By Nathan P Hunt
Ray Robinson penned his fascinating autobiography with the help of accomplished writer Paul Stenning, who has published over 20 books, and it covers his career as a professional wrestler as well as a treasure trove of stories from his personal life and career beyond the ring. Tales of hardships, challenges and battles are told with wit and humility at no expense to the drama, while the stories offer a unique insight into the life and mind of one of British Wrestling's true legends (to both fans and his peers).
Adopting a cyclical storytelling approach, the book begins and ends by recalling a boxing match Robinson had with a professional boxer (who was 30 years his junior) on Ray's 57th birthday. In a staggering accomplishment, he was able to not only go the distance but actually win the bout on points due to his tenacious style and determination. The book then takes us through his early years and childhood, including how boxing training was a saving grace for him in his formative years. Sharing his memories, experiences and impressions of the wrestling business and the biggest stars of the World Of Sport era, Robinson reveals how Giant Haystacks was one of his better friends in the business and bought him his first Alsatian, as well as the Giant's respect for the more technical style of wrestling. Robinson became a respected and revered worker, showing natural ability and working harder than most, despite the wrestling business having not been his first choice. The politics of his storied Cruiserweight Championship reign, tales of his toughest opponents and his impressions of stars like Kendo Nagasaki and Big Daddy are all handled with a respectable honesty. He tells of his toughness in the ring, refusing to quit to technical wizard Marty Jones, as well as several stories of having to prove himself outside the ring. Most of the book focuses on his post-wrestling career in security, which spawns some incredible and fascinating stories and add a welcome dimension to Robinson as a real-life tough guy. His battle with cancer and his gruelling day jobs are covered in a way that never becomes depressing or tedious and he is very open about some of the more personal aspects of his life, sticking to the more pertinent facts and areas of interest. This section is particularly relevant at the moment with Robinson recently recuperating from a serious health scare, from which I wish him a speedy recovery. He will no doubt conquer it with his trademark strength and resolve and has already shown impressive improvement.
Recommended to anyone who likes stories of real-life grit and the dishing out of the occasional rough justice, as well as fans of British wrestling history or just professional wrestling in general. Easy to read, genuinely interesting throughout and with flashes of a keen and sharp sense of humour to break up the tension, this is a thoroughly entertaining and insightful book which you would be guaranteed to enjoy.
Ray Robinson penned his fascinating autobiography with the help of accomplished writer Paul Stenning, who has published over 20 books, and it covers his career as a professional wrestler as well as a treasure trove of stories from his personal life and career beyond the ring. Tales of hardships, challenges and battles are told with wit and humility at no expense to the drama, while the stories offer a unique insight into the life and mind of one of British Wrestling's true legends (to both fans and his peers).
Adopting a cyclical storytelling approach, the book begins and ends by recalling a boxing match Robinson had with a professional boxer (who was 30 years his junior) on Ray's 57th birthday. In a staggering accomplishment, he was able to not only go the distance but actually win the bout on points due to his tenacious style and determination. The book then takes us through his early years and childhood, including how boxing training was a saving grace for him in his formative years. Sharing his memories, experiences and impressions of the wrestling business and the biggest stars of the World Of Sport era, Robinson reveals how Giant Haystacks was one of his better friends in the business and bought him his first Alsatian, as well as the Giant's respect for the more technical style of wrestling. Robinson became a respected and revered worker, showing natural ability and working harder than most, despite the wrestling business having not been his first choice. The politics of his storied Cruiserweight Championship reign, tales of his toughest opponents and his impressions of stars like Kendo Nagasaki and Big Daddy are all handled with a respectable honesty. He tells of his toughness in the ring, refusing to quit to technical wizard Marty Jones, as well as several stories of having to prove himself outside the ring. Most of the book focuses on his post-wrestling career in security, which spawns some incredible and fascinating stories and add a welcome dimension to Robinson as a real-life tough guy. His battle with cancer and his gruelling day jobs are covered in a way that never becomes depressing or tedious and he is very open about some of the more personal aspects of his life, sticking to the more pertinent facts and areas of interest. This section is particularly relevant at the moment with Robinson recently recuperating from a serious health scare, from which I wish him a speedy recovery. He will no doubt conquer it with his trademark strength and resolve and has already shown impressive improvement.
Recommended to anyone who likes stories of real-life grit and the dishing out of the occasional rough justice, as well as fans of British wrestling history or just professional wrestling in general. Easy to read, genuinely interesting throughout and with flashes of a keen and sharp sense of humour to break up the tension, this is a thoroughly entertaining and insightful book which you would be guaranteed to enjoy.
Buy your own copy of this great book now from Amazon.co.uk
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