Most authors begin their long journey wondering what it will take to write my book. The more aware ones end up thanking a whole crowd of kind, talented souls for helping to bring our book to fruition.
Given that the reporting for this book dates back four decades, before two recent years of research and writing, the contributors to our book are plentiful. Yet, due to limited space, here is my thanks to a small part of that group. I hope those left out know the role they played and the depth of my gratitude.
To my wife Francine Fialkoff, a superb editor-writer and the best person I ever met, thanks for your love and support on this project dating back to 1980. Every step, and word, along the way I benefited from your ability as a pitch-perfect sounding board.
To my wonderful agent Rita Rosenkranz, thanks for the comfort in knowing I was always represented by the smartest person in the room. I appreciate your expertise, experience, and sensitive appraisal of the publishing terrain.
To my editor Christen Karniski at Rowman & Littlefield, thanks for your unerring vision and willingness to see the potential in this project from the first time we spoke. It’s editors like you who make authors want to keep writing.
To the publisher Julie Kirsch, my undying gratitude for jumping in at the height of the pandemic to put everything on track and in the best possible place. Your leadership inspires confidence, enthusiasm, and a sense that everything will be even better than expected.
Thanks as well to Erinn Slanina, Kate Powers, Jessica McCleary, Jackie Hicks, and the rest of the dedicated team at Rowman & Littlefield.
To Susan Schulman and Linda Migalti, thanks for your warm response to the book and quick decision to work on selling key sub rights.
To my friend Bernie Starr, a fine journalist and knowledgeable advisor, thanks for introducing me to Rita and constantly steering me to my next best opportunity.
To Cheryl and Richard Fialkoff, family, and friends, thanks for the uncommon bravery shown in reading the earliest draft of the book and providing an unflinching critique. Medals have been won for less.
To Caroline, Lindsay, and Jordan, my three points of pride, thanks for your constant support and feedback as well. It takes a family to make it through anything worthwhile.
To my supportive colleagues at York College, thanks Donna Chirico, Panayotis Meleties, and Heather Robinson for helping me secure the sabbatical to write the book and signaling your support while I was gone.
To Bill Hughes and Tom Moore, my brothers in journalism at York, thanks for keeping the program vibrant and thriving in my absence. You guys always have my back.
To Marcia Moxam Comrie, a dear friend and former student, thanks for spearheading the publicity effort for the book at the college—and for your unswerving support over the years.
To my fellow journalists and friends at the Journalism School, thanks Amy Dunkin, Andy Mendelson, and Errol Louis for your strong support. And thanks to Judy Watson for years of encouragement and camaraderie that spilled over to this book.
I want to finish off by acknowledging my special debt to those who helped me back in 1980. After all these years, some are gone but none have been forgotten.
To Ken Johnson, thanks for befriending me and acting as my rock on the road.
To the “Professor” George Benton, thanks for the open dialogue, insights into the darker side of boxing’s past, and candor in discussing the challenges of the day.
To Gil Clancy, boxing trainer and commentator extraordinaire, thanks for taking me to boxing school ringside at MSG. It was an experience I’ll never forget.
To Joey Goldstein, immortal sports publicist, thanks for taking a young writer under your wing and introducing him to Joe Frazier, the U.S. Olympic team, and so many other stars of the day.
To Morty Holtzer, thanks for the stories that made great events come alive.
To Florence Smith Frazier, as I knew her then, thanks for your honesty, quick wit, and kind heart. It was always a pleasure talking to you. And thanks to the rest of the Frazier family and inner circle for the candid talks and welcoming gestures back then.
To Marvis Frazier, thanks for sharing your special, amazingly sophisticated view of the boxing world and life at age nineteen. Your courage and skill in the ring, more than you ever got credit for, was only matched by your compassion and dedication to others outside the ring. It was a privilege spending time with you.
Finally, to Smokin’ Joe Frazier, your determination and punching power made you a legend in the ring. However, your generosity of spirit, homespun wisdom, and joyous nature made you “the Greatest” in my book.