Eric Beetner is the guy who brought us the classic "Stripper Pole at the End of the World" about a one-legged stripper surrounded by hordes of drooling cannibals. So you have to wonder what he brings to the table in "Split Decision." Here, he has crafted a solid boxing tale true to the Fight Card tradition. Solidly set in the late post-war 1940's in Kansas City, this is the story of a boxer who struggles with his ethics and the lessons taught to him by Father Tim at the Chicago orphanage where many of the Fight Card boxers grew up. Of course, if you know anything about boxing and boxing stories, ethics means someone wants him to take a dive. But, Beetner is a terrific writer and this is not just some cliched story that you have heard before. It is filled with period references, with solid boxing action that makes you feel as if you are right there watching the action, and a good, plot line. If you like the Fight Card series, there is nothing not to like about this selection. If you are new to this series, there is no better place to dive in but this one. And, if you are looking for that tough, solid, furious action, you came to the right place. ( )