BOOK REVIEWS Part 9 – Four Kings
Author: Chris Akers
Leonard, Duran, Hagler, Hearns. Four names with four different styles which manage to amalgamate in the 1980’s to give boxing arguably the most iconoclastic rivalry it has ever known.
Sugar Ray Leonard was a flash and charismatic fighter with superb footwork, prismatic combinations with underrated power and an iron will to match the grace he showed.
Roberto Duran was a concoction of malice and energy who displayed his skills with a viciousness not seen before and since.
Hagler was a right handed southpaw who was able to adroitly able to switch from a right to left stance with ease.
Thomas Hearns was a tall and rangy fighter who looked like he could be blown over like autumn leaves in the wind, but who was the conductor of a very powerful right hand.
Yet repetition breeds boredom and the story of these warriors and the round robin they participated in has been told in copious amounts of literature and in a few documentaries also. So the question that needs to be asked is ‘Has this book been able to refresh, rejuvenate and add something extra to the stories of these four great fighters?’ Thankfully the answer is a resounding yes.
The book (published by Mainstream) develops the tale of each of these four men and it could be argued, builds up a crescendo of anticipation for the critique of the fights by highlighting their background and the obstacles & hurdles each fighter had to go though in order to ascend to and reach their main goal.
It explains how Hagler and Leonard had actually competed (though not against each other) in the same National Amateur Union Championships some fourteen years before they would meet. It goes into meticulous detail about the zenith that Duran achieved as world lightweight champion and talks about the progression and improvement that Hearns made on his way to becoming a professional.
Indeed, it is not until after the first seventy five pages of the book that any of the fights between the quartet are described.
Once the fights are described, the description of them is excellent. The author George Kimball gives the reader facts and quotes that have rarely been heard or known about before. Interesting as they are, he also does not use these pieces of information just for the sake of it.
This gives the impression and allows the reader to empathise and feel as though they are part of the build up to the fight. The analysis of each fight will also make people feel as though the fight is happening in the present day. Little side stories to each bout and make the reader not want to put the book down.
Examples of this are why the referee in the Hagler vs Duran fight as chosen, removed and then reinstated. Also it articulates brilliantly how a shooting affected the performance of both combatants in the Leonard vs Hearns rematch.
Even fights which the foursome took part in, but not against each other, are privy to this anatomical analysis. The story of what Hagler and his team did before, during and after his fight with the then champion Alan Minter is particularity interesting (even explaining why Vito Antoufermo as part of an Italian commentary team threw one of the best right hooks of his career at one of the fans!!).
Another strength of this book is that it gives each fighter equal treatment throughout. There is not a feeling of one boxer getting preferential treatment with regards to the amount of information that is written about them.
This helps the book greatly as it makes sure, unlike other books of this nature, that the tale does not feel like a showcase for one particular person and it also helps to maintain the excellent flow of the book.
Interviews, the author’s own personal accounts and even quotes from Duran’s own biography all add to the literature on display.
There are some mistakes in the book. For example describing Kirkland Laing as a journeyman when he clearly was not. Also stating Larry Holmes at the beginning of the book as ‘a former Ali sparring partner’ while technically correct, does come across as demeaning. But there are not enough of these to adversely affect the story in any way.
Unlike the epilogue of a lot of books of this kind, the what happened after their careers were over section is still described with the same amount of attention as the rest of the story and is an excellent way to conclude it.
This is a brilliant book and will add to any boxing fan’s knowledge of the sport and these four fighters. Once the reader starts the book, they will find it very difficult to put down as I can testify. At £10.99, you will not find a better way to spend your money.
Put simply – superb
The U.S. hardcover edition is published by McBooks Press, and it will be released on October 1 for $22.95.
RATING - 9 out of 10