This book about the fab four of an exciting, yet twilight, era of boxing is informative. At times, Hamill forgets those who may be marginal fans of the sport, focusing too much of statistics rather than the nuances of the sport. The story weaves together the complicated lives of fame and ultimate downfall due to social pressure. A good book for anyone who lived through that era. ( )

I grew up during this era and reading about it brought it all back. I remember being able to see a great fight on network television on a regular basis. Leonard was the best fighter I've ever seen, but Hagler was my favorite. ( )

In the late 60's and 70's I grew up in a boxing town. My grandfather was a great fan and often took me to the fights on a Saturday night. And on Saturday afternoons we would watch Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Jerry Quarry, etc pummel whichever unlucky sap happened to be in the ring with them... and on rare occasions watch them fight each other.

Then boxing went into a decline, both nationally and in my own interest. The story of how the "Four Kings" brought it back into the national spotlight is a good one. These were classic fights and fighters. And I thank Mr. Kimball for bringing them back to life for me. I recommend this book for anyone who loves boxing and those who wnat to know more about the sports world through the 80's.

Good stuff. ( )

"Four Kings" was an enjoyable read. The information given on political figures such as Ted Kennedy,Kirk Douglas from the entertainment world and Joe Louis, from the boxing world, and you have a fascinating book. There are some great quotes from each of the four kings themselves, and attention is given to what happened to each all-time great after some of the most famous rivalries in all of boxing had come to an end. But among other things Kimball does a great job of making more human the boxing greats, and depicting the complex relationships among all four boxers. Hearns’ trainer Emmanuel Steward comes off as a very warm and tender character. The boxing world has plenty of unique characters, in and out of the ring, and Kimball brings you into the mix for every one of these classic fights.
It’s an era the boxing world may never see again, but thanks to Kimball it’s one we’ll never forget.

George Kimball's Four Kings fruitfully conveys the story of "the last great era of boxing" as it could only be told by an eyewitness. By centering his book on the nine fights between members of the four kings- Duran, Hagler, Hearns and Leonard- Kimball captures the excitement of the bouts which attracted millions to follow the sport. In addition, the author does a great job in telling the story of each boxer's career, training and dealings with managers and promoters. Kimball uses his vantage point as a reporter covering boxing to great effect, giving the reader a ringside seat to the fights that electrified the world. ( )