One Punch from the Promised Land

by John Florio and Ouisie Shapiro
One Punch from the Promised Land cover
Good Books rating 3.97
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  • ID: 8237
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-21
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Chicago Public Library · 2025-11-04
excellent 4.00

The writing is spare but evocative, taking readers back to the interesting and erratic days of boxing's golden age. It is praised for its vivid and compelling narrative.

This book is a standout for its evocative writing style, which transports readers to the golden age of boxing. The reviewer particularly appreciates the vivid and compelling narrative, which brings to life the stories of Leon and Michael Spinks. The book's exploration of their journeys from the Pruitt-Igoe housing projects to world championships is both inspiring and insightful. The reviewer finds the book to be an excellent account of the brothers' lives and the broader context of the sport.

Quick quotes

    Excellent, excellent account.

    Writing is spare but evocative.

    I was taken back to those always interesting, if erratic, boxing days of the golden age.

The Wall Street Journal · 2013-10-18
complex 3.50

The book could have been a classic boxing Cinderella story, but it delves deeper into the complexities of the Spinks brothers' lives and careers. It is noted for its thorough exploration of their journeys.

While the story of the Spinks brothers has the potential to be a classic underdog tale, this book takes a more nuanced approach. It explores the highs and lows of their careers, including their Olympic gold and world championships, as well as the challenges they faced. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to capture the essence of the brothers' experiences, making it a rich and engaging read. The narrative is well-crafted, offering a balanced view of their lives and the sport of boxing.

Quick quotes

    Both won Olympic gold. Both became world champions.

    "One Punch From the Promised Land" might have read like a boxing Cinderella story, but it is much more than that.

    The book delves into the complexities of the Spinks brothers' lives and careers.

Goodreads · 2013-09-03
insightful 4.40

The book provides an insightful look into the lives of the Spinks brothers and the business side of boxing. It is praised for its dual focus on biography and the sport's inner workings.

This book is a compelling read for anyone interested in boxing or the personal stories of athletes. It effectively balances the personal journeys of Leon and Michael Spinks with a critical examination of the boxing industry. The narrative is engaging and offers a unique perspective on the sport's impact on the lives of its participants. The reviewer appreciates the depth of research and the honest portrayal of the brothers' experiences, making it a valuable addition to sports literature.

Quick quotes

    This book doubles as a biography for the Spinx brothers as well as an inside look at the business side of boxing.

    Being able to see the personal and professional struggles of the Spinks brothers adds a layer of depth to the story.

    The book is a must-read for boxing enthusiasts and anyone interested in the human side of sports.

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