Book Review by David L. Hudson Jr.
Fight The Good Fight: Getting Up After Life Knocks You Down
By Kerry Pharr
Xulon Press, 252 pages
CRUSH SHOT SPORTS BOXING NEWS & SPECIAL LINKS
A precious few books educate, entertain, inform and even improve its readers. But, Kerry Pharr’s Fight The Good Fight: Getting Up After Life Knocks You Down is one of those classic works that demands attention. Pharr managed and trained many a pugilist in his 40+ plus years in the fight game, working with heavyweights Keith McKnight and Adam Richards, rugged light heavyweight Ken “The Bull” Atkin, junior welterweight Darryl “Fast Fists” Fuller and middleweight Donald Bowers. He also turned his life around in a positive direction after trouble in his early years.
In his long career in The Sweet Science Pharr has rubbed shoulders with the incomparable Muhammad Ali, the tragic talent “Big” John Tate, the unforgettable Randall “Tex” Cobb and many other famous pugilists. Pharr relates many of those stories in his recently released book. Readers will learn of former NFLer Mark Gastineau’s failed attempts to become a contender, the sordid tale of deceased promoter Rick Parker, and light heavyweight contender “Diamond” Jim MacDonald’s trip to Africa. He discusses the tragic tale of promising contender Billy Collins Jr. whose life was never the same after the terrible beating he received at the hands of Luis Resto, whose boxing gloves had their stuffing removed.
While the boxing stories alone command attention, Fight The Good Fight delivers more than many good yarns. It tells the incredible tale of Pharr’s personal redemption – a rag to riches story of epic proportions, as he traveled from a sinner to a near-saint. Pharr overcame his own demons to become a role model for Christians. Though embroiled in a sport that famed sportswriter Jimmy Cannon pejoratively called “the red light district of sports,” Pharr became a beacon and, in the words of former lightweight world champion Sean O’Grady, “one of the good guys in boxing.”
Isaiah 1:18 says that “though our sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Pharr tells readers how a former juvenile delinquent turned into a righteous man after turning his life over to Jesus Christ. He offers advice on dealing with depression, overcoming fears, and turning to Christianity.
Boxing aficionados will enjoy the chapters on “My Boxers” and “Heavyweight Contenders and World Champions.” All readers will benefit from the chapters: “Human Strength and Life’s Pressures,” “Life Lessons” and Battling Depressions and Addictions.” The book, published by Xulon Press, includes a foreword from renowned self-improvement expert and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar. This book is highly recommended; it could even better your life.
The book can be ordered on amazon.com or by calling 1-866-909-2665. It can also be ordered online at http://xulonpress.com/book_detail.php?id=4195. For more information see Kerry’s website at http://www.fightthegoodfight.info/
