I contemplated what that meant in terms of my emotions. If I prove that I can "take a hit" and still be standing, do I invite more punishment? Or, should I just admit that I'm hurt? I choose the latter, because I don't want my heart bruised the way Ali's brain was.
Admittedly, when Larry Holmes fought Ali, I wanted Ali to lose. I think as a child I saw this older man talking all this trash but hardly being able to back it up, particularly after so recently losing to Leon Spinks.
I do wish I would have had the opportunity to experience him live. It sounds like he could do really magical things when he was young. Yes, I can see tapes, but it isn't the same.
Both Cosell and Ali became nearly crippled. Cosell died; Ali is still alive. If nothing else, I think the book is worth reading because it shows that there have been athletes that take stands and sportscaster's who do the same.
Finally, I think what was particularly touching about this book is Dave Kindred, who knew both of them very well, sincerely cared about both of them, and stated it quite clearly. The book is wonderfully written, with crisp and exciting anecdotes. It also appears that Mr. Kindred wrote honestly by including both the anecdotes, as well as how they made him feel.
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