A review by johndiconsiglio
Ali: A Life by Jonathan Eig

3.0

Billed as the first bio to go the distance on Ali’s life, Eig’s heavyweight effort takes readers ringside for the Greatest’s greatest hits—from Sonny Liston to Smokin Joe. It’s blow-by-blow for all the familiar rounds: Olympics, Nation of Islam, Vietnam, Zaire, the Thrilla in Manila. If the veteran journalist doesn’t deliver knockout analysis, he takes some healthy cuts at explaining Ali’s enduring legacy & placing him within the context of his time—all at a welcome floats-like-a-butterfly pace. He’s also not afraid to call out below-the-belt jabs at Frazier & Malcolm X. The winner & still champion.