Inside the Ropes

by Arthur Mercante, Phil Guarnieri, Bert Randolph Sugar (Foreword)

Inside stories of some of the greatest prizefights of all time, including Floyd Patterson–Ingemar Johansson II, Joe Frazier–George Foreman I, and The Fight of the Century: Muhammad Ali–Joe Frazier I. Referee and elder statesman of boxing Arthur Mercante gives behind-the-scenes glimpses into his world and into the lives and careers of the greatest boxers of all time. Mercante has officiated more championship fights than any other referee, and his blow-by-blow accounts are peppered with grit and telling details.

Genres: Sports, Biography

230 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

Reviews

[Abdulrahman Tingari · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book tells the life of referee of boxing arthur marcante and shares the memories of the greatest fighters in golden era of boxing thats includes floyed patterson, joe frazier, george foreman, joe louis, mike tyson, and of course the fighter of the century muhammed ali clay.

[Mark D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Nice to read about an alternative view (referee) when it comes to the big fights.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of Mercante's best stories, told in short, easy to read chapters, actually occurred outside the ropes in a diverse and exotic variety of settings. A most endearing man, Mercante uses humor and humility to keep his biography as light on its feet and seemingly effortless as a featherweight sparring match.

My only complaint – aside from the redundant cover – is that Mercante never touched on the Mob influence in boxing that was so prevalent during his early years in the sport. Even if he didn't have direct contact with mobsters, the incorruptible referee most surely had some perspective on the subject that would've been interesting to hear. This omission is puzzling, because Mercante's is not a sugar-coated, sanitized account of boxing. Therefore, the Mob omission seems like a missed opportunity.

Other omissions are appreciated. Mercante's career was way too long to include all, or even most of his fights. By focusing on major, history-making bouts and boxers, Mercante prevents his biography from bogging down and makes it equally accessible to both casual and serious fans.

[Steve Coscia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight from one of the best boxing referees.