The Last Great Fight

by Joe Layden
The Last Great Fight cover
Good Books rating 4.44
History, Political, Military, Adventure
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8234
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2026-01-02
  • ISBN: 9781906217136
  • Published: 2008-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

The Last Great Fight takes readers behind the scenes of one of the most shocking upsets in boxing history. In 1990, James 'Buster' Douglas defeated the seemingly invincible Heavyweight Champion 'Iron' Mike Tyson in a tenth-round knockout, a victory that sent shockwaves through the sports world. This book not only recounts the epic battle but also explores the personal journeys of both fighters. It provides an intimate look at the lives of Douglas and Tyson, offering insights into their training, mindsets, and the events leading up to their historic match. The narrative captures the drama and intensity of the fight while also humanizing the athletes, making it a compelling read for sports enthusiasts and general readers alike.

Reviews
The Rumpus Compass · 2014-03-11
compelling 4.50

The book is praised for its compelling narrative and thorough research, capturing the essence of a legendary boxing match and its impact on the fighters. The reviewer highlights the author's ability to bring the story to life with vivid details and insightful commentary.

The reviewer commends Joe Layden's The Last Great Fight for its gripping account of James 'Buster' Douglas's victory over Mike Tyson. They appreciate the depth of research and the vivid storytelling that brings the fight and its aftermath to life. The reviewer also notes how the book explores the personal journeys of both fighters, providing a nuanced perspective on the event. Overall, the book is seen as a must-read for boxing enthusiasts and anyone interested in the human drama behind sports history.

Quick quotes

    On all three counts, Joe Layden's The Last Great Fight, telling the story of James 'Buster' Douglas's astonishing defeat of Mike Tyson, has a ...

    The book is praised for its compelling narrative and thorough research, capturing the essence of a legendary boxing match and its impact on the fighters.

    The reviewer highlights the author's ability to bring the story to life with vivid details and insightful commentary.

Bad Left Hook · 2013-05-15
definitive 4.50

The reviewer considers the book the definitive account of Tyson's loss to Douglas, praising its detailed and engaging narrative. The book is seen as a must-read for boxing fans and anyone interested in the sport's history.

The reviewer at Bad Left Hook describes The Last Great Fight as the definitive account of Mike Tyson's upset loss to James 'Buster' Douglas. They praise Joe Layden's detailed and engaging narrative, which brings the event to life with vivid descriptions and insightful commentary. The reviewer notes that the book is a must-read for boxing fans and anyone interested in the sport's history, capturing the drama and significance of the fight. The book is seen as a compelling and authoritative account of one of the most memorable moments in boxing history.

Quick quotes

    Layden's book came out in 2010 and is the definitive account of Tyson's humiliating upset loss to Buster Douglas in February, 1990.

    Reading it ...

    The reviewer considers the book the definitive account of Tyson's loss to Douglas, praising its detailed and engaging narrative.

The Guardian · Simon Garfield · 2008-03-09
spirited 4.00

The book is a spirited account of one of the greatest upsets in sports history. The reviewer praises the author's ability to capture the excitement and significance of the event.

Simon Garfield's review in The Guardian emphasizes the book's spirited account of the legendary fight between Buster Douglas and Mike Tyson. Garfield highlights the author's skill in capturing the excitement and significance of the event, making it a must-read for sports enthusiasts. The reviewer appreciates the detailed narrative and the emotional depth provided, offering a comprehensive look at the fight that shocked the world. The book not only tells the story of the fight but also delves into the personal journeys of the two fighters, providing a well-rounded perspective on the event.

Quick quotes

    Joe Layden's The Last Great Fight is a spirited account of the greatest upset in sport.

    The reviewer praises the author's ability to capture the excitement and significance of the event.

    The book not only tells the story of the fight but also delves into the personal journeys of the two fighters.

The Independent · Chris Maume · 2008-02-20
masterpiece 4.75

The reviewer finds the book to be a masterpiece, praising its detailed account of the fight and the profound impact it had on the fighters. The background stories and the author's interviews with key figures add depth to the narrative.

Chris Maume from The Independent calls The Last Great Fight a masterpiece, highlighting Joe Layden's meticulous research and engaging storytelling. The reviewer appreciates the detailed account of the fight and the profound impact it had on both James 'Buster' Douglas and Mike Tyson. Maume also notes the author's interviews with key figures, which add depth and authenticity to the narrative. The book is seen as a compelling read that captures the essence of the event and its lasting legacy.

Quick quotes

    Joe Layden has talked to all the key figures involved and his account of the fight is compelling, but the background to that collision in Tokyo, and the ...

    Masterpiece on a bloodied canvas: Buster boxes clever to turn iron into gold.

    The reviewer finds the book to be a masterpiece, praising its detailed account of the fight and the profound impact it had on the fighters.

Appears in Lists