Don Dunphy at Ringside

The author's recollections of his fifty-year career in sports broadcasting also offers a definitive yet personal account of boxing's "golden age" and a chronicle of the evolution of radio and television broadcasting

A formless meander through the world of boxing from the 1940s to the '80s, this autobiography tells of Dunphy's rise to prominence as a sports announcer specializing in the "sweet science" and then gives candid views on the fighters and fights he has seen. Most interesting are his lists of the 10 greatest contests he has observed (three of them involved Muhammad Ali), the seven greatest rounds ever fought (he picks the first round of the Dempsey-Firpo donnybrook as the best) and the top fighter (after narrowing the field to Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson, he settles on Sugar Ray). Dunphy covers terrible fights as well, including the return bouts between Louis and Billy Conn and between Marciano and Jersey Joe Walcott. There are also chapters on unusual battles, prominent sportscasters and his own family. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Dunphy, the voice of The Gillette Fights and announcer of over 2000 bouts, blends his own story with reminiscences of memorable fights and appraisals of boxers and fellow announcers. Unlike Jeffrey Sammons in Beyond the Ring ( LJ 2/15/88), he ignores the seamy side of pro boxing. However, fans who remember "The Golden Age of Boxing" and the Depression will savor his account of his early struggle to find a reporting or announcing job and will enjoy reliving exciting fights with him. A strong contender for sports collections.Morey Berger, Monmouth Cty. Lib., Manalapan, N.J.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.