Let's Get It on: Tough Talk from Boxing's Top Ref and Nevada's Most Outspoken Judge

Lane came to national attention as the referee of the fight in which Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ear and was disqualified, but he had been the third man in the ring for two decades before that. Writing with Atlanta Journal-Constitution editor Smith, he reviews his life as the scion of a wealthy South Carolina farmer, a reluctant private school student, a wildly enthusiastic member of the Marine Corps, a prize-winning boxer, a district attorney and a district court judge, a position he still holds. His autobiography is a strange mixture of convincing advice to adhere to all the old maxims of self-reliance, honesty and respect for others, as he laments the current state of the judicial system, the family and professional boxing--all this mixed with his near-worship of the Marines. A few observations are so exaggerated as to border on the hysterical (the banning of intercollegiate boxing by the NCAA was ""a sad day for mankind,"" while those who oppose professional boxing are ""mentally challenged""). There are reminiscences of great fights where he officiated and boxers he has known, especially Muhammad Ali, a great favorite. An interesting memoir for boxing fans. (July)