I
have just finished reading a
wonderful book, Nardo: Memoirs of a Boxing Champion (Legas
Publishing, 2011, ISBN 978-1881901-81-5, www.tkotony.com) which is
written by former world Welterweight Champion Tony DeMarco.
This book is an open view into Leonardo
Liotta’s life. Liotta is Tony DeMarco. Just like Willie Pep, Lou
Ambers, Juan Meza, Kid Gavilan and so many others were born-in the
old boxing tradition-with different names, so was DeMarco. However,
reading Nardo, you get to learn who Liotta and DeMarco are. It is a
straight from the heart delivery from the man who lost two children
and still fights on.
DeMarco cuts no corners in his
biography, even talking about his relationships with Ralph Patriarca
and with Phil Buccola. Everything in his life is in this book. I
certainly did not know, until the book became published at least,
that he and I once lived fairly close! (I wished I had known, I would
have loved to meet him in person!) and that he shares (somewhat
anyways) the interest of aviation with yours truly. He also shares
other details, such as the tragic death of his brother and his
relationship with his sisters is talked about in detail. Also adding
much interest to the biographic tome are his fights, explained in
detail. When we learn that DeMarco is proud of his performances
against Carmen Basilio despite losing both times to him, we come to
realize this is a book that sports coaches and trainers would do good
in picking up for themselves as well; many of them can surely learn a
thing or two from this gentleman!
I like autobiographies in which the
person seems to be telling you him or herself as you read it. In this
one, I could definitely hear Mr. DeMarco’s voice as I sat on my
couch, the table outside my house or even at the basketball court and
read it. What can I say but to tell you that this book is a honest,
gutsy and passionate work by a man who was always honest, gutsy and
passionate in his boxing career? It is true when I say that, because
that is what this book is.
The book is soft-covered and compact.
Despite it’s size, it contains all that bundle of information on
the career of a man who, upon reading it, I am convinced belongs in
the International Boxing Hall of Fame. For if not for another thing I
discovered reading the book, I think that DeMarco would have lasted
much more as a world Welterweight Champion than his
losing-the-title-on-his-first-defense would tell you.
At $20.00, “Nardo, Memoirs of a
Boxing Champion”, is a book worth picking up for people like me,
who wanted to but never got to experience the pinnacle of being a
champion boxer ourselves, as well as for everyone else who wants a
clean, crisp biography to read.
To me, Nardo definitely scores a
knockout!
Please send all Questions and comments to Antonio at TJ69662094@aol.com.
CHECK IT OUT!!!!
Check out the
New Improved Forums here at Doghouse Boxing (Ipad, Mobile, Android and YouTube friendly.) Check out the Dog Pound and have your say at:
http://forums.doghouseboxing.com/
--
For much more boxng headlines, news, videos, interviews and more, visit the homepage at
DoghouseBoxing.
Write for Doghouse Boxing:
anthonyc1974@gmail.com.
NEW: Follow Doghouse Boxing on FaceBook!
For more Boxing News 24/7 and so much more...
visit our homepage now!
