Mark  Allen  Baker

At age 23, Tony Canzoneri already had three division titles under his belt and was widely considered one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world. Holding victories over Johnny Dundee, Charles "Bud" Taylor, Benny Bass, Jack "Kid" Berg, Kid Chocolate, Billy Petrolle, Lou Ambers, and Jimmy McLarnin, Tony earned induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, and later pursued a successful career in entertainment. This work chronicles Canzoneri's life, starting from his birth and early rounds in the ring, with chapters detailing his wins, losses, championships and life as an entertainer.

 

Book Reviews

 

"Mr. Baker's style is that of a literary archeologist as he tirelessly unearths thrilling details that few authors do. Tony Canzoneri has become the latest boxing archeology discovery, like the findings of King Tutankhamun!" – The USA Boxing News, December 2023

 

"This is the type of book that once you read through it, you will go back and pore over various chapters again and enjoy the prizefighting adventures of Canzoneri." – The USA Boxing News, December 2023

 

"If you are a boxing fan who yearns to learn something new and enjoy stories of fistic history, this is the book to read. It will also make a great Birthday, Hanukkah, or Christmas present. This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!" – The USA Boxing News, December 2023

 

 

Discover a century of island magnetism by walking in the footsteps of a literary legend. The centennial of Ernest Hemingway's initial visit to Key West is approaching, so it is not a surprise that most visitors, along with island residents, find themselves reflecting on the life of the famous author. For a dozen years (1928 until 1940), the resident wordsmith produced a consistent stream of quality work. And in so doing, Hemingway solidified his reputation as one of the finest writers of the twentieth century. Arguably, these were the most important years of his life; the Hemingway Myth was born, refined and polished in Key West. In retrospect, it redefined the island culture while guaranteeing the author's immortality.Why Key West? What made this juncture in the author's life so meaningful? Was it the weather? Was it the recreation? Or was it the camaraderie? Understanding that creativity, not to mention productivity, required certain elements––components that are unique to each individual—I sought those secrets and put them inside this book. Visit over seventy Key West locations and walk in Papa's footsteps!

 

 

 

 

* If you take any of the walking tours in Key West, this is the resource they use!

Among the best pound-for-pound fighters of all time, Willie Pep (1922-2006) was a virtuoso of the squared circle. As great as boxing fans know Willie Pep was, I believe he was even better! Overlooked is his incredible contribution to the sport of boxing as a referee, manager, and promoter. Disregarded was his tireless advocacy of the sport from multiple perspectives. From endless charitable causes to assisting in the return of boxing in the state of Connecticut, this elite fighter always answered the call.

 

Book Reviews

 

"While many consider us to be top-level boxing historians, Mr. Baker still repeatedly educates us with information that we never knew before." –– The USA Boxing News, December 2022

 

"We cannot think of one author out there who researches a subject as diligently as the author does. Not only is his narrative absorbing, but his footnotes alone make for additional compelling reading." –– The USA Boxing News, December 2022

 

"Willie Pep has been the subject of many books over the past 70-plus years, but never has his ring accomplishments been burned into the pages better than Mr. Baker's work." –– The USA Boxing News, December 2022

 

"Mr. Baker is always one to bring up details that are unexpected." –– The USA Boxing News, December 2022