The Black Lights: Inside the World of Professional Boxing

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