Book Review: Inside the Ropes by Arthur Mercante

Book Review: Inside the Ropes by Arthur Mercante

Reviewed By Benny Henderson Jr. (May 26, 2006)

Sugar Ray Leonard “Arthur Mercante takes you on a fascinating journey behind the scenes of some of boxing’s biggest superstars…If you want to get a real taste of boxing give yourself a treat and read Inside the Ropes!”

Very rarely does a book get my undivided attention, unless it is a true crime story or anything from Patricia Cornwell, but this book here, Inside the Ropes, the life story of the third man in the ring Arthur Mercante captured my mind and kept me clinging on to every page wanting to continue on for more of his stories and thoughts from his time in the boxing business.

I was intrigued with this man who lived, loved and breathed boxing, from his time as a boy in Brockton, Massachusetts learning the ‘sweet science’ from his two uncles (one of whom was Joe Monte, a professional boxer who fought Max Schmeling and James J Braddock), beating up the play ground bully using his talents he learned from them, his time in the US Navy working in the Gene Tunney Physical Fitness Program, referring in the National Collegiate Boxing Association, meeting his lovely wife making their first date a night out on the town to witness Rocky Marciano versus Jersey Joe Walcott and the infamous right cross that is still talked about today, refereeing in one hundred and forty five title fights, some very unforgettable ones, meeting and making life long friendships with some of the biggest names in boxing, from the International Boxing Hall of fame all the way to ‘Papa Referee’. He covers it all.

You get close and personal losing one self in this book with Mr. Mercante recalling his time in some of the greatest throw downs in boxing history, forty seven years as a professional ref partaking in some of the greatest scraps that include, referring Ring Magazine’s fight of the year in 1960, Floyd Patterson versus Ignemar Johansson, the 1966 Middleweight title fight Emile Griffith versus Dick Tiger, 1971 Heavyweight title fight between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, 1973 World Heavyweight title fight George Foreman versus Joe Frazier, all throughout his time he was the third man in with the likes of ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, Sean O’Grady, Alexis Arguello, Ken Norton, Thomas Hearns, Marvin Hagler, Hector Camacho, Jeff Fenech, Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez, James McGirt, Lennox Lewis, Shane Mosley, Roy Jones Jr. and countless others.

His close personal relationships with Rocky Marciano, Rocky Graziano, Ray Leonard, Muhammad Ali, the names go on and on, he tells of his personal private moments that include is thoughts on his wife, children, grandchildren, and one of the brightest spots in his boxing life, his son Arthur Jr. making his debut as a professional referee.

The memoirs of ‘The Dean of Boxing Referees’ is a great read and a must read to boot for any boxing fan. Mercante’s contribution to the sport is endless and will never be forgotten; his fairness in and out of the ring could be used as a blueprint for today’s referees. It is the ‘sweet science’ told by the man who lived it; it is candid and heartfelt.

It is my opinion that regardless of whether you have anything to do with the sport of boxing, you should get this book and read it word for word. Arthur recanting his memories really makes the reader feel as is if he or she were there step by step living it. ‘Inside the Ropes’ is an easy read, entertaining, and to be honest and blunt about it, one hell of a book!

To purchase this book visit:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1590131266/102-6716403-6238554?v=glance&n=283155