my life with The Third Man in the Ring (the drama outside the ropes)

Book excerpt: My Life with The Third Man in the Ring by Barbara Stolfi Maggio tells the story of the author's life with her father, a celebrated professional fight referee, a member of a Boxing Hall of Fame, a bookmaker, a mob associate, a bon vivant, and a memorable New York character. The story also encompasses her love-hate relationship with her glamorous but volatile mother. This heart-rending tale will provide insight into the world of boxing in the 30's, 40's and 50's, bookmaking, bootlegging, Prohibition, alcoholism, organized crime's influence into boxing, the underworld's overlord of boxing, mob treachery, Mommy Dearest relationship, child abuse, breast cancer, family estrangement, and reconciliation. This is a New York Story that must be told.