Johnny Kilbane

"M r . B a k e r , in h is f a m o u s e x p l o r a t iv e n a r r a t iv e , t a k e s t h e r e a d e r s f r o m Kilbane's imp o v e r is h e d b a c k g r o u n d t o h is r is e a s o n e o f t h e highest p a id a t h l e t e s o n t h e p l a n e t . There does not appear to be a sportswriter in the field today who thoroughly researches a subject better than Mark Allen Baker. The author treats his subject as sunken treasure from a long-disappeared pirate ship. Mr. Baker is the diver who repeatedly goes deep into dark waters to excavate whatever nuggets and boxing lore that are available. Once again, with the story of Johnny Kilbane, the readers are presented with a chest full of boxing riches. ... A s is h is c o n s u m m a t e , investigative s t y l e , B a k e r g o e s in t o details o f a l l o f t h e b o u t s , s t a t in g w h o t h e p r e s s g a v e t h e various 'wins' t o . Through all the new changes the sport was going through, Mr. Baker writes in a heartfelt way describing how Kilbane persevered in his career, even after experiencing the early death of a beloved young daughter. ... T h e b o o k c o n t a in s o n e f a b u l o u s s e g m e n t a f t e r a n o t h e r t h r o u g h o u t Kilbane's f a s c in a t in g fistic c a r e e r . ... Mark Allen Baker writes wonderfully about a man who was a champion in and out of the ring. ... Just like other books written by Mr. Baker, once again, a reader will come off an expert of a long-since forgotten battler and time as boxing ghosts from yesteryear jump off the pages to resurrect the exploits of one of the greatest and wily featherweights who ever laced on a pair of gloves. This enjoyable book is highly recommended!"-The USA Boxing News