George Kimball - Icon Profile | Alexandria
George Kimball (1943-2011) was an influential American sports journalist, author, and cultural commentator whose unique voice and unconventional style helped reshape boxing journalism in the latter half of the 20th century. Known for his distinctive eye patch and larger-than-life persona, Kimball emerged from the counterculture movement of the 1960s to become one of boxing's most respected chroniclers.
First gaining prominence as a poet and anti-war activist in Lawrence, Kansas, where he ran for sheriff on the "hippie ticket" in 1970, Kimball's entry into sports journalism began with his coverage of the Boston sports scene for the Phoenix and later the Boston Herald (1980-2005). His early writing displayed an unusual combination of literary craftsmanship and street-wise authenticity that would become his trademark style.
Throughout his career, Kimball covered over 400 world-title fights and developed close relationships with many boxing luminaries, including Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, and Marvin Hagler. His most celebrated work, "Four Kings: Leonard, Hagler, Hearns, Duran and the Last Great Era of Boxing" (2008), chronicled the remarkable rivalry between four exceptional fighters during boxing's last golden age. The book is widely regarded as one of the finest works of boxing literature, combining meticulous reporting with deeply personal insights into the sport's psychology and culture.
Kimball's legacy extends beyond his contributions to sports journalism. His fearless approach to both life and writing, documented in his collection "Manly Art," influenced a generation of writers to pursue a more nuanced, literary approach to sports coverage. Even after being diagnosed with cancer in 2005, he continued writing prolifically until his death, demonstrating the same determination he often celebrated in his subjects. Today, his work serves as a bridge between traditional sports reporting and literary journalism, reminding us that the best sports writing transcends the immediate drama of competition to reveal deeper truths about human nature and society.