calzaghe and takes his story up to April 2007 when he beat Peter Manfredo Jnr at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. At the time the book was written, Joe had been the WBO super-middleweight champion for 10 years making 20 successful defences, as well as gaining the IBF super-middleweight title in 2006 in a fight against Jeff Lacy described by the respected commentator Hugh Mcllvanney as "one of the greatest displays of superb technique, confidence and fighting intelligence a British boxer has delivered in a major contest." Despite his record, recognition had been slow coming to Joe before the Lacy fight. This is surprising, as he has a broad appeal capable of crossing over to a female fan base with the looks that led to the offer of an M & S modelling contract (which he declined) as well as being a devoted father and family man. The book is remarkably objective for an autobiography and Joe is able to come up with a number of reasons for his comparatively low profile: He came after the barnstorming Benn-Eubank-Collins years and boxing's move away from terrestrial television to Sky; he has been dogged by hand injuries; the fact that his talent scared off the biggest names; possibly it's the British inability to fully embrace winners but perhaps most of all in a celebrity driven age, Joe has never been interested in the fame game. You get a clear idea from the book as to how Joe has developed as an athlete. He very courageously discusses how he was very badly bullied at school despite being a schoolboy boxing champion. This ended a reasonably promising academic performance and it could be that this intelligence was diverted away from academia to the ring. He acknowledges tensions in the relationship with his father and trainer, Enzo who clearly recognised his son's prodigious talent at an early age. There could have been more analysis of Enzo as his story is, in many ways, just as remarkable as he had no previous experience of boxing training. Although Enzo could see the talent, Joe's career was set back by a number of people who did not know how to handle it. So astonishingly the Wales ABA did not put him forward for the Barcelona Olympics qualifiers and whilst managed by Mickey Duff he was not being brought on sufficiently quickly. There are also some great anecdotes such as Joe's mounting discomfiture when Enzo decides verbally to have a go at Tyson. The forward by Sugar Ray Leonard is a little odd as it seems far more about Sugar Ray Leonard than about Joe but that's a minor quibble. Overall it's a highly readable book from a great and modest champion.
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The Hitman: My Story
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Customer Reviews
Highly recommended, 01 Feb 2008
I read this book in 1 day and couldn`t put it down. Its a great insight into what makes a champion and what doesn`t. I particularly enjoyed the interaction between the other fighters that Calzaghe meets on his travels. It really gives you an idea what these people are like in real life. It is a chronological, in-depth story of Calzaghe's life, good and bad times.
I also found it interesting to read his side of the story. Particularly when you read something in the news, it isn`t very often you get to hear the real story from the horses mouth.
It is very well written and pulls no punches!
No Ordinary Sports autobiography , 27 Oct 2007
This is without doubt one of the most entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable sports bio's i have read. Numerous stories during the book make you laugh, in particular the various spats between Joe and Enzo. Most notably when his dad parked 2 miles away from the weigh-in to avoid paying to park!!! Also, this book gives a great insight into Joe himself and honestly appraises his career and feelings prior to the big fights.
My favourite sports book of all time is Donald McCreas Dark Trade and i found 'No Ordinary Joe' is not far behind. Very well written and easy to read, so much so that i finished it in 2 days on holiday earlier this year.
An excellent read for sports fans, much better than the usual Autobiography's, 26 Oct 2007
The best Autobiography of a sports-man I have read.
I read Freddie Flintoff and Michael Vaughan's autobiographies when I was on holiday last year and to be honest they both seemed like token efforts devoid of feeling and not offering much insight - Don't get me wrong, they were professionally written and I don't regret reading them but when I put them down I was left with the question - Well, what have I really learned about the person? Put crudely, there was no X-factor.
No Ordinary Joe is different. The book is ghostwritten but unless i'd read it on the inside pages I never would have known as some of the thoughts seem very personal and honest - Very rare today!(I'm 29 by the way not 79)
No Ordinary Joe is a refreshingly honest and often amusing (In an intentionally dry way) look at the life and career of Joe Calzaghe. The book covers the background and history of his family and the influence (In particular that of his Dad & uncles) they have had throughout his career as well as his preparations, the fights themselves and how he saw/sees his career progressing and what he intends to do after boxing.
Importantly (and probably one of the reasons why I enjoyed it) the book doesn't dodge the controversial issues and, in fact, meets all of them head on. I have followed Joe's career closely and can't think of any accusation etc. that wasn't addressed - Being called chicken for pulling out of specific fights, Enzo being briefly sacked as his trainer, The honesty about where his career was at the point of the Omar Sheika fight.
In fact, the book opens with a quote from his father/trainer Enzo "If you pull out of the Lacy fight, all that you'll be remembered for in the boxing world is for being a f*cking chicken, is that what you want?"
There are numerous other frank quotes like this and while some people might have been tempted to stay away from this type of thing, seeing it unecessary/too risky to address, this book doesn't. Articles criticizing Joe are plentiful (often quoted from newspapers columns) and believe me when I say they have not been amended or watered down in order to influence the reader to see him in a better light, you just get the article and then you have Joe's take on it, which to me seems to be largely genuine.
The book of course covers all of Joe's professional (And the significant amateur) fights and I enjoyed the insight into his state of mind pre-fight, how his fight preparations went, as well as how badly and how surprisingly long his injuries have affected him. I was also pleased to see his healthy sense of self awareness in admitting that he sometimes can't half be a pain in the ar*e and a moody so and so.
A damn good and insightful read and to make a bad (but accurate) pun, it pulls no punches.
Nick
Fascinating if carefully monitored look at a boxing star, 03 Sep 2007
Joe Calzaghe's autobiography is a quick read and, for the most, entertaining enough. It's not orgies and sniping - like Nigel Benn's; it's not anecdotes and swearing - like Ricky Hatton's; it's a straightforward, seemingly, appraisal of a career that is yet to be done.
Calzaghe is an enigma. He is very low profile considering he is - without doubt - one of the best British boxers ever. For the legions who have heard of Amir Khan and Frank Bruno, there are small cohorts who know how good this guy is.
And, ironically, he takes a lot of stick. Go on a boxing talk board and say you're a Calzaghe fan and wait for the vitriol to pour down.
He doesn't say it directly, but Calzaghe is a complex man. He relates how two people close to him - his Dad Enzo (great trainer, by the way, my God how good is he!) and Frank Warren, the promoter - have told him, in no uncertain terms, to just get over the hand injuries and get on with it. He puts that in his autobiography, but still he is mumbling and fussing about his hands. It is almost cognitive dissonance: "I know everyone says I should just fight on, but listen tm my hand problems and feel sorry for me!"
There is precious little in terms of Calzaghe's personal life which, I feel, is a shame. Not that I want to hear the in and outs of his divorce, but he has cited how much it affected him and yet, apart from a line, we wouldn't know he was married.
There's a bit of the confessional about the book. JC knows he is an awkward so and so - he's an Ayrton Senna, a Nick Faldo, a Kevin Pietersen, a sporting perfectionist, a ludicrously talented man who has difficulty relating to those who just don't get it, who just don't get how good he is. He admits this, but, unlike Ricky Hatton, he has not learnt to stand back. To laugh at himself. He'd probably be a lot more happy if he did.
If you have ever seen Calzaghe fight when he means it, like he did for Jeff Lacy, you should be a fan and you should buy this book. The definitive work on the Welsh wonder, though, has yet to be written.
A highly readable book from a great champion, 29 Aug 2007
No Ordinary Joe is the autobiography of Joe Calzaghe and takes his story up to April 2007 when he beat Peter Manfredo Jnr at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. At the time the book was written, Joe had been the WBO super-middleweight champion for 10 years making 20 successful defences, as well as gaining the IBF super-middleweight title in 2006 in a fight against Jeff Lacy described by the respected commentator Hugh Mcllvanney as "one of the greatest displays of superb technique, confidence and fighting intelligence a British boxer has delivered in a major contest." Despite his record, recognition had been slow coming to Joe before the Lacy fight. This is surprising, as he has a broad appeal capable of crossing over to a female fan base with the looks that led to the offer of an M & S modelling contract (which he declined) as well as being a devoted father and family man. The book is remarkably objective for an autobiography and Joe is able to come up with a number of reasons for his comparatively low profile: He came after the barnstorming Benn-Eubank-Collins years and boxing's move away from terrestrial television to Sky; he has been dogged by hand injuries; the fact that his talent scared off the biggest names; possibly it's the British inability to fully embrace winners but perhaps most of all in a celebrity driven age, Joe has never been interested in the fame game. You get a clear idea from the book as to how Joe has developed as an athlete. He very courageously discusses how he was very badly bullied at school despite being a schoolboy boxing champion. This ended a reasonably promising academic performance and it could be that this intelligence was diverted away from academia to the ring. He acknowledges tensions in the relationship with his father and trainer, Enzo who clearly recognised his son's prodigious talent at an early age. There could have been more analysis of Enzo as his story is, in many ways, just as remarkable as he had no previous experience of boxing training. Although Enzo could see the talent, Joe's career was set back by a number of people who did not know how to handle it. So astonishingly the Wales ABA did not put him forward for the Barcelona Olympics qualifiers and whilst managed by Mickey Duff he was not being brought on sufficiently quickly. There are also some great anecdotes such as Joe's mounting discomfiture when Enzo decides verbally to have a go at Tyson. The forward by Sugar Ray Leonard is a little odd as it seems far more about Sugar Ray Leonard than about Joe but that's a minor quibble. Overall it's a highly readable book from a great and modest champion.
Honest and Funny., 02 Jul 2008
Easy read,Hatton is a likeable character and a true warrior which come across in the book.
some big gaps, 13 May 2008
an enjoyable read but, perhaps obviously, not very objective about the standard of many opponents.
also, there is NO mention of junior witter in this book. what a letdown, i was looking forward to reading hatton's thoughts on why he has avoided this fight throughout his career.
ive been a hatton fan since seeing him box live in donny many years ago. its a good read but some big holes left out....
An easy, enjoyable read, 31 Jan 2008
Ive been a big fan a Ricky Hatton for a good few years now, ever since I saw him beat Tony Pepp. Since that day his star has been continuously rising. In June 2005 he conquered the Junior Welterweight division by beating the linear World Champion and top 3 P4P fighter; Kostya Tsyzu. Since then hes gone on to beat Castillo, Collazo, Urango and Maussa, aswell as becoming a 2-weight world champion.
Despite Ricky's brave loss to Floyd Mayweather, Hatton remains a big star in the sport. His talent and aggressiveness in the ring is matched by his likeability out of the ring. His wit, his media and fan-freindly personality has made hin into a hugely popular fighter.
This book is at times, witty, interesting, informative and a pleasant read. One of the best sport books I have read.
There's Only One Ricky Hatton, 06 Feb 2007
One of the quietest people outside the ring, but in the ring hes one of the Greatest Boxers of the world. This book will tell you about his life inside the ring and out. how he took up boxing, how he's undefeated, how he fell out with frank and about his famouse body punches.
words cannot describe this book, i'm not a reader really but it didnt take me long to finnish it, i found it interesting, witty and amazing in any way you would want a autobiography to be.
by Dan Holmes
There is only one Ricky Hatton!, 13 Jan 2007
What an inspiration to millions of fans and whilst most see the very good work Ricky does in the ring, he is equally adept at his charity skills. I enjoyed the book and respect the person.
Coming from the same local area as Ricky I know what an inspiration he has been to many people and I am privileged to say 'have many of the same friends'!
This is an honest and sometimes humorous account of a Northern lad with true dedication and commitment not only to the boxing game but also to a much wider community.
From fellow author and resident 'Good Luck Ricky'
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The Treasures of Muhammad Ali
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Gavin NewshamMuhammad Ali;
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*Amazon: £17.10
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Iceman: My Fighting Life
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
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*Amazon: £9.54
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Customer Reviews
Highly recommended, 01 Feb 2008
I read this book in 1 day and couldn`t put it down. Its a great insight into what makes a champion and what doesn`t. I particularly enjoyed the interaction between the other fighters that Calzaghe meets on his travels. It really gives you an idea what these people are like in real life. It is a chronological, in-depth story of Calzaghe's life, good and bad times.
I also found it interesting to read his side of the story. Particularly when you read something in the news, it isn`t very often you get to hear the real story from the horses mouth.
It is very well written and pulls no punches!
No Ordinary Sports autobiography , 27 Oct 2007
This is without doubt one of the most entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable sports bio's i have read. Numerous stories during the book make you laugh, in particular the various spats between Joe and Enzo. Most notably when his dad parked 2 miles away from the weigh-in to avoid paying to park!!! Also, this book gives a great insight into Joe himself and honestly appraises his career and feelings prior to the big fights.
My favourite sports book of all time is Donald McCreas Dark Trade and i found 'No Ordinary Joe' is not far behind. Very well written and easy to read, so much so that i finished it in 2 days on holiday earlier this year.
An excellent read for sports fans, much better than the usual Autobiography's, 26 Oct 2007
The best Autobiography of a sports-man I have read.
I read Freddie Flintoff and Michael Vaughan's autobiographies when I was on holiday last year and to be honest they both seemed like token efforts devoid of feeling and not offering much insight - Don't get me wrong, they were professionally written and I don't regret reading them but when I put them down I was left with the question - Well, what have I really learned about the person? Put crudely, there was no X-factor.
No Ordinary Joe is different. The book is ghostwritten but unless i'd read it on the inside pages I never would have known as some of the thoughts seem very personal and honest - Very rare today!(I'm 29 by the way not 79)
No Ordinary Joe is a refreshingly honest and often amusing (In an intentionally dry way) look at the life and career of Joe Calzaghe. The book covers the background and history of his family and the influence (In particular that of his Dad & uncles) they have had throughout his career as well as his preparations, the fights themselves and how he saw/sees his career progressing and what he intends to do after boxing.
Importantly (and probably one of the reasons why I enjoyed it) the book doesn't dodge the controversial issues and, in fact, meets all of them head on. I have followed Joe's career closely and can't think of any accusation etc. that wasn't addressed - Being called chicken for pulling out of specific fights, Enzo being briefly sacked as his trainer, The honesty about where his career was at the point of the Omar Sheika fight.
In fact, the book opens with a quote from his father/trainer Enzo "If you pull out of the Lacy fight, all that you'll be remembered for in the boxing world is for being a f*cking chicken, is that what you want?"
There are numerous other frank quotes like this and while some people might have been tempted to stay away from this type of thing, seeing it unecessary/too risky to address, this book doesn't. Articles criticizing Joe are plentiful (often quoted from newspapers columns) and believe me when I say they have not been amended or watered down in order to influence the reader to see him in a better light, you just get the article and then you have Joe's take on it, which to me seems to be largely genuine.
The book of course covers all of Joe's professional (And the significant amateur) fights and I enjoyed the insight into his state of mind pre-fight, how his fight preparations went, as well as how badly and how surprisingly long his injuries have affected him. I was also pleased to see his healthy sense of self awareness in admitting that he sometimes can't half be a pain in the ar*e and a moody so and so.
A damn good and insightful read and to make a bad (but accurate) pun, it pulls no punches.
Nick
Fascinating if carefully monitored look at a boxing star, 03 Sep 2007
Joe Calzaghe's autobiography is a quick read and, for the most, entertaining enough. It's not orgies and sniping - like Nigel Benn's; it's not anecdotes and swearing - like Ricky Hatton's; it's a straightforward, seemingly, appraisal of a career that is yet to be done.
Calzaghe is an enigma. He is very low profile considering he is - without doubt - one of the best British boxers ever. For the legions who have heard of Amir Khan and Frank Bruno, there are small cohorts who know how good this guy is.
And, ironically, he takes a lot of stick. Go on a boxing talk board and say you're a Calzaghe fan and wait for the vitriol to pour down.
He doesn't say it directly, but Calzaghe is a complex man. He relates how two people close to him - his Dad Enzo (great trainer, by the way, my God how good is he!) and Frank Warren, the promoter - have told him, in no uncertain terms, to just get over the hand injuries and get on with it. He puts that in his autobiography, but still he is mumbling and fussing about his hands. It is almost cognitive dissonance: "I know everyone says I should just fight on, but listen tm my hand problems and feel sorry for me!"
There is precious little in terms of Calzaghe's personal life which, I feel, is a shame. Not that I want to hear the in and outs of his divorce, but he has cited how much it affected him and yet, apart from a line, we wouldn't know he was married.
There's a bit of the confessional about the book. JC knows he is an awkward so and so - he's an Ayrton Senna, a Nick Faldo, a Kevin Pietersen, a sporting perfectionist, a ludicrously talented man who has difficulty relating to those who just don't get it, who just don't get how good he is. He admits this, but, unlike Ricky Hatton, he has not learnt to stand back. To laugh at himself. He'd probably be a lot more happy if he did.
If you have ever seen Calzaghe fight when he means it, like he did for Jeff Lacy, you should be a fan and you should buy this book. The definitive work on the Welsh wonder, though, has yet to be written.
A highly readable book from a great champion, 29 Aug 2007
No Ordinary Joe is the autobiography of Joe Calzaghe and takes his story up to April 2007 when he beat Peter Manfredo Jnr at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. At the time the book was written, Joe had been the WBO super-middleweight champion for 10 years making 20 successful defences, as well as gaining the IBF super-middleweight title in 2006 in a fight against Jeff Lacy described by the respected commentator Hugh Mcllvanney as "one of the greatest displays of superb technique, confidence and fighting intelligence a British boxer has delivered in a major contest." Despite his record, recognition had been slow coming to Joe before the Lacy fight. This is surprising, as he has a broad appeal capable of crossing over to a female fan base with the looks that led to the offer of an M & S modelling contract (which he declined) as well as being a devoted father and family man. The book is remarkably objective for an autobiography and Joe is able to come up with a number of reasons for his comparatively low profile: He came after the barnstorming Benn-Eubank-Collins years and boxing's move away from terrestrial television to Sky; he has been dogged by hand injuries; the fact that his talent scared off the biggest names; possibly it's the British inability to fully embrace winners but perhaps most of all in a celebrity driven age, Joe has never been interested in the fame game. You get a clear idea from the book as to how Joe has developed as an athlete. He very courageously discusses how he was very badly bullied at school despite being a schoolboy boxing champion. This ended a reasonably promising academic performance and it could be that this intelligence was diverted away from academia to the ring. He acknowledges tensions in the relationship with his father and trainer, Enzo who clearly recognised his son's prodigious talent at an early age. There could have been more analysis of Enzo as his story is, in many ways, just as remarkable as he had no previous experience of boxing training. Although Enzo could see the talent, Joe's career was set back by a number of people who did not know how to handle it. So astonishingly the Wales ABA did not put him forward for the Barcelona Olympics qualifiers and whilst managed by Mickey Duff he was not being brought on sufficiently quickly. There are also some great anecdotes such as Joe's mounting discomfiture when Enzo decides verbally to have a go at Tyson. The forward by Sugar Ray Leonard is a little odd as it seems far more about Sugar Ray Leonard than about Joe but that's a minor quibble. Overall it's a highly readable book from a great and modest champion.
Honest and Funny., 02 Jul 2008
Easy read,Hatton is a likeable character and a true warrior which come across in the book.
some big gaps, 13 May 2008
an enjoyable read but, perhaps obviously, not very objective about the standard of many opponents.
also, there is NO mention of junior witter in this book. what a letdown, i was looking forward to reading hatton's thoughts on why he has avoided this fight throughout his career.
ive been a hatton fan since seeing him box live in donny many years ago. its a good read but some big holes left out....
An easy, enjoyable read, 31 Jan 2008
Ive been a big fan a Ricky Hatton for a good few years now, ever since I saw him beat Tony Pepp. Since that day his star has been continuously rising. In June 2005 he conquered the Junior Welterweight division by beating the linear World Champion and top 3 P4P fighter; Kostya Tsyzu. Since then hes gone on to beat Castillo, Collazo, Urango and Maussa, aswell as becoming a 2-weight world champion.
Despite Ricky's brave loss to Floyd Mayweather, Hatton remains a big star in the sport. His talent and aggressiveness in the ring is matched by his likeability out of the ring. His wit, his media and fan-freindly personality has made hin into a hugely popular fighter.
This book is at times, witty, interesting, informative and a pleasant read. One of the best sport books I have read.
There's Only One Ricky Hatton, 06 Feb 2007
One of the quietest people outside the ring, but in the ring hes one of the Greatest Boxers of the world. This book will tell you about his life inside the ring and out. how he took up boxing, how he's undefeated, how he fell out with frank and about his famouse body punches.
words cannot describe this book, i'm not a reader really but it didnt take me long to finnish it, i found it interesting, witty and amazing in any way you would want a autobiography to be.
by Dan Holmes
There is only one Ricky Hatton!, 13 Jan 2007
What an inspiration to millions of fans and whilst most see the very good work Ricky does in the ring, he is equally adept at his charity skills. I enjoyed the book and respect the person.
Coming from the same local area as Ricky I know what an inspiration he has been to many people and I am privileged to say 'have many of the same friends'!
This is an honest and sometimes humorous account of a Northern lad with true dedication and commitment not only to the boxing game but also to a much wider community.
From fellow author and resident 'Good Luck Ricky'
No surprises, 11 Jul 2008
Iceman is a nicely-presented, easy-to-read life story of Chuck Liddell. There are lots of colour and black and photos and it looks good. Unfortunately it doesn't tell you anything you couldn't pretty much guess for yourself about the guy.
For instance (these are all captions from the book),
I always push myself to the limit when training.
Victor Belfort took me off guard with a nice pop but in the end I nailed him some major blows and won by unaanimous decision.
I was proud to become a part of John's team of Pit monsters.
Is there any UFC fighter who doesn't give 100%? Or who doesn't respect his trainer? Liddell's comments tend either to be either fatuous or utterly unsurprising.
You can only conclude the sole reason for writing this book is to jump on the current bandwagon for biographies of MMA stars.
the iceman came, 12 Jun 2008
Being a long time UFC fan I was looking forward to this book but felt after reading it that too much was missed out for PC reasons. A average read not on the scale of little evil but better than matts?
hmm i was expecting better..., 09 May 2008
this book could have been a whole lot better...it doesn't tell any stories of streetfights...or famous excess...in fact theres hardly any funny stories in there either...
i want to read about incidents on the street...arguements...details...humour...other famous people...parties...etc...
its a bit pg...
Quality book, 05 Apr 2008
I bought Chuck's book last weekend and it took me just 3 days to read it. It's very interesting and easy to read. Chuck is one of my favourite MMA fighters and I was glad to see his autobiography coming on the market.
Chuck describes his childhood at the beginning, later on he describes how he started with martial arts and then he talks about his fights in the ring and cage. Talks about UFC and also his personal life and life style.
Very interesting, have a go. You won't be dissapointed.
Cool as ice, 31 Mar 2008
This was one of the best biographies I have read this year. I was really surprised at how well the book is written. If anyone thinks the UFC athletes are just jobless brawlers PLEASE read this book.
In the book itself you find out how serious Chuck is about martial arts, not just fighting (even though he makes not secret that is his favourite part), but the discipline and dedication you need to be a serious martial artist.
One of the amazing thing about this book, is Chuck's ability to talk about his many accomplishments (and there are a hell of a lot of them) with out bragging. He gives his personal opinion on all the people he has met, from Dana White, to Tito, and everyone he has met and fought. This is a must read for all serious martial artists.
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Customer Reviews
Highly recommended, 01 Feb 2008
I read this book in 1 day and couldn`t put it down. Its a great insight into what makes a champion and what doesn`t. I particularly enjoyed the interaction between the other fighters that Calzaghe meets on his travels. It really gives you an idea what these people are like in real life. It is a chronological, in-depth story of Calzaghe's life, good and bad times.
I also found it interesting to read his side of the story. Particularly when you read something in the news, it isn`t very often you get to hear the real story from the horses mouth.
It is very well written and pulls no punches!
No Ordinary Sports autobiography , 27 Oct 2007
This is without doubt one of the most entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable sports bio's i have read. Numerous stories during the book make you laugh, in particular the various spats between Joe and Enzo. Most notably when his dad parked 2 miles away from the weigh-in to avoid paying to park!!! Also, this book gives a great insight into Joe himself and honestly appraises his career and feelings prior to the big fights.
My favourite sports book of all time is Donald McCreas Dark Trade and i found 'No Ordinary Joe' is not far behind. Very well written and easy to read, so much so that i finished it in 2 days on holiday earlier this year.
An excellent read for sports fans, much better than the usual Autobiography's, 26 Oct 2007
The best Autobiography of a sports-man I have read.
I read Freddie Flintoff and Michael Vaughan's autobiographies when I was on holiday last year and to be honest they both seemed like token efforts devoid of feeling and not offering much insight - Don't get me wrong, they were professionally written and I don't regret reading them but when I put them down I was left with the question - Well, what have I really learned about the person? Put crudely, there was no X-factor.
No Ordinary Joe is different. The book is ghostwritten but unless i'd read it on the inside pages I never would have known as some of the thoughts seem very personal and honest - Very rare today!(I'm 29 by the way not 79)
No Ordinary Joe is a refreshingly honest and often amusing (In an intentionally dry way) look at the life and career of Joe Calzaghe. The book covers the background and history of his family and the influence (In particular that of his Dad & uncles) they have had throughout his career as well as his preparations, the fights themselves and how he saw/sees his career progressing and what he intends to do after boxing.
Importantly (and probably one of the reasons why I enjoyed it) the book doesn't dodge the controversial issues and, in fact, meets all of them head on. I have followed Joe's career closely and can't think of any accusation etc. that wasn't addressed - Being called chicken for pulling out of specific fights, Enzo being briefly sacked as his trainer, The honesty about where his career was at the point of the Omar Sheika fight.
In fact, the book opens with a quote from his father/trainer Enzo "If you pull out of the Lacy fight, all that you'll be remembered for in the boxing world is for being a f*cking chicken, is that what you want?"
There are numerous other frank quotes like this and while some people might have been tempted to stay away from this type of thing, seeing it unecessary/too risky to address, this book doesn't. Articles criticizing Joe are plentiful (often quoted from newspapers columns) and believe me when I say they have not been amended or watered down in order to influence the reader to see him in a better light, you just get the article and then you have Joe's take on it, which to me seems to be largely genuine.
The book of course covers all of Joe's professional (And the significant amateur) fights and I enjoyed the insight into his state of mind pre-fight, how his fight preparations went, as well as how badly and how surprisingly long his injuries have affected him. I was also pleased to see his healthy sense of self awareness in admitting that he sometimes can't half be a pain in the ar*e and a moody so and so.
A damn good and insightful read and to make a bad (but accurate) pun, it pulls no punches.
Nick
Fascinating if carefully monitored look at a boxing star, 03 Sep 2007
Joe Calzaghe's autobiography is a quick read and, for the most, entertaining enough. It's not orgies and sniping - like Nigel Benn's; it's not anecdotes and swearing - like Ricky Hatton's; it's a straightforward, seemingly, appraisal of a career that is yet to be done.
Calzaghe is an enigma. He is very low profile considering he is - without doubt - one of the best British boxers ever. For the legions who have heard of Amir Khan and Frank Bruno, there are small cohorts who know how good this guy is.
And, ironically, he takes a lot of stick. Go on a boxing talk board and say you're a Calzaghe fan and wait for the vitriol to pour down.
He doesn't say it directly, but Calzaghe is a complex man. He relates how two people close to him - his Dad Enzo (great trainer, by the way, my God how good is he!) and Frank Warren, the promoter - have told him, in no uncertain terms, to just get over the hand injuries and get on with it. He puts that in his autobiography, but still he is mumbling and fussing about his hands. It is almost cognitive dissonance: "I know everyone says I should just fight on, but listen tm my hand problems and feel sorry for me!"
There is precious little in terms of Calzaghe's personal life which, I feel, is a shame. Not that I want to hear the in and outs of his divorce, but he has cited how much it affected him and yet, apart from a line, we wouldn't know he was married.
There's a bit of the confessional about the book. JC knows he is an awkward so and so - he's an Ayrton Senna, a Nick Faldo, a Kevin Pietersen, a sporting perfectionist, a ludicrously talented man who has difficulty relating to those who just don't get it, who just don't get how good he is. He admits this, but, unlike Ricky Hatton, he has not learnt to stand back. To laugh at himself. He'd probably be a lot more happy if he did.
If you have ever seen Calzaghe fight when he means it, like he did for Jeff Lacy, you should be a fan and you should buy this book. The definitive work on the Welsh wonder, though, has yet to be written.
A highly readable book from a great champion, 29 Aug 2007
No Ordinary Joe is the autobiography of Joe Calzaghe and takes his story up to April 2007 when he beat Peter Manfredo Jnr at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. At the time the book was written, Joe had been the WBO super-middleweight champion for 10 years making 20 successful defences, as well as gaining the IBF super-middleweight title in 2006 in a fight against Jeff Lacy described by the respected commentator Hugh Mcllvanney as "one of the greatest displays of superb technique, confidence and fighting intelligence a British boxer has delivered in a major contest." Despite his record, recognition had been slow coming to Joe before the Lacy fight. This is surprising, as he has a broad appeal capable of crossing over to a female fan base with the looks that led to the offer of an M & S modelling contract (which he declined) as well as being a devoted father and family man. The book is remarkably objective for an autobiography and Joe is able to come up with a number of reasons for his comparatively low profile: He came after the barnstorming Benn-Eubank-Collins years and boxing's move away from terrestrial television to Sky; he has been dogged by hand injuries; the fact that his talent scared off the biggest names; possibly it's the British inability to fully embrace winners but perhaps most of all in a celebrity driven age, Joe has never been interested in the fame game. You get a clear idea from the book as to how Joe has developed as an athlete. He very courageously discusses how he was very badly bullied at school despite being a schoolboy boxing champion. This ended a reasonably promising academic performance and it could be that this intelligence was diverted away from academia to the ring. He acknowledges tensions in the relationship with his father and trainer, Enzo who clearly recognised his son's prodigious talent at an early age. There could have been more analysis of Enzo as his story is, in many ways, just as remarkable as he had no previous experience of boxing training. Although Enzo could see the talent, Joe's career was set back by a number of people who did not know how to handle it. So astonishingly the Wales ABA did not put him forward for the Barcelona Olympics qualifiers and whilst managed by Mickey Duff he was not being brought on sufficiently quickly. There are also some great anecdotes such as Joe's mounting discomfiture when Enzo decides verbally to have a go at Tyson. The forward by Sugar Ray Leonard is a little odd as it seems far more about Sugar Ray Leonard than about Joe but that's a minor quibble. Overall it's a highly readable book from a great and modest champion.
Honest and Funny., 02 Jul 2008
Easy read,Hatton is a likeable character and a true warrior which come across in the book.
some big gaps, 13 May 2008
an enjoyable read but, perhaps obviously, not very objective about the standard of many opponents.
also, there is NO mention of junior witter in this book. what a letdown, i was looking forward to reading hatton's thoughts on why he has avoided this fight throughout his career.
ive been a hatton fan since seeing him box live in donny many years ago. its a good read but some big holes left out....
An easy, enjoyable read, 31 Jan 2008
Ive been a big fan a Ricky Hatton for a good few years now, ever since I saw him beat Tony Pepp. Since that day his star has been continuously rising. In June 2005 he conquered the Junior Welterweight division by beating the linear World Champion and top 3 P4P fighter; Kostya Tsyzu. Since then hes gone on to beat Castillo, Collazo, Urango and Maussa, aswell as becoming a 2-weight world champion.
Despite Ricky's brave loss to Floyd Mayweather, Hatton remains a big star in the sport. His talent and aggressiveness in the ring is matched by his likeability out of the ring. His wit, his media and fan-freindly personality has made hin into a hugely popular fighter.
This book is at times, witty, interesting, informative and a pleasant read. One of the best sport books I have read.
There's Only One Ricky Hatton, 06 Feb 2007
One of the quietest people outside the ring, but in the ring hes one of the Greatest Boxers of the world. This book will tell you about his life inside the ring and out. how he took up boxing, how he's undefeated, how he fell out with frank and about his famouse body punches.
words cannot describe this book, i'm not a reader really but it didnt take me long to finnish it, i found it interesting, witty and amazing in any way you would want a autobiography to be.
by Dan Holmes
There is only one Ricky Hatton!, 13 Jan 2007
What an inspiration to millions of fans and whilst most see the very good work Ricky does in the ring, he is equally adept at his charity skills. I enjoyed the book and respect the person.
Coming from the same local area as Ricky I know what an inspiration he has been to many people and I am privileged to say 'have many of the same friends'!
This is an honest and sometimes humorous account of a Northern lad with true dedication and commitment not only to the boxing game but also to a much wider community.
From fellow author and resident 'Good Luck Ricky'
No surprises, 11 Jul 2008
Iceman is a nicely-presented, easy-to-read life story of Chuck Liddell. There are lots of colour and black and photos and it looks good. Unfortunately it doesn't tell you anything you couldn't pretty much guess for yourself about the guy.
For instance (these are all captions from the book),
I always push myself to the limit when training.
Victor Belfort took me off guard with a nice pop but in the end I nailed him some major blows and won by unaanimous decision.
I was proud to become a part of John's team of Pit monsters.
Is there any UFC fighter who doesn't give 100%? Or who doesn't respect his trainer? Liddell's comments tend either to be either fatuous or utterly unsurprising.
You can only conclude the sole reason for writing this book is to jump on the current bandwagon for biographies of MMA stars.
the iceman came, 12 Jun 2008
Being a long time UFC fan I was looking forward to this book but felt after reading it that too much was missed out for PC reasons. A average read not on the scale of little evil but better than matts?
hmm i was expecting better..., 09 May 2008
this book could have been a whole lot better...it doesn't tell any stories of streetfights...or famous excess...in fact theres hardly any funny stories in there either...
i want to read about incidents on the street...arguements...details...humour...other famous people...parties...etc...
its a bit pg...
Quality book, 05 Apr 2008
I bought Chuck's book last weekend and it took me just 3 days to read it. It's very interesting and easy to read. Chuck is one of my favourite MMA fighters and I was glad to see his autobiography coming on the market.
Chuck describes his childhood at the beginning, later on he describes how he started with martial arts and then he talks about his fights in the ring and cage. Talks about UFC and also his personal life and life style.
Very interesting, have a go. You won't be dissapointed.
Cool as ice, 31 Mar 2008
This was one of the best biographies I have read this year. I was really surprised at how well the book is written. If anyone thinks the UFC athletes are just jobless brawlers PLEASE read this book.
In the book itself you find out how serious Chuck is about martial arts, not just fighting (even though he makes not secret that is his favourite part), but the discipline and dedication you need to be a serious martial artist.
One of the amazing thing about this book, is Chuck's ability to talk about his many accomplishments (and there are a hell of a lot of them) with out bragging. He gives his personal opinion on all the people he has met, from Dana White, to Tito, and everyone he has met and fought. This is a must read for all serious martial artists.
A Lions Tale: Around the World in Spandex, 21 Aug 2008
WWE luminary Chris Jericho tells the story of his vivacious life, from the days of being a rebellious teenager listening to rock and roll to when he joins Stu Hart's infamous wrestling dungeon. He follows in the steps of his idols fighting the independent wrestling circuit and makes a name for himself in Mexico and Japan. He reaches his peak when joining the WWF in 1999 and becoming their Undisputed World Champion December 2001. This is a great and amusing read for most audiences; Jericho pulls no punches and has an entertaining sense of humour to go with it.
Pure brilliance , 14 Jun 2008
this is the best book ive ever read it tells jerichos life brilliantly taking us through the ups and downs of wrestling. i recomend this to anybody wrestling fan or not you will enjoy it.
A Sequel Is On It's Way, So Buy A Lion's Tale Right Now~!, 12 Apr 2008
This book is superb. It's the most entertaining wrestling book I've ever read, and as a journey there are few as unique as that of Chris Jericho. If you are looking at this page and therefore have a modicom of interest in this book, buy it immediately.
The purpose for this review is actually to address one issue. In a number of the reviews you'll read on this page; the principle gripe is with where the book ends; i.e. with the countdown to Jericho's August 1999 WWF debut. There is good news. A second book is in development.
Jericho has confirmed the release of a second book via Lance Storm's official website, StormWrestling.com. He wrote an article on Storm's website regarding his book and the reaction to it thus far. Jericho said the first book left the book open for a sequel because the first one only focuses on the stage in his life in which he is trying to achieve his dream of joining WWE. Once he got to WWE, that stage in his life was over. He has signed a new book deal for the second book with Grand Central. The second book will be called "Undisputed Attitude," which as you would imagine, will be an indepth look into his WWE tenure. The title is a reference to both the Attitude Era and his Undisputed Championship reign. It is also an homage to the Slayer compilation album of the same name. The second book will be released in the US and Canada in Autumn 2009, with a UK release following shortly after that.
Hope that helps you guys out. In the meantime, pick up this book. Even if you've never watched professional wrestling, this book will entertain you. Jericho's writing style is very inviting, witty and down to earth, with more Spinal Tap references than you can shake a stick at.
a must-read for all jericoholics, 25 Mar 2008
I love this book - funny, insightful, touching, and inspiring.
Y2J is clearly a wrestling fan and comes across as a fan of the business, which is great. Jericho doesn't sugar coat anything in this book, and discusses his travels and life on the road with an honesty that is lacking in other autobiographies. This book covers Jericho until his count down to 'the millenium' i.e. joining the wwe with the familiar clock countdown.
My only gripe with this book (and I stress this is my ONLY issue with the entire book) is that is did not cover his WWE (then WWF) days. The book stops as the countdown hits zero and Jericho walks through the WWE curtain for the first time to interupt the rock (and if you didnt see it look for it on youtube - very funny segment).
Destination WWF/E, 18 Mar 2008
This is one of the funniest wrestling books out there. I always find it strange when some of the best promo people in wrestling always say that they are shy and introverted. Does not sound the Y2J I and millions and millions of people do know. Y2J takes you on a round the world trip of the wrestling territories; he starts and finishes the book with the count down to his WWE début. Which leaves the book open for a sequal for his WWE years.
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The Guv'nor
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Lenny McLeanPeter Gerrard;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £2.87
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Product Description
Lenny McLean: the Guv'nor, Dirty Len, a human timebomb waiting to go off, one of the old school--however he was known, Len McLean was--until his high-profile death through cancer in 1998-a living legend and the truth behind a dozen urban myths (all of them extremely violent no doubt); as well as a byword for toughness and street smarts. You didn't mess with Len. Stories of his exploits abound, his name being known far beyond his native manor of Hoxton, with a fearsome reputation built on the back of being a gentleman and one of the best fighters I have ever seen, according to the late Ron Kray. The turn out of minor celebrities and gangland notables at his funeral is a testimony to the (for him) all-important respect this larger- than-life character earned in his chequered life. But who was the great pugilist-turned-actor (see his impressive performance playing, not surprisingly, an East End enforcer in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), and what does it take to be the so-called Guv'nor? In The Guv'nor, Len takes us, in what largely seems to be his own words (those offended by coarse language beware, he is no honey-tongued rhetorician), through his reminiscences. He evokes a compelling picture of times past, of a tough childhood growing up in the impoverished East End under the auspices of a brutally violent and unforgiving stepfather. He lived his early life in violence, and from that point, through a career of petty crime, minding, bouncing and unlicensed prize fighting (in fact anything that required muscle--his weapons were his fists, and he never used a shooter) it never ended. Because violence came so naturally to Len, his blasé attitude to hospitalising several slags ("no good bastards", so the helpful glossary of colourful terms informs us) can be bluntly shocking. But although violence was a feature of his life, this is not what the man (nor the book) was about. Len was essentially a man of simple values, but with a temper and the tools to make those who crossed or challenged him regret it--badly. A man of strong principles, (by his own account but also by the account of many others), a loving husband and father, not to mention brother, uncle, friend and, perhaps most poignantly, son of a cherished mother. Like many other hard men, he had a particular soft spot for his mother, who herself lived a cruelly tough life of sacrifice and subjugation. When I met Len, he was courteous and charming, but the air of menace was unmistakable when he had to straighten a fellow bouncer for disrespecting a lady (I cannot remember what the guy actually did, but he definitely wouldn't do it again in Len's presence). Once the message was received, he happily returned to chatting, enlightening me with his words of wisdom. And what wisdom, you may ask, did I take from him? Son, treat kindness with kindness, he pronounced in that gravelly, stentorian tone--an admirable sentiment I thought--and violence with EXTREME violence! he trumpeted. Thankfully, few, if any, can do it quite like Lenny.--Alisdair Bowles
Customer Reviews
Highly recommended, 01 Feb 2008
I read this book in 1 day and couldn`t put it down. Its a great insight into what makes a champion and what doesn`t. I particularly enjoyed the interaction between the other fighters that Calzaghe meets on his travels. It really gives you an idea what these people are like in real life. It is a chronological, in-depth story of Calzaghe's life, good and bad times.
I also found it interesting to read his side of the story. Particularly when you read something in the news, it isn`t very often you get to hear the real story from the horses mouth.
It is very well written and pulls no punches!
No Ordinary Sports autobiography , 27 Oct 2007
This is without doubt one of the most entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable sports bio's i have read. Numerous stories during the book make you laugh, in particular the various spats between Joe and Enzo. Most notably when his dad parked 2 miles away from the weigh-in to avoid paying to park!!! Also, this book gives a great insight into Joe himself and honestly appraises his career and feelings prior to the big fights.
My favourite sports book of all time is Donald McCreas Dark Trade and i found 'No Ordinary Joe' is not far behind. Very well written and easy to read, so much so that i finished it in 2 days on holiday earlier this year.
An excellent read for sports fans, much better than the usual Autobiography's, 26 Oct 2007
The best Autobiography of a sports-man I have read.
I read Freddie Flintoff and Michael Vaughan's autobiographies when I was on holiday last year and to be honest they both seemed like token efforts devoid of feeling and not offering much insight - Don't get me wrong, they were professionally written and I don't regret reading them but when I put them down I was left with the question - Well, what have I really learned about the person? Put crudely, there was no X-factor.
No Ordinary Joe is different. The book is ghostwritten but unless i'd read it on the inside pages I never would have known as some of the thoughts seem very personal and honest - Very rare today!(I'm 29 by the way not 79)
No Ordinary Joe is a refreshingly honest and often amusing (In an intentionally dry way) look at the life and career of Joe Calzaghe. The book covers the background and history of his family and the influence (In particular that of his Dad & uncles) they have had throughout his career as well as his preparations, the fights themselves and how he saw/sees his career progressing and what he intends to do after boxing.
Importantly (and probably one of the reasons why I enjoyed it) the book doesn't dodge the controversial issues and, in fact, meets all of them head on. I have followed Joe's career closely and can't think of any accusation etc. that wasn't addressed - Being called chicken for pulling out of specific fights, Enzo being briefly sacked as his trainer, The honesty about where his career was at the point of the Omar Sheika fight.
In fact, the book opens with a quote from his father/trainer Enzo "If you pull out of the Lacy fight, all that you'll be remembered for in the boxing world is for being a f*cking chicken, is that what you want?"
There are numerous other frank quotes like this and while some people might have been tempted to stay away from this type of thing, seeing it unecessary/too risky to address, this book doesn't. Articles criticizing Joe are plentiful (often quoted from newspapers columns) and believe me when I say they have not been amended or watered down in order to influence the reader to see him in a better light, you just get the article and then you have Joe's take on it, which to me seems to be largely genuine.
The book of course covers all of Joe's professional (And the significant amateur) fights and I enjoyed the insight into his state of mind pre-fight, how his fight preparations went, as well as how badly and how surprisingly long his injuries have affected him. I was also pleased to see his healthy sense of self awareness in admitting that he sometimes can't half be a pain in the ar*e and a moody so and so.
A damn good and insightful read and to make a bad (but accurate) pun, it pulls no punches.
Nick
Fascinating if carefully monitored look at a boxing star, 03 Sep 2007
Joe Calzaghe's autobiography is a quick read and, for the most, entertaining enough. It's not orgies and sniping - like Nigel Benn's; it's not anecdotes and swearing - like Ricky Hatton's; it's a straightforward, seemingly, appraisal of a career that is yet to be done.
Calzaghe is an enigma. He is very low profile considering he is - without doubt - one of the best British boxers ever. For the legions who have heard of Amir Khan and Frank Bruno, there are small cohorts who know how good this guy is.
And, ironically, he takes a lot of stick. Go on a boxing talk board and say you're a Calzaghe fan and wait for the vitriol to pour down.
He doesn't say it directly, but Calzaghe is a complex man. He relates how two people close to him - his Dad Enzo (great trainer, by the way, my God how good is he!) and Frank Warren, the promoter - have told him, in no uncertain terms, to just get over the hand injuries and get on with it. He puts that in his autobiography, but still he is mumbling and fussing about his hands. It is almost cognitive dissonance: "I know everyone says I should just fight on, but listen tm my hand problems and feel sorry for me!"
There is precious little in terms of Calzaghe's personal life which, I feel, is a shame. Not that I want to hear the in and outs of his divorce, but he has cited how much it affected him and yet, apart from a line, we wouldn't know he was married.
There's a bit of the confessional about the book. JC knows he is an awkward so and so - he's an Ayrton Senna, a Nick Faldo, a Kevin Pietersen, a sporting perfectionist, a ludicrously talented man who has difficulty relating to those who just don't get it, who just don't get how good he is. He admits this, but, unlike Ricky Hatton, he has not learnt to stand back. To laugh at himself. He'd probably be a lot more happy if he did.
If you have ever seen Calzaghe fight when he means it, like he did for Jeff Lacy, you should be a fan and you should buy this book. The definitive work on the Welsh wonder, though, has yet to be written.
A highly readable book from a great champion, 29 Aug 2007
No Ordinary Joe is the autobiography of Joe Calzaghe and takes his story up to April 2007 when he beat Peter Manfredo Jnr at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. At the time the book was written, Joe had been the WBO super-middleweight champion for 10 years making 20 successful defences, as well as gaining the IBF super-middleweight title in 2006 in a fight against Jeff Lacy described by the respected commentator Hugh Mcllvanney as "one of the greatest displays of superb technique, confidence and fighting intelligence a British boxer has delivered in a major contest." Despite his record, recognition had been slow coming to Joe before the Lacy fight. This is surprising, as he has a broad appeal capable of crossing over to a female fan base with the looks that led to the offer of an M & S modelling contract (which he declined) as well as being a devoted father and family man. The book is remarkably objective for an autobiography and Joe is able to come up with a number of reasons for his comparatively low profile: He came after the barnstorming Benn-Eubank-Collins years and boxing's move away from terrestrial television to Sky; he has been dogged by hand injuries; the fact that his talent scared off the biggest names; possibly it's the British inability to fully embrace winners but perhaps most of all in a celebrity driven age, Joe has never been interested in the fame game. You get a clear idea from the book as to how Joe has developed as an athlete. He very courageously discusses how he was very badly bullied at school despite being a schoolboy boxing champion. This ended a reasonably promising academic performance and it could be that this intelligence was diverted away from academia to the ring. He acknowledges tensions in the relationship with his father and trainer, Enzo who clearly recognised his son's prodigious talent at an early age. There could have been more analysis of Enzo as his story is, in many ways, just as remarkable as he had no previous experience of boxing training. Although Enzo could see the talent, Joe's career was set back by a number of people who did not know how to handle it. So astonishingly the Wales ABA did not put him forward for the Barcelona Olympics qualifiers and whilst managed by Mickey Duff he was not being brought on sufficiently quickly. There are also some great anecdotes such as Joe's mounting discomfiture when Enzo decides verbally to have a go at Tyson. The forward by Sugar Ray Leonard is a little odd as it seems far more about Sugar Ray Leonard than about Joe but that's a minor quibble. Overall it's a highly readable book from a great and modest champion.
Honest and Funny., 02 Jul 2008
Easy read,Hatton is a likeable character and a true warrior which come across in the book.
some big gaps, 13 May 2008
an enjoyable read but, perhaps obviously, not very objective about the standard of many opponents.
also, there is NO mention of junior witter in this book. what a letdown, i was looking forward to reading hatton's thoughts on why he has avoided this fight throughout his career.
ive been a hatton fan since seeing him box live in donny many years ago. its a good read but some big holes left out....
An easy, enjoyable read, 31 Jan 2008
Ive been a big fan a Ricky Hatton for a good few years now, ever since I saw him beat Tony Pepp. Since that day his star has been continuously rising. In June 2005 he conquered the Junior Welterweight division by beating the linear World Champion and top 3 P4P fighter; Kostya Tsyzu. Since then hes gone on to beat Castillo, Collazo, Urango and Maussa, aswell as becoming a 2-weight world champion.
Despite Ricky's brave loss to Floyd Mayweather, Hatton remains a big star in the sport. His talent and aggressiveness in the ring is matched by his likeability out of the ring. His wit, his media and fan-freindly personality has made hin into a hugely popular fighter.
This book is at times, witty, interesting, informative and a pleasant read. One of the best sport books I have read.
There's Only One Ricky Hatton, 06 Feb 2007
One of the quietest people outside the ring, but in the ring hes one of the Greatest Boxers of the world. This book will tell you about his life inside the ring and out. how he took up boxing, how he's undefeated, how he fell out with frank and about his famouse body punches.
words cannot describe this book, i'm not a reader really but it didnt take me long to finnish it, i found it interesting, witty and amazing in any way you would want a autobiography to be.
by Dan Holmes
There is only one Ricky Hatton!, 13 Jan 2007
What an inspiration to millions of fans and whilst most see the very good work Ricky does in the ring, he is equally adept at his charity skills. I enjoyed the book and respect the person.
Coming from the same local area as Ricky I know what an inspiration he has been to many people and I am privileged to say 'have many of the same friends'!
This is an honest and sometimes humorous account of a Northern lad with true dedication and commitment not only to the boxing game but also to a much wider community.
From fellow author and resident 'Good Luck Ricky'
No surprises, 11 Jul 2008
Iceman is a nicely-presented, easy-to-read life story of Chuck Liddell. There are lots of colour and black and photos and it looks good. Unfortunately it doesn't tell you anything you couldn't pretty much guess for yourself about the guy.
For instance (these are all captions from the book),
I always push myself to the limit when training.
Victor Belfort took me off guard with a nice pop but in the end I nailed him some major blows and won by unaanimous decision.
I was proud to become a part of John's team of Pit monsters.
Is there any UFC fighter who doesn't give 100%? Or who doesn't respect his trainer? Liddell's comments tend either to be either fatuous or utterly unsurprising.
You can only conclude the sole reason for writing this book is to jump on the current bandwagon for biographies of MMA stars.
the iceman came, 12 Jun 2008
Being a long time UFC fan I was looking forward to this book but felt after reading it that too much was missed out for PC reasons. A average read not on the scale of little evil but better than matts?
hmm i was expecting better..., 09 May 2008
this book could have been a whole lot better...it doesn't tell any stories of streetfights...or famous excess...in fact theres hardly any funny stories in there either...
i want to read about incidents on the street...arguements...details...humour...other famous people...parties...etc...
its a bit pg...
Quality book, 05 Apr 2008
I bought Chuck's book last weekend and it took me just 3 days to read it. It's very interesting and easy to read. Chuck is one of my favourite MMA fighters and I was glad to see his autobiography coming on the market.
Chuck describes his childhood at the beginning, later on he describes how he started with martial arts and then he talks about his fights in the ring and cage. Talks about UFC and also his personal life and life style.
Very interesting, have a go. You won't be dissapointed.
Cool as ice, 31 Mar 2008
This was one of the best biographies I have read this year. I was really surprised at how well the book is written. If anyone thinks the UFC athletes are just jobless brawlers PLEASE read this book.
In the book itself you find out how serious Chuck is about martial arts, not just fighting (even though he makes not secret that is his favourite part), but the discipline and dedication you need to be a serious martial artist.
One of the amazing thing about this book, is Chuck's ability to talk about his many accomplishments (and there are a hell of a lot of them) with out bragging. He gives his personal opinion on all the people he has met, from Dana White, to Tito, and everyone he has met and fought. This is a must read for all serious martial artists.
A Lions Tale: Around the World in Spandex, 21 Aug 2008
WWE luminary Chris Jericho tells the story of his vivacious life, from the days of being a rebellious teenager listening to rock and roll to when he joins Stu Hart's infamous wrestling dungeon. He follows in the steps of his idols fighting the independent wrestling circuit and makes a name for himself in Mexico and Japan. He reaches his peak when joining the WWF in 1999 and becoming their Undisputed World Champion December 2001. This is a great and amusing read for most audiences; Jericho pulls no punches and has an entertaining sense of humour to go with it.
Pure brilliance , 14 Jun 2008
this is the best book ive ever read it tells jerichos life brilliantly taking us through the ups and downs of wrestling. i recomend this to anybody wrestling fan or not you will enjoy it.
A Sequel Is On It's Way, So Buy A Lion's Tale Right Now~!, 12 Apr 2008
This book is superb. It's the most entertaining wrestling book I've ever read, and as a journey there are few as unique as that of Chris Jericho. If you are looking at this page and therefore have a modicom of interest in this book, buy it immediately.
The purpose for this review is actually to address one issue. In a number of the reviews you'll read on this page; the principle gripe is with where the book ends; i.e. with the countdown to Jericho's August 1999 WWF debut. There is good news. A second book is in development.
Jericho has confirmed the release of a second book via Lance Storm's official website, StormWrestling.com. He wrote an article on Storm's website regarding his book and the reaction to it thus far. Jericho said the first book left the book open for a sequel because the first one only focuses on the stage in his life in which he is trying to achieve his dream of joining WWE. Once he got to WWE, that stage in his life was over. He has signed a new book deal for the second book with Grand Central. The second book will be called "Undisputed Attitude," which as you would imagine, will be an indepth look into his WWE tenure. The title is a reference to both the Attitude Era and his Undisputed Championship reign. It is also an homage to the Slayer compilation album of the same name. The second book will be released in the US and Canada in Autumn 2009, with a UK release following shortly after that.
Hope that helps you guys out. In the meantime, pick up this book. Even if you've never watched professional wrestling, this book will entertain you. Jericho's writing style is very inviting, witty and down to earth, with more Spinal Tap references than you can shake a stick at.
a must-read for all jericoholics, 25 Mar 2008
I love this book - funny, insightful, touching, and inspiring.
Y2J is clearly a wrestling fan and comes across as a fan of the business, which is great. Jericho doesn't sugar coat anything in this book, and discusses his travels and life on the road with an honesty that is lacking in other autobiographies. This book covers Jericho until his count down to 'the millenium' i.e. joining the wwe with the familiar clock countdown.
My only gripe with this book (and I stress this is my ONLY issue with the entire book) is that is did not cover his WWE (then WWF) days. The book stops as the countdown hits zero and Jericho walks through the WWE curtain for the first time to interupt the rock (and if you didnt see it look for it on youtube - very funny segment).
Destination WWF/E, 18 Mar 2008
This is one of the funniest wrestling books out there. I always find it strange when some of the best promo people in wrestling always say that they are shy and introverted. Does not sound the Y2J I and millions and millions of people do know. Y2J takes you on a round the world trip of the wrestling territories; he starts and finishes the book with the count down to his WWE début. Which leaves the book open for a sequal for his WWE years.
From someone who reads Bronte..., 13 Oct 2008
For someone who reads Bronte, this was a book bought on pure curiosity. I met someone who was closely related to The Guv'nor, I hadn't previously heard of him and thought I should find out more. I was initially quite scared to read this book, thinking that it would be a testosterone fuelled rant about fighting and mafiosa. I was however, pleasantly surprised. I found that Lenny was a family man with normal fears and anxieties growing up. It was his fierce loyalty and kindness that lead him down some dark paths, and sadly caused a lot of fights and pain. It was interesting to read such a deep insight to the soul of someone involved in such vicious fighting and frightening situations. After all of the brutal fights and injuries caused, I felt myself understanding him and his reasoning. He comes across as a strong, tough-guy family man with morals and a hint of modesty (although sometimes this is lost through his descriptions of his fights!). Thoroughly enjoyable.
What a Guy,What a book, 12 Sep 2008
This is the best book i ever read, i could not put it down, and gutted when i finshed it, Brill everybody should read it.
Review, 05 Aug 2007
I was genuinely shocked by how moved I was after reading this book. Yes, the fights make hugely entertaining reading, but for me the tragedy of Lenny's early life experience shone through; growing up in a very tough neighbourhood, losing loving parents prematurely and suffering and witnessing unimaginable physical violence and abuse as a child. I am left feeling that Lenny was at heart a very emotional man, clearly affected by a past that forged every aspect of his character, emotionally, psychologically and physically.
When I finished the book I searched the internet for video clips. Again, I found two extremes. Fights showing Lenny truly punishing other fighters along with TV show interviews showing a much more self-effacing, mild, humorous and altogether more gentle man. The book reminded me of "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote, possibly because of the contrast between extreme violence and family life and the reasons why "violent" people are conditioned into violence by their upbringing.
Deeply entertaining, deeply tragic and a premature end to a very interesting man. I would have loved to have met him.
Myth or Legend, 19 Jun 2007
I have long been interested in Lenny Mcleans life and without turning this review into a Lenny mclean forum I would like to clear a few things up. Lenny Did fight Roy Shaw 3 times and in the first fight he was beaten by shaw. The two other fights he had with Shaw are on film and now widely availible on the internet.These recordings are proof for everyone to see that clearly Lenny Mclean was the better man.In that 2nd fight Lenny Knocks Roy Shaw clean through the ropes and in the 3rd, Lenny almost punches roys head off until roy crashes to the canvas.
Lenny's boast that he had 3000 fights has always raised eyebrows but taking into acount all the fighting over twenty five years he probably was not far wrong.On the doors it was sometimes four a night at different clubs all over London.And then the bareknuckle challenges and unlicensed bouts plus the street fights as a youngster.
Sure we all know he lost some boxing matches but these were against very good boxers who understood ring craft.With gloves off Lenny was a nightmare. To all those who say Len was a bully. Read "the Guv'nor through the eyes of others" by Anthony Thomas and its plain to see through eyewitness accounts that len was a very big hearted man. Okay in his early youth he was arrogant and may have come across to be a bully but as he got older he changed his attitude and only unleashed his awesome temper on those who crossed or challenged him.
A very famous fight promoter who promoted Lenny in the seventies who I wont name, described him as a bully. But could this be sour grapes because Lenny threw a fight over the money and changed his promoter.
If it hadnt been for the fact that Lenny was this mans star fighter on the unlicensed circuit he may never have been as great a promoter as he is now.
"The Guv'nor" will go down in history as being the definitive hard man book wether you believe some of Lennys accounts or not, its still a great read about a man who is truly a legend.This word Legend is banded about too much these days but I think Lenny truly deserves it.
Who's the Guv'nor?, 03 Jun 2007
After reading Roy Shaws biography 'Pretty Boy' I was very keen to read more about the violent underworld these characters lived in. Lenny McLean was Shaws arch rival and the two men hated each other. The Guv'nor tells a very similar tale of a boy raised in London who would become a villain and feared hardman.
McLean obviously had a tough upbringing, mostly at the hands of his mothers violent boyfriend Jim Irwin. Lennys grew into a tough teenage crook and after a spell in borstal took up boxing. McLean was a ferocious fighter and a mountain of a man. He travelled the country fighting in gyspy fairs and made a small fortune whilst at the same time building a terrifying reputation.
Whereas Shaws book appears to be brutally honest, McLeans appears exaggerated and self indulgent. McLean tells of how he 'looked after' pubs and clubs for their owners as if he was doing them a great favour when in actual fact he was running a protection racket. If anything McLean attracted trouble as he was often a target for people looking to make a name for themselves and was shot and stabbed working as a doorman. McLean boasts of his successes in the ring but glosses over the first fight with Roy Shaw in which Shaw beat him hands down. He also claims to have beaten Shaw twice whereas Shaw claims McLean refused a second return fight after defeating him in the first return. McLean sees himself as a gentleman but actually sounds to be nothing more than a thug (especially when he describes smashing a mates jaw into pieces). That said, this is still a fascinating book and McLean has led quite a remarkable life. His ego aside, there are more than enough thrilling tales to fill a book here such as the time he was flown by the mafia to New York to fight their champion (McLean decked him) and the time he acted as security on a deal with the IRA.
Like this? Try: Pretty Boy by Roy Shaw
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The Soul of a Butterfly
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Customer Reviews
Highly recommended, 01 Feb 2008
I read this book in 1 day and couldn`t put it down. Its a great insight into what makes a champion and what doesn`t. I particularly enjoyed the interaction between the other fighters that Calzaghe meets on his travels. It really gives you an idea what these people are like in real life. It is a chronological, in-depth story of Calzaghe's life, good and bad times.
I also found it interesting to read his side of the story. Particularly when you read something in the news, it isn`t very often you get to hear the real story from the horses mouth.
It is very well written and pulls no punches!
No Ordinary Sports autobiography , 27 Oct 2007
This is without doubt one of the most entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable sports bio's i have read. Numerous stories during the book make you laugh, in particular the various spats between Joe and Enzo. Most notably when his dad parked 2 miles away from the weigh-in to avoid paying to park!!! Also, this book gives a great insight into Joe himself and honestly appraises his career and feelings prior to the big fights.
My favourite sports book of all time is Donald McCreas Dark Trade and i found 'No Ordinary Joe' is not far behind. Very well written and easy to read, so much so that i finished it in 2 days on holiday earlier this year.
An excellent read for sports fans, much better than the usual Autobiography's, 26 Oct 2007
The best Autobiography of a sports-man I have read.
I read Freddie Flintoff and Michael Vaughan's autobiographies when I was on holiday last year and to be honest they both seemed like token efforts devoid of feeling and not offering much insight - Don't get me wrong, they were professionally written and I don't regret reading them but when I put them down I was left with the question - Well, what have I really learned about the person? Put crudely, there was no X-factor.
No Ordinary Joe is different. The book is ghostwritten but unless i'd read it on the inside pages I never would have known as some of the thoughts seem very personal and honest - Very rare today!(I'm 29 by the way not 79)
No Ordinary Joe is a refreshingly honest and often amusing (In an intentionally dry way) look at the life and career of Joe Calzaghe. The book covers the background and history of his family and the influence (In particular that of his Dad & uncles) they have had throughout his career as well as his preparations, the fights themselves and how he saw/sees his career progressing and what he intends to do after boxing.
Importantly (and probably one of the reasons why I enjoyed it) the book doesn't dodge the controversial issues and, in fact, meets all of them head on. I have followed Joe's career closely and can't think of any accusation etc. that wasn't addressed - Being called chicken for pulling out of specific fights, Enzo being briefly sacked as his trainer, The honesty about where his career was at the point of the Omar Sheika fight.
In fact, the book opens with a quote from his father/trainer Enzo "If you pull out of the Lacy fight, all that you'll be remembered for in the boxing world is for being a f*cking chicken, is that what you want?"
There are numerous other frank quotes like this and while some people might have been tempted to stay away from this type of thing, seeing it unecessary/too risky to address, this book doesn't. Articles criticizing Joe are plentiful (often quoted from newspapers columns) and believe me when I say they have not been amended or watered down in order to influence the reader to see him in a better light, you just get the article and then you have Joe's take on it, which to me seems to be largely genuine.
The book of course covers all of Joe's professional (And the significant amateur) fights and I enjoyed the insight into his state of mind pre-fight, how his fight preparations went, as well as how badly and how surprisingly long his injuries have affected him. I was also pleased to see his healthy sense of self awareness in admitting that he sometimes can't half be a pain in the ar*e and a moody so and so.
A damn good and insightful read and to make a bad (but accurate) pun, it pulls no punches.
Nick
Fascinating if carefully monitored look at a boxing star, 03 Sep 2007
Joe Calzaghe's autobiography is a quick read and, for the most, entertaining enough. It's not orgies and sniping - like Nigel Benn's; it's not anecdotes and swearing - like Ricky Hatton's; it's a straightforward, seemingly, appraisal of a career that is yet to be done.
Calzaghe is an enigma. He is very low profile considering he is - without doubt - one of the best British boxers ever. For the legions who have heard of Amir Khan and Frank Bruno, there are small cohorts who know how good this guy is.
And, ironically, he takes a lot of stick. Go on a boxing talk board and say you're a Calzaghe fan and wait for the vitriol to pour down.
He doesn't say it directly, but Calzaghe is a complex man. He relates how two people close to him - his Dad Enzo (great trainer, by the way, my God how good is he!) and Frank Warren, the promoter - have told him, in no uncertain terms, to just get over the hand injuries and get on with it. He puts that in his autobiography, but still he is mumbling and fussing about his hands. It is almost cognitive dissonance: "I know everyone says I should just fight on, but listen tm my hand problems and feel sorry for me!"
There is precious little in terms of Calzaghe's personal life which, I feel, is a shame. Not that I want to hear the in and outs of his divorce, but he has cited how much it affected him and yet, apart from a line, we wouldn't know he was married.
There's a bit of the confessional about the book. JC knows he is an awkward so and so - he's an Ayrton Senna, a Nick Faldo, a Kevin Pietersen, a sporting perfectionist, a ludicrously talented man who has difficulty relating to those who just don't get it, who just don't get how good he is. He admits this, but, unlike Ricky Hatton, he has not learnt to stand back. To laugh at himself. He'd probably be a lot more happy if he did.
If you have ever seen Calzaghe fight when he means it, like he did for Jeff Lacy, you should be a fan and you should buy this book. The definitive work on the Welsh wonder, though, has yet to be written.
A highly readable book from a great champion, 29 Aug 2007
No Ordinary Joe is the autobiography of Joe Calzaghe and takes his story up to April 2007 when he beat Peter Manfredo Jnr at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. At the time the book was written, Joe had been the WBO super-middleweight champion for 10 years making 20 successful defences, as well as gaining the IBF super-middleweight title in 2006 in a fight against Jeff Lacy described by the respected commentator Hugh Mcllvanney as "one of the greatest displays of superb technique, confidence and fighting intelligence a British boxer has delivered in a major contest." Despite his record, recognition had been slow coming to Joe before the Lacy fight. This is surprising, as he has a broad appeal capable of crossing over to a female fan base with the looks that led to the offer of an M & S modelling contract (which he declined) as well as being a devoted father and family man. The book is remarkably objective for an autobiography and Joe is able to come up with a number of reasons for his comparatively low profile: He came after the barnstorming Benn-Eubank-Collins years and boxing's move away from terrestrial television to Sky; he has been dogged by hand injuries; the fact that his talent scared off the biggest names; possibly it's the British inability to fully embrace winners but perhaps most of all in a celebrity driven age, Joe has never been interested in the fame game. You get a clear idea from the book as to how Joe has developed as an athlete. He very courageously discusses how he was very badly bullied at school despite being a schoolboy boxing champion. This ended a reasonably promising academic performance and it could be that this intelligence was diverted away from academia to the ring. He acknowledges tensions in the relationship with his father and trainer, Enzo who clearly recognised his son's prodigious talent at an early age. There could have been more analysis of Enzo as his story is, in many ways, just as remarkable as he had no previous experience of boxing training. Although Enzo could see the talent, Joe's career was set back by a number of people who did not know how to handle it. So astonishingly the Wales ABA did not put him forward for the Barcelona Olympics qualifiers and whilst managed by Mickey Duff he was not being brought on sufficiently quickly. There are also some great anecdotes such as Joe's mounting discomfiture when Enzo decides verbally to have a go at Tyson. The forward by Sugar Ray Leonard is a little odd as it seems far more about Sugar Ray Leonard than about Joe but that's a minor quibble. Overall it's a highly readable book from a great and modest champion.
Honest and Funny., 02 Jul 2008
Easy read,Hatton is a likeable character and a true warrior which come across in the book.
some big gaps, 13 May 2008
an enjoyable read but, perhaps obviously, not very objective about the standard of many opponents.
also, there is NO mention of junior witter in this book. what a letdown, i was looking forward to reading hatton's thoughts on why he has avoided this fight throughout his career.
ive been a hatton fan since seeing him box live in donny many years ago. its a good read but some big holes left out....
An easy, enjoyable read, 31 Jan 2008
Ive been a big fan a Ricky Hatton for a good few years now, ever since I saw him beat Tony Pepp. Since that day his star has been continuously rising. In June 2005 he conquered the Junior Welterweight division by beating the linear World Champion and top 3 P4P fighter; Kostya Tsyzu. Since then hes gone on to beat Castillo, Collazo, Urango and Maussa, aswell as becoming a 2-weight world champion.
Despite Ricky's brave loss to Floyd Mayweather, Hatton remains a big star in the sport. His talent and aggressiveness in the ring is matched by his likeability out of the ring. His wit, his media and fan-freindly personality has made hin into a hugely popular fighter.
This book is at times, witty, interesting, informative and a pleasant read. One of the best sport books I have read.
There's Only One Ricky Hatton, 06 Feb 2007
One of the quietest people outside the ring, but in the ring hes one of the Greatest Boxers of the world. This book will tell you about his life inside the ring and out. how he took up boxing, how he's undefeated, how he fell out with frank and about his famouse body punches.
words cannot describe this book, i'm not a reader really but it didnt take me long to finnish it, i found it interesting, witty and amazing in any way you would want a autobiography to be.
by Dan Holmes
There is only one Ricky Hatton!, 13 Jan 2007
What an inspiration to millions of fans and whilst most see the very good work Ricky does in the ring, he is equally adept at his charity skills. I enjoyed the book and respect the person.
Coming from the same local area as Ricky I know what an inspiration he has been to many people and I am privileged to say 'have many of the same friends'!
This is an honest and sometimes humorous account of a Northern lad with true dedication and commitment not only to the boxing game but also to a much wider community.
From fellow author and resident 'Good Luck Ricky'
No surprises, 11 Jul 2008
Iceman is a nicely-presented, easy-to-read life story of Chuck Liddell. There are lots of colour and black and photos and it looks good. Unfortunately it doesn't tell you anything you couldn't pretty much guess for yourself about the guy.
For instance (these are all captions from the book),
I always push myself to the limit when training.
Victor Belfort took me off guard with a nice pop but in the end I nailed him some major blows and won by unaanimous decision.
I was proud to become a part of John's team of Pit monsters.
Is there any UFC fighter who doesn't give 100%? Or who doesn't respect his trainer? Liddell's comments tend either to be either fatuous or utterly unsurprising.
You can only conclude the sole reason for writing this book is to jump on the current bandwagon for biographies of MMA stars.
the iceman came, 12 Jun 2008
Being a long time UFC fan I was looking forward to this book but felt after reading it that too much was missed out for PC reasons. A average read not on the scale of little evil but better than matts?
hmm i was expecting better..., 09 May 2008
this book could have been a whole lot better...it doesn't tell any stories of streetfights...or famous excess...in fact theres hardly any funny stories in there either...
i want to read about incidents on the street...arguements...details...humour...other famous people...parties...etc...
its a bit pg...
Quality book, 05 Apr 2008
I bought Chuck' | | |