Customer Reviews

Two Ton: One Night, One Fight -Tony Galento v. Joe Louis

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Boxing isn't really my thing, but I can't resist a good, well-written story. Joe Monninger's sharp, clear prose draws the reader back in time and deep into the drama of two men's lives, each both very ordinary and very special - almost mythological. It's tough not to find something of yourself in both, and impossible not to be pulled along by this engaging story of one night and one fight. Buy it. Read it.

The book should be of great interest to living boxing or history fans who remember the era and add dimension to those who don't.
The book conjures up moments of history without being academic or tone-deaf to the human side. Author Monninger is a first class novelist and prolific writer; this one has the distinction of detailed research and facile delivery. Monninger creates the period as if you are living it. I might have done without reading a few sections too heavy in boxing detail such as the measurement of the forces of a heavyweight fighter's punch. In the ring with mere amateurs, I've had ribs broken twice by body shots, a broken nose, various cuts and an infinite number of bruises. It rather kills the fun of it all to read that a heavyweight's punch delivers a force of 2800 newtons. But the story of the determined loser-hero willing to risk all to make his mark on history is a testament to all of us who struggle to find inspiration.
Like Joyce Carol Oates well-known book `On Boxing', this story of Two Ton Tony Galento is something of a departure from traditional boxing literature. It's funny, it's fascinating, it entertains, and it's one of the markers by which America's time is measured.

I grew up in Orange and met Galento twice, decades after the big Louis fight. Both times he was amusing, colorful, and intimidating. I am thankful for this book; its portrayal is rather accurate to the man. One minor complaint: the book at times seems anti-boxing. Yes, boxing is brutal but it has its virtues which cannot be fully elaborated on here. And professional boxing ain't nothin' compared to the streets of Orange I knew!

As a boxing historian and a huge reader, I found "Two Ton" to be one of the best additions to the boxing library in many years. The author did a superb job in his research and in portraying the men and their time. It is a terrific read on many levels and highly recommended ...

I met Tony in Dempsey's bar right after the Frazier-Quarry bout. He gave me an autographed picture of himself that I will always treasure. The book seems to make fun of his lifestyle but doesn't avoid the guts and determination he always showed. Several of the fights seemed take too long to elaborate on (several chapters) but the story keeps going.

Nice book. Easy read. Learned a lot about a guy I knew almost nothing of (Two Ton Tony Galento) and learned a lot more about a guy I already knew pretty well (Joe Louis).

They could not have been more polar opposites. Louis was a physical specimen, well off from some big pay-day fights, reserved, a gentleman, supremely talented and, of course, black. Galento was white, short and fat, a tavern owner who needed the money, a clown, a plodder in the ring and a bit of a lout. The one thing they did have in common was their chosen profession.

This may have been a five star special, but there are a few instances where the author goes a little Joyce Carol Oates on us and loses the narrative voice of the book. Don't get me wrong--I have nothing against Joyce Carol Oates, but I only enjoy her stuff when I'm reading Joyce Carol Oates.

Two Ton Tony literally makes his two seconds of fame (the two seconds Joe Louis was on the canvas during their fight) last a lifetime. The author suggests that causes a lot of 'what if' thoughts to creep in. I look at it as at least he got the two seconds which is a lot more than I can say for most of us.

Excellent book about a boxer on the Joe Louis bum of the month tour.
Galento looked and acted like a clown but he knocked down the greatest fighter of his era and the cover picture proves it.

Rarely does a book about sports especially a boxing book paint such a vivid scene of the past as does this wonderful poetic classic by Mr. Monninger. Well written and easy to read five big stars!

Joe Louis is well chronicled as arguably the finest fighting machine ever produced by the heavyweight division. There have been many movies, books and magazine articles detailing his mastery. In fact, his skills were so far above and beyond his contemporaries, that his Championship fights became widely known as "The Bum of the Month Club".

Joe Louis plays the heavy in this finely written story, but the book, and the night belong to tony Galento, a balding fireplug of a man, a first generation Italian American, and an athlete who was unafraid to laugh at himself while self promoting.

Galento was also fearless in the ring, and if the book is to be believed, in life. Galento was full of life, full of fun, and a first rate character, of the sort that sadly belongs to a different era in sports.

Galento earned a shot at Louis' title in 1939. Although their skill levels made it an inherent mismatch, Galento had the proverbial punchers chance. But he had a heart to match his nickname. And for a brief couple of moments on this stage, Galento imbedded himself in the American consciousness.

Along the way, he was the lovable rogue, who understood self promotion in much the same way Muhammad Ali would a quarter century later. A man of inherent, God given intelligence, as well bravery heart and humor.

This was as enjoyable a boxing biography as I have read.

Excellent book and writer. Loved the way the fight itself is broken up by the boxer's stories. Really well written and engrossing. I'm a huge boxing fan and this book delivered. If you want a well written book that captures that era this is it.