By Rusty Rubin, managing editor, of Ringsports.com, and the author of “Off the Canvas”, a view of American history and the social problems of the times, as viewed by an 80-year old ex-champion. “Off the Canvas is a book that has been getting rave reviews. With Christmas right around the corner, it would make a great, inexpensive gift ($15) for that boxing fan in your life. If you want to purchase an autographed copy, please e-mail me with the info. You can also purchase copies on-line at all major book retailers and Authorhouse.com ***

Big fight upcoming in Phoenix this weekend (finally) between Australian Kostya Tszyu and Sharmba Mitchell, both coming off long layoffs.

Hard fight to figure and a very competitive one to watch. Tszyu is the champion and a 5-2 favorite. Mitchell, showed he can go with the Aussie, and showed no fear in their first, abbreviated meeting.

The call here is for Tszyu to win via a late TKO.***

On Oct. 27, I traveled to NYC and the Ile Cortile Restaurante for a great buffet and get together to celebrate 15 years of Ringsports, and raise money for Alex Ramos and the Retired Boxers Foundation.

To list or even thank all the wonderful folks who were on hand to make this event a great success would take more space then my last political commentary, but caring guys like Lou Duva, Al Certo, Lou Savarese, Iran Barkley, Pete Spanakos, heck, I’m already starting. Ok, apologies to everyone I missed and thanks and God bless you for showing your support and caring.

The party was put together by my partner and business manager Roland Munoz, and my heartfelt thanks for his great work for the cause. Also thanks to East Coast editor Jack Hirsch for co-hosting the event.

In truth, it was another good friend, Eva Futch, widow of one of the greatest boxing trainers of all time, who talked me into making the three day Coast to Coast trip. I was pleased to meet Stephanie Arcel, widow of another great trainer, Ray, and Eva’s sister who came all the way from Sweden, and was in attendance as well.

The food was great and I certainly could have eaten more, but every time I tried to make it to the buffet table, someone wanted to talk or take a photo, so I may have lost a few pounds at the event, but I made up for it on the day before and after. I don’t do diets anyhow, and intend to remain a heavyweight for the rest of my life.

Photos of this great event will be in the December issue of the magazine.***

Finally, I want all our great readers to keep in mind that Rick Schroeders new movie, Black Cloud, will soon be coming to a theatre near you. I urge you not to miss it! It’s a great boxing that deals with both Olympic style boxing and the evils of racism and other problems of the Native Americans.

My good friend Stephen B. Acunto, who founded the American Association for the Improvement of Boxing, along with Rocky Marciano, now has his book “Champions Boxing Guide” available in Spanish. For details visit Steve’s website: AAIB.org

Please help me with my upcoming new book. Send all boxing jokes, stories, quips and boxing oddities to Rngsports@aol.com, thanks, and members of the boxing media are free to send this most welcome information as well.***

Agree or disagree, feel free to express your views.

Glove2Glove:

Prayers for the soul of former lightweight great Jimmy McClarnin, who passed away in Richland, WA. At age 96.***

Dub Harris, WWII hero and founder and past President of the World Boxing Hall of Fame has suffered a stroke in Southern California. Please pray for his quick return to health.***

Prayers needed for the return to health of Alfonso Luna, father of our outstanding photographer Ray Luna, who has taken ill in Southern California.

Please say prayers for the return to health of Helen Wambolt, wife of our East Coast World Boxing Hall of Fame writer Danny Wambolt. Cards will also be most welcome.***

Prayers are requested for Donna Jean Landers, boxing fan from Oklahoma, who has been fighting cancer for three years. She needs your help my friends.***

Please say prayers for wife of RS.com writer Marty Carson (auto accident) who is having health problems) of Indiana. Marty is a long time friend and a boxing. expert.***

Please say prayers for the return to health of Orazio Esposito, father of our photographer Richard Esposito.***

Sandy Johnson a great gal as well as a staff member of the Nevada State Athletic Commission is fighting breast cancer. A call, e-mail or card, along with your prayers would really do a lot to raise the spirits of an old friend.***

Special prayers go out to Mills Lane for his complete recovery. Mills, who suffered a stroke a few years back may be down, but knowing him, he’s far from out.***

Prayers for the return to health of Don Donelson, father of writer Tom, and Gene Sebastian, brother of former middleweight champ Billy Soose. Both are suffering from congestive heart disease. And to Arthur Terciera, father of writer Keith, also having heart related problems.***

Prayers are requested for Ringsports.com photo journalist Dale Hausner of Arizona, who is having problems with cancer.***

Prayers are requested for Kenneth E. Ryther father of our photo journalist Amy Green. Kenneth is suffering from Parkinson’s.***

Prayers for Ed “Whitey” Hadar, a former boxer who is having some serious health problems.***

Please say prayers for Phill Grazide of Santa Rosa, CA. a big supporter of amateur boxing, who is suffering the crippling effects of rheumatoid arthritis.***

Needless to say we need prayers for the return to health of both former champs Greg Page and Gerald McClellan, both confined to wheelchairs.***

Glove2Glove is a non-denominational group set up to aide those boxing folks and their relatives in need of prayers and cards. We accept no money and only contact our members when someone is in need. It’s free to join. Simply send us your e-mail address. And even if you’re not a member, feel free to contact us if you are aware of some boxing person in need.

Touching on politics briefly: Now that the election is over, (thankfully) don’t expect a lot of changes in this column. I will support the President and I hope you will also. But I will continue to question the policies of President Bush as I would have if John Kerry were elected.

We must again become united as a Country, but always be willing to speak up when the man in charge is doing something we feel is wrong! That’s our responsibility, not just journalists but all citizens of the greatest country in the World. We have the one of the greatest God given gifts in America, freedom of speech, and it’s a gift everyone should use.

Agree or disagree, I’d like to hear from you.