Manly Art: They Can Run But They Can't Hide

This collection of boxing journalism spans four decades of reporting from ringside seats and smoke-filled gyms. George Kimball chronicles the sport's golden era through profiles of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton and other legendary fighters of the 1970s and beyond. The pieces range from pre-fight analysis to post-bout reflections, capturing both the technical aspects of boxing and the human drama outside the ring. Kimball's firsthand accounts include coverage of historic matchups like the "Thrilla in Manila" and insight into the personalities that shaped boxing's most storied rivalries. Each chapter preserves a specific moment in boxing history through the lens of a reporter who lived and breathed the sport. The writing maintains the immediacy of deadline journalism while providing context about boxing's evolution from the 1970s through the early 2000s. The collection serves as both a boxing chronicle and a meditation on how sports journalism has changed over time. Through Kimball's perspective, readers gain insight into an era when boxing stood at the center of American sports culture.

Readers appreciate Kimball's firsthand accounts as a boxing journalist in the 1970s and his intimate knowledge of key figures from that era. Several reviews note his ability to capture the atmosphere and personalities of the time through detailed anecdotes and observations. Readers liked: - Personal stories about interactions with fighters - Behind-the-scenes glimpses of boxing culture - Writing style that balances humor with insider insights Readers disliked: - Some sections feel disjointed or scattered - Focus sometimes strays from boxing into tangents - Limited coverage of certain major fights Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (24 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (12 reviews) Notable reader quote: "Kimball's book puts you right there in the smoky press rooms and dingy gyms of boxing's last golden age." - Amazon reviewer Several reviewers noted the book works better as a collection of connected stories rather than a comprehensive history of the era.

Four Kings by Thomas Hauser A chronicle of the legendary 1980s rivalries between Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, and Roberto Duran.

Sweet Thunder: The Life and Times of Sugar Ray Robinson by Wil Haygood The story follows Sugar Ray Robinson's rise from poverty to becoming boxing's first crossover star during the sport's golden age.

Boxing's Greatest Fighters by Bert Sugar The definitive record of boxing's most significant fighters includes detailed accounts of their careers, fighting styles, and historic matches.

The Sweet Science by A.J. Liebling A collection of boxing essays captures the technical intricacies and raw culture of prizefighting in mid-20th century America.

Beyond Glory: Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling by David Margolick The book examines the cultural and political impact of the Louis-Schmeling fights against the backdrop of pre-World War II tensions.

🥊 George Kimball covered boxing for the Boston Herald for over 25 years and witnessed more than 400 championship fights during his career 📝 The book's title comes from Joe Louis's famous quote about opponent Billy Conn: "He can run, but he can't hide" 🏆 The author was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in the Observer category in 2005 for his contributions to boxing journalism 📚 Rather than a straightforward chronological history, the book is structured as a collection of interconnected essays about boxing's golden age from the 1950s through the 1970s 🗣️ Kimball conducted extensive interviews with Muhammad Ali over the years, and the book features numerous previously unpublished conversations and insights about "The Greatest"