Only In America: The Life and Crimes of Don King

Only In America: The Life and Crimes of Don King cover
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Technical
  • ID: 8244
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-21
  • ISBN: 9780688101237
  • Publisher: William Morrow & Company
  • Published: 1995-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Only in America is a vivid account of a man's rise from a life of crime to becoming a powerful and wealthy figure in the boxing industry. The book chronicles the author's early days running numbers and engaging in street crime, and his transformation into a flamboyant and influential boxing promoter. /n/nThis memoir offers a glimpse into the high-stakes world of boxing, filled with larger-than-life characters and dramatic events. It's not just a story about sports; it's a tale of ambition, reinvention, and the American Dream, as seen through the eyes of someone who lived it to the fullest.

Reviews
All Sports Books Reviews · 2019-07-29
fascinating 4.00

The book provides a detailed account of Don King's life, offering insights into his role in boxing and his controversial actions. It's a fascinating read for those interested in the sport's history.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of boxing and the larger-than-life figures who have shaped it. Don King is one of those figures, and this book does an excellent job of capturing his essence. The author provides a detailed account of King's life, from his early days to his rise as a powerful promoter. The book doesn't shy away from the controversies that have surrounded King, offering a balanced view of his impact on the sport. It's a fascinating read that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the boxing world and the complex individuals who inhabit it.


Quick quotes

    I mainly started watching boxing during Tyson's post-prison fights – a time that would be the beginning of the end of Don King's long reign atop the sport.

    The book provides a detailed account of Don King's life, offering insights into his role in boxing and his controversial actions.

    It's a fascinating read for those interested in the sport's history.

Los Angeles Times · 1997-11-14
gripping 4.50

The book offers a comprehensive look at Don King's life and career, highlighting his shrewdness and the controversies that have followed him. It's a gripping tale of power and ambition.

This book is a gripping tale of one of the most controversial figures in sports history. Don King's life is a story of power, ambition, and controversy, and this book captures it all. The author provides a comprehensive look at King's career, from his early days to his rise as a powerful promoter. The book doesn't shy away from the controversies that have surrounded King, offering a balanced view of his impact on the sport. It's a fascinating read that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the boxing world and the complex individuals who inhabit it. The author's writing style is engaging and informative, making it a great choice for anyone interested in sports history.


Quick quotes

    Great man. --Mike Tyson praising Don King Wednesday night on CNN's 'Larry King Live'.

    The book offers a comprehensive look at Don King's life and career, highlighting his shrewdness and the controversies that have followed him.

    It's a gripping tale of power and ambition.

The New York Times · 1995-09-10
nuanced 3.50

The book delves into the complex and controversial life of Don King, highlighting his influence and the darker aspects of his career. It presents a nuanced portrait of a powerful figure in boxing history.

This book offers a deep dive into the life of Don King, one of the most influential and controversial figures in boxing. It explores his rise to power, his impact on the sport, and the ethical questions surrounding his actions. The author doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of King's career, providing a balanced view that acknowledges both his successes and his failures. For those interested in the intersection of sports and morality, this book is a compelling read. It's a reminder that power and influence often come with a cost, and that the line between hero and villain can be blurred in the world of professional sports.


Quick quotes

    In 'Only in America,' Jack Newfield looks at the most powerful promoter in boxing history and ponders the evil of banality.

    The book delves into the complex and controversial life of Don King, highlighting his influence and the darker aspects of his career.

    It presents a nuanced portrait of a powerful figure in boxing history.

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