BLACK LIGHTS: INSIDE THE WORLD OF PROFESSIONAL BOXING (Sweet Science: Boxing in Literature and History) [Paperback]

THOMAS HAUSER (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Hauser (Missing, The Family Legal Companion) followed the fortunes of former WBC superlightweight champion Billy Costello in the fall of 1984, using the boxer's preparations for a title defense as the springboard to examine the sport itself. He makes clear that TV now controls boxing and that sports promoters Don King and Bob Arum enjoy a virtual monopoly because the networks find that a convenient arrangement. Hauser also shows the paternal relationships of manager Mike Jones and trainer Victor Valle with Costello, both aiding him for reasons beyond money. And he looks at the seamier side of the Sweet Science, from grubby gyms to the fate that awaits those who, like Muhammad Ali, have taken too many punches. The book is informative, and the suspense built up around the big fight is masterfully handled. Major ad/promo. November 4
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: University of Arkansas Press (February 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557285977
• ISBN-13: 978-1557285973
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,381,903 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Hauser Knock Out, May 27, 2004

By 

Buster Paris (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: BLACK LIGHTS: INSIDE THE WORLD OF PROFESSIONAL BOXING (Sweet Science: Boxing in Literature and History) (Paperback)

The Black Lights

It's no wonder that after reading this Muhammad Ali chose Thomas Hauser to write his story.

How this book got it's name is another great example of what Hauser can do with just one paragraph!

I had assumed that this would be somewhat of a dry read or just not as good as Hauser's other books on boxing and the world of boxing. I had thought that since it's Hauser's first attempt at writing about boxing that it would be just ok - maaaan was I wrong - THIS is a fantastic book!

Hauser is an amazing writer and is exceptional in all his writings about the sweet science.

This is a great example of a book successfully covering and achieving what it set out to do. You get educated on the inside story of professional boxing and get a great and personal insight into the world of Billy Costello.

I was caught up in every chapter and did not want to put this book down. I've never heard of Billy Costello before this book and found myself being nervous for him, being excited for him, cheering for him and feeling now like I was there with him.

Great book for anyone.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This Book is a Definite Contenda!, April 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: BLACK LIGHTS: INSIDE THE WORLD OF PROFESSIONAL BOXING (Sweet Science: Boxing in Literature and History) (Paperback)

This is a nice quick read that gives a behind-the-scenes view of what it takes to put together a world championship fight. The book follows the career of former Superlightweight champion Billy Costello and the individuals that comprise help him reach the top. Interspersed throughout the book are anectdotes regarding the promoters, trainers, televison execs, and boxers who all want a piece of Costello.

The book really takes off when Costello's camp tries to set up a title defense for the champ. From the stuggles to find an opponent who won't pose much of a risk to Costello's crown, to the virtual soul-selling that occurs to get the fight broadcast, to the fight itself, you feel the turmoil that Costello, his trainer and manager all go through. The description of the actual fight is written so vividly you feel like you're the one in the ring.

This true story makes you sorry you never followed Costello's career as it was happenng in the early 1980's. And as an added bonus, the author gives you one more reason (as if you needed another) to despise Don King.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The greatest ... a must-read for boxing fans, December 11, 2003

By 

Dennis Schlagheck (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Black Lights: Inside the World of Professional Boxing (Hardcover)

I first read The Black Lights soon after its publication in the mid-80s. I felt then that it was as good if not better than any non-fiction examination of boxing. Rereading it recently, I was still impressed by its thoroughness, insight and candor. Sadly, the same characters who held a stranglehold on boxing then are still in charge - King, Sulaiman, Arum. The only new player is HBO, which has replaced the three networks as the major bankroller of big fights. The fighters are still used for all they are worth and then tossed aside.
Billy Costello, whose Nov. 1984 title defense is the book's focus, had a distinguished ring career. Fortunately, he also had Thomas Hauser to record his grace under pressure. You cannot help but admire Costello for his dedication and decency amid the scoundrels who flock to the sport. Readers are sure to come away from The Black Lights with the feelings of true boxing fans - a mixture of fascination, admiration and revulsion.