BOOK REVIEW: Legendary British fight figure Mickey Duff called him: “The most outstanding boxer from this county never to have fought for the world title.” Former flyweight champion Charlie Magri said of him: “He was fantastic. He should have earned a fortune.” Terry Lawless, London manager of world champions John H. Stracey, Maurice Hope and Magri, reflected: “He’s probably the most gifted boxer I have ever managed, different to everyone else. I’ve never seen people do things like him.”

DVD REVIEW: Although Mike Tyson retired four years ago he still holds a fascination for the boxing public. When the celebrity roll-call is made at the big fights in Las Vegas, Tyson’s name invariably elicits the loudest cheer. In an era when most members of the public would struggle to name more than a handful of boxers, everyone knows who Mike Tyson is.

SUNDAY, July 26: Every so often, in forums where boxing is debated, fans argue over who was the greatest fighter never to have won a world title. Sam Langford, the old-time heavyweight contender, might well hold this distinction, and one who has no doubts is author Clay Moyle, who traces Langford’s life with admirable detail in Sam Langford: Boxing’s Greatest Uncrowned Champion (Bennett & Hastings Publishing, $29.95).

SUNDAY, JUNE 21: The ending of Saturday’s heavyweight title fight raises the question of whether it should be considered a nine rounds win for Wladimir Klitschko or a stoppage in the 10th.

SUNDAY, May 24: Sometimes I wonder if there is such a thing as tempting the gods of boxing fortune.

A couple of days ago I finished writing a column for Boxing Monthly about fighters getting dropped in the first round and coming back to win. So, what happens? Toshiaki Nishioka gets dropped in the first round by Jhonny Gonzalez and comes back to win in the third round of their 122-pound title fight.