Of Cowards and True Men

I have read a lot of boxing books and think this is one of the best of them. The author takes us inside the world of Kenny Adams, a profane and dictatorial trainer who is also a brave soldier and highly regarded boxing expert.We get an indepth look at what goes on in a gym where fighters are struggling to get that one big break in their careers that will propel them to fame and fortune.One of the aspects of the book that I really liked was the dynamic between the fighters and the trainers and managers. There is a need to make money but the managers are wary of taking fights that may affect their fighter adversely while the fighter is desperate for a payday. The trainer is the meat in the sandwich in that he needs a happy fighter while also acknowledging the manager's concerns.This is a warts and all look at boxing through the eyes of a writer spending time with Kenny Adams and the assorted boxing circle he had.Very recommended. The author did a fine job.

Great read! I couldn't put it down. Ken Adams is a true pioneer in the world of boxing and this book puts you right in sweat and tears of the gym. The author did a fantastic job with this, and I recommend everyone interested in the sport of boxing pick this one up!

A well written biography about boxing, as well as one of the legends inside of boxing.

This writers style was extremely hard to follow and very frustrating at times. I was ready to give up on the book a few times but made up my mind to finish it. This book gave a slim bio of Adam's but was mainly about his day to to day activities along with a couple of his fighters.Although I like what I read about Adam's I dont like the books writing style.I have a huge boxing library but this book will get donated to my local thrift shop.

Great book. Finish it fast.I really recommend this book to anyone interested in boxing

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it highly. The fight game has always seemed brutal, but the vulgarity and crudeness of the sports comes throughin in-your-face style on these pages. The rise and fall of Kenny Adams's stable, through the course of a year and a half, is intriguing ... but Adams is the star of the show. And rightfully so. He has no peer as a trainer when his combined achievements as an amateur and professional are weighed, but this effort goes beyond the stats inside the squared circle. In and of himself, Adams's motivations, tactics,and dynamics are magnificently told. From his first breaths, he's had an uphill struggle. That he has accomplished so much is a tribute to the kid from Cape Girardeau who, on his ambition and fury alone, has traveled the world for his craft. He's also a Vietnam War vet, via the 82nd Airborne. MUCH respect.

If you love boxing this book is for you, if you do not love boxing this book is for you. The author paints a vivid picture of Kenny Adams who has more testicular fortitude than any man I know. He doesn't put up with any crap because he truly cares about the sport of boxing and the boxers he trained. Could not put the book down, read it in about 3 days.