Hauser continues to provide the sporting world’s most perceptive boxing reporting, which, fortunately, is collected in an ongoing series from the University of Arkansas. This volume brings together Hauser’s work in 2015. He writes vivid summaries of key fights, but what has always separated him from the pack is his insight into people. He interviewed UFC champion Ronda Rousey before her title defense against Holly Holm and was able to nurse the champ into expressing vulnerability; shortly thereafter she lost to Holm in a huge upset. Hauser also takes on the sport’s toughest issues. His two-part investigation into the relationship between boxing and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is hard-hitting journalism at its best. There are also some fascinating profiles unrelated to boxing. His appreciation of jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald is a gem, as is his interview with retired NBA player Tom Hoover on Hoover’s relationship with the late Wilt Chamberlain. Hauser is a treasure; whatever he writes is worth reading, and boxing is blessed that he’s focused so much of his career on the sweet science.
— Wes Lukowsky, Booklist, August 2016
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