The Flight of the Hawk : The Aaron Pryor Story Paperback – January 1, 1998

Aaron Pryor may have been the best junior welterweight who ever lived. The ferocity of his attack, the way he could close the show, and take a wounded opponent out may never be duplicated. He had all the tools. The wheels, the two fisted attack, and a chin that was made of granite. Add to that an unmatched desire and heart in the ring, and greatness reigned supreme.This biography, with the Champ's help, takes us deep into his life. Exposing his flaws and bad decisions, and the drug addiction that brought his career to a crashing halt, it shows us the tragedy that unfolded and cost him millions of dollars, his health, and his self esteem.It also partially talks about his redemption, and how he pulled himself up from the ashes and rebuilt his life.One of the true tragedies of his abrupt ending to his career was the "what if". What if he had gone to fight Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Tony Ayala and Thomas Hearns. What incredible fights we may have witnessed. What history might have been written.This was a quick and comprehensive read of one of the great fighters of all time, of which not much is known.

This is a well-detailed factual account of the life of one of the greatest boxing champions of all time. Aaron "The Hawk" Pryor could have defeated any man in his time. I believe he could have beaten Sugar Ray Leonard. In my fantasy boxing match-ups, I'd like to have seen him square off with Roberto Duran. They were both emotional, stubborn and fierce men. But Duran's vice was over-eating between matches and he lost too much juice making weight. That's why Duran lost his rematch with Sugar Ray Leonard. The great Aaron Pryor was one of the earliest and most pre-eminent victims of the crack cocaine epidemic which blighted all communities, but especially the black community. It was called "Rock" in the Hawk's days. Aaron could defeat the magnificent Alexis Arguello, one of the best total boxers of all time in the ring. But Aaron couldn't handle his own demons and the brutal self doubt and the seductive but totally false feelings of power which drugs gave him. This book is essential for the addict. But any reader will appreciate the honesty and integrity of this book. The Hawk doesn't spare us. He tells us everything. Few of us will ever achieve the greatness of Aaron Pryor. But we can learn something from his difficult journey. He flew as close to the sun as the mythical Icarus and got burned just as bad. But he survived and this is his story.

Aaron Pryor really opened up in this. It's a very detailed depiction of the bad and the bad of his life. He doesn't sugar coat anything.Also, lucky me. My copy was signed.

great copy...compelling story

Tragedies and the inner power to overcome them are found in the real life story of Aaron is surreal but painfully accurate... The voice of Aaron comes from the book like he were sitting beside you and telling you his life story. His natural humor and "the truth that is stranger than fiction" style hold you to the book. Boxing is the thread in Aaron's book--humanity and friendship are the fabric. Read it for life!

insightful

Was stunned to see this book for sale at the very low price we paid-even secondhand go for £100s-so bought it for a boxing mad relative. It looked quite used which wasn't a major problem, but it turned out there were no photos in the book. The photo descriptions were included but not the photos. I don't remember seeing anything about this when I ordered it but now realise this is why it was so cheap. Having said that, my brother in law was absolutely thrilled that we managed to get the book for him and loved it, even if it was 'photoless'!