By David Martinez / Boxing Historian

Wow! My read on My Life Among the Icons written by Johnny Ortiz is that it is simply a must for boxing fans, including the novice aficionado.

It is a wonderful and interesting collection of Johnny’s life from the age of fifteen to 1999. Johnny has been involved with the sport of boxing for over fifty years. I have personally known this fine gentleman for the last twenty years as a boxing associate, mentor and dear friend, and now his book has brought out a personal, in depth touch into his life.
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By Jim Amato

THE TERROR OF TERRE HAUTE … Bud Taylor And The 1920’s.

AUTHOR: John D. Wright

THIS was a great book! When I received it I had heard of Charles “Bud” Taylor. I knew he was in the Hall of Fame but he was a fighter from the past. I really knew little about him. I know better now thanks to author John D. Wright. John’s labor of love brought to light a career forgotten. A career that should be remembered. Bud Taylor was a hell of fighter. He was a hell of a man too and Mr.Wright covers all the bases.
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Billy Soose – The Champion Time Forgot
A book by Rusty Rubin and Tom Donelson

Billy Soose was an American boxer who won the world middleweight championship in 1941.

After a collegiate boxing career, Soose became a professional boxer in 1938. That same year he met Charley Burley, defeated Soose by a unanimous decision. In 1940 Soose defeated two future middleweight champions, Ken Overlin and Tony Zale. He began 1941 by defeating future heavyweight and light heavyweight title challenger Tami Mauriello and then, in May of that year, beat old foe Overlin for Overlin’s middleweight title. He never defended the title and retired in 1942 after losing a bout to Jimmy Bivins.
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By Jim Amato

HANDS OF STONE : The Life And Legend Of Roberto Duran

Author: Christian Giudice

Roberto Duran is my favorite fighter of all time. Because of this fact I thought I may be a little bias in my opinion of the book ” Hands Of Stone “. Would I over rate it because the subject was Duran or would I be too harsh and expect too much ? All I know is when it hit the shelf, I had to have it. Although time is not a luxury for me these days I was going to make time to read this book. I’m glad I did.
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