Ali and Me: Through the Ropes (2025 Enhanced Edition)
by Richard Kaletsky (Author)
“Ali and Me” is unlike other Muhammad Ali books. Rick’s special fan’s perspective is written in informal style, flavored with boxing clichés, humor, time landmarks (news events, culture, political climate), and uncommonly keen insight into Ali. A refreshing angle fuels a wealth of rich emotion packed in a 100-page 8½” X 11” coffee table book, now featuring 25 full-page photos, glossy full-color soft cover, and epilogue. “Ali and Me” also examines fighters and the fight game in depth, and paints vivid accounts of ring action.
“This book provides an arresting look into the mind of a superfan.”
Ferdie Pacheco, “The Fight Doctor” & Ali’s Cornerman (1982)
“Smartly and succinctly tailored… extremely interesting… excellent coverage.”
Archie Moore (1983)
“Great book… enjoyed it very much… it’s wonderful.”
Sugar Ray Robinson (1983)
“Marvelously entertaining… thorough and complete charm… Cus D’Amato was captivated.”
Jim Jacobs, Fight Film Entrepreneur & Mike Tyson’s Manager (1983)
“As one who covered only the last two bouts of Ali’s career, I felt somewhat cheated. ‘Ali and Me’ covers all of Ali’s career, and the reader is cheated of nothing. I enjoyed it very much.”
Steve Farhood, Showtime Boxing Analyst (2010)
“Kaletsky has followed the Ali circus like no one outside of his inner circle. He documented everything in his fine book, (and) superbly shares many memories with the readers.”
Jack Hirsch, President, Boxing Writers Assoc. of America (2010)
“Ali and Me is a fascinating, fun ride you don’t want to miss.”
Jimmy Lennon Jr., Ring Announcer (2011)
In 1963, 15-year-old “Ricky” Kaletsky phoned “Cassius Clay” and enjoyed a nice chat with him. In 1982, “Muhammad Ali” called “Rick” (now as author) at 1:30 AM, to thank him for “Ali and Me.” Ali called again, when Rick’s daughter was born, in 1984. Rick saw Ali fight “live, in person” eight times (including Frazier I). He watched Ali train at Ali’s iconic camps in Miami and Deer Lake. He met “the Champ” several times, highlighted by a visit to Ali’s dressing room immediately after the New Orleans rematch win over Leon Spinks. He has met many members of Ali’s “corner,” entourage, and family, plus his promoters, publicists, numerous opponents, and…yes…Howard Cosell. In 2012, Rick attended Ali’s “by invitation only” 70th Birthday Party in Louisville. Rick curates a small Muhammad Ali Museum, showcased with “Ali and Me” on CNN-HLN and (upon Ali’s passing) on local TV stations. Then there was a time when he and Ali shared a glass of Coke.
Product details
Publisher Stillwater River Publications; Enhanced Edition (February 20, 2025)
Language: English
Paperback: 102 pages
ISBN-10: 1965733255
ISBN-13: 978-1965733257
Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 x 0.25 inches
Price: $20.00
You can purchase the book at Amazon.Com or directly from author Rick Kaletsky: 203/393-1233 (landline) or RKaletsky@gmail.com
Each book is priced at $20, or you can get two for $35. Please add $10 for postage via USPS Priority, regardless of the number of books you order. Each copy will be signed and personalized by the author.