Flight of the Hawk: The Aaron Pryor Story

This is a well-detailed factual account of the life of one of the greatest boxing champions of all time. Aaron "The Hawk" Pryor could have defeated any man in his time. I believe he could have beaten Sugar Ray Leonard. In my fantasy boxing match-ups, I'd like to have seen him square off with Roberto Duran. They were both emotional, stubborn and fierce men. But Duran's vice was over-eating between matches and he lost too much juice making weight. That's why Duran lost his rematch with Sugar Ray Leonard. The great Aaron Pryor was one of the earliest and most pre-eminent victims of the crack cocaine epidemic which blighted all communities, but especially the black community. It was called "Rock" in the Hawk's days. Aaron could defeat the magnificent Alexis Arguello, one of the best total boxers of all time in the ring. But Aaron couldn't handle his own demons and the brutal self doubt and the seductive but totally false feelings of power which drugs gave him. This book is essential for the addict. But any reader will appreciate the honesty and integrity of this book. The Hawk doesn't spare us. He tells us everything. Few of us will ever achieve the greatness of Aaron Pryor. But we can learn something from his difficult journey. He flew as close to the sun as the mythical Icarus and got burned just as bad. But he survived and this is his story.

I was greatly inspired by Aaron Pryor and his story. This book is action packed from cover to cover. If you want to read an exciting book that is a real-life account of a man going from the mountain top to the valley and back, this is the book for you. This is a must read for men and woman of all ages who want to gain perspective of what it's like to work your way to become a champion and then lose it all. Not only does the book keep you on the edge of your seat, but you'll learn about the importance of having the right people by your side and the consequenses of the decisions you make.

Tragedies and the inner power to overcome them are found in the real life story of Aaron is surreal but painfully accurate... The voice of Aaron comes from the book like he were sitting beside you and telling you his life story. His natural humor and "the truth that is stranger than fiction" style hold you to the book. Boxing is the thread in Aaron's book--humanity and friendship are the fabric. Read it for life!