Hands of Stone, Christian Giudice
Hands of Stone, Christian Giudice
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Hands of Stone
The Life and Legend of Roberto Duran

Author: Christian Giudice

Narrator: Ozzie Rodriguez

Unabridged: 14 hr 48 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 08/02/2016


Synopsis

The subject of the major motion picture Hands of Stone starring Ana de Armas, Ellen Barkin, Robert De Niro, and Edgar Ramirez. 

Roberto Duran is a sporting legend. Often called the greatest boxer of all time, he held world titles at four different weights and is the only boxer in history to have fought in five different decades. His bouts with fellow greats like Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler have gone down in fistic folklore. He finally retired in January of 2002 at age fifty-two, with a professional record of 104 wins (69 by KO) in 120 fights. They called him Manos de Piedra: “Hands of Stone.”

Now journalist Christian Giudice has written the first—and definitive—story of Duran’s incredible life, both in and out of the ring. He has interviewed the fighter, his family, closest friends, and scores of his opponents to separate truth from myth.

Duran was born in utter poverty in Panama and grew up in the streets, fighting to survive. His talent with his fists soon emerged, and he had his first professional fight in 1967. Duran grew into a fighter’s fighter. His hunger to destroy opponents and his willingness to take on anyone, anywhere, made him a huge favorite while his flamboyant lifestyle outside the ring made headline news.

Duran was one of the first Latino fighters to become a mainstream sports star in the United States, and his natural talent, unprecedented achievements, and longevity made an indelible mark on the world of sport.

"A riveting read from the first page to the last."—The Ring

"An extraordinary tale."—The Times (London)

"A compelling book; at times it’s a profoundly detailed reconstruction of Duran’s world."—Gerald Early, Belles-Lettres

About Christian Giudice

Christian Giudice was born in Haddonfield, NJ. He currently lives in Charlotte, NC and teaches English at Harper Middle College High School. A Villanova graduate, Christian has written Hands of Stone: The Life and Legend of Roberto Duran, whose subject was the focus of a motion picture, Beloved Warrior: The Rise and Fall of Alexis Arguello, and A Fire Burns Within: The Miraculous Journey of Wilfredo Gomez.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Mark on November 03, 2013

Overall a good book. It's extremely focused on Duran's boxing career, which I imagine is why most people would read this. However, with a personality as complex and contradictory as Duran, I would have appreciated a little more research into the man. The bits that were focused on Duran's personal li......more

Goodreads review by Alasdair on March 24, 2010

This was a very detailed biography - fight by fight detail. Ultimately, I don't think it gave any great insight into Roberto Duran, the man and what drove him. The author seemed to lack the courage of his own opinions and consequently relates all points of view except his own.......more

Goodreads review by Stephanie Hutabarat on December 14, 2016

Really nice true story. Everyone have their own talent since be born. The key is to train it and take it seriously. Love the book.......more

Goodreads review by Jerry on September 12, 2015

A great look at one of the most fascinating boxers in history......more

Goodreads review by Andrew on April 21, 2025

To be honest I knew very little of Roberto Duran...I was aware of his name from a Zodiac Mindwarp lyric and had a idea he was a boxer...my unawareness was odd as he boxed for decades including eras when I had more interest in boxing..however in truth ..at that point maybe he wasn't at his best. This......more