11/10/06 - In Rusty's Corner
In Rusty's Corner
By Rusty Rubin, editor-in-chief of the Ringsports.com publication and website advisor is the author
of "Off the Canvas", #22873, a view of American history and the social problems of the times,
as seen by an 80-year old ex-champion. "Off the Canvas" takes you from the time of the Great
Depression till the World Trade Center disaster and is a book that has been getting rave reviews.
Copies are $15.00 each available at authorhouse.com, (22873)
Ringsports.com and on-line major book retailers.
"Billy Soose, the Champion Time Forgot" #31809co-authored by Tom Donelson, is also available. Soose was the
middleweight champion of the world, beating greats like Tony Zale and Ken Overlin in less than a month's time.
Since Tom and I live in different parts of the USA, it would be hard to co-ordinate a joint signing, both
Tom or I will be available. The book is available at Authorhouse.com
(book id #31809) and other fine on-line outlets. Sales have been strong.
My newest book, "Woozel, Boxing and Me", #31810 (now ready to purchase) is a compilation of funny and true
boxing stories, oddities and quotes, will be out within the next few weeks. "Woozel, Boxing and Me" is a final tribute
to my best friend of more than 25 years, who attended many boxing events with me. She passed away from colon cancer
in Feb. 2004. The early demand for this true, and in my not-so-humble opinion, one of the funniest boxing books
ever written, has been strong. For advance ordering or to purchase an autographed copy, please advise me ASAP.
Being a journalist, I’ve found that the highest tribute that one can receive is positive comments about his
chosen field of work. I thank everyone who has made those comments to me, either in person or other means
of communication. Thank you.
Many times, when you look for a big punch to make a difference in a fight, you get one, but from the wrong guy.
That’s what happened in the Briggs – Liakovich fight in Phoenix, when Briggs, who has a reputation for running
out of gas, landed with 26 seconds to go in a fight he was going to lose, and knocked out the Russian WBO champion.
Always keep in mind that the last thing to go in a fighter is the punch, and Briggs can still punch.
In the Mayweather – Baldomir fiasco, the only way Baldomir was going to win was to land and slow down ‘Pretty Boy’
early. I thought it may happen for a couple of reasons, but even at the heavier weight, Mayweather was able to
play hit and run all night against the plodding Argentinean.
Neither fight can be construed as a ‘shocker’ but sometimes upsets appear possible, and I was looking for value.
There’s no value if you can’t cash your ticket.
There was a smaller than expected crowd on hand to see the fighter most agree is the best pound for pounder in
the world, was small. I’m not sure that says as much about the state of boxing today, as it does of Mayweather’s
drawing power (or lack of).***
This week we get a chance to see two aging veterans, Evander Holyfield, who actually thinks he can win a major
heavyweight title again, in fact, all of them, and against Fres Oquendo.
I’m not excited about this fight, aging heavyweights don’t do anything for me, but then again, neither do the up and comers.
Holyfield shouldn’t have problems here, but if you’re expecting him to unify this pretty lousy heavyweight division,
don’t hold your breath.
In another heavyweight match-up, Wladamir Klitschko takes on undefeated Calvin Brock. Brock has talent, and
Klitschko may still not believe in himself, but Brock, like Briggs before him, has been protected. It didn’t
hurt Shannon much, although he had to come from behind to win his fight with a very late KO.
Brock will have to believe strongly in himself big time to get by the heavyweight most experts feel is the best
of all the champs around today. I don’t know if he’s ready for Klitschko, so I’ll take the sometimes fast-handed
German to score a late TKO.***
Finally, if you can find it in your heart to help keep the world famous Kronk Gym open, please e-mail me and
I’ll give you the address where to send your donations.***
Agree or disagree, (not about my age) I’d like to hear from you.
(Rusty@ringsports.com)
Glove2Glove:
Please say prayers for the soul of the wife of boxing historian and good guy, Hank Kaplan, who passed away
from complications of Alzheimer ’s disease over the weekend.
Ryan O’Neal has requested prayers for his ex-wife and movie star Farah Fawcett, who is suffering from cancer.
I know they both will appreciate your support.
Prayers for the soul of former heavyweight champion Trevor Berbick who was murdered in Kingston, Jamaica.
Prayers for the return to health of top of the line referee Chuck Hassett who is reportedly battling prostate cancer.
Patti Brandenburg continues to have health problems and continues to need your help via prayers.
Prayers needed for Elise Brown, grand daughter of Ringside Products head honcho and good boxing guy John Brown.
Young Elise has heart problems.
Prayers have also helped but continue to be needed for Dennis Wilcox, brother of boxing scribe David Wilcox,
who is going to re-cooperate at his California home with his closest relatives. Dennis is suffering from Leukemia.
The family and everyone at Glove2Glove ask for your prayers for his total recovery.
Prayers for the return to health of Audrey Talmo, wife of Ed, a long-time boxing fan who cares about our sport.
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.***
Please say prayers for the recovery of good friend and great boxing guy Norm Cote, Past President of the
World Boxing Hall of Fame, who is undergoing dialysis three times a week. Norm’s a great guy and a real
fighter and we have to be there in his corner.
Prayers also for former World Boxing Hall of Fame President Charlie Casas who are having some severe health problems as well.
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.
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
absolutely 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: The votes have been counted and it looks very much like the Democrats will
control both houses of Congress.
Is that a good thing? I’m not convinced that there is much difference between a Republican conservative
and a Democratic conservative. I’m also not convinced that there may not be enough votes to override the President’s vetoes.
That’s why I believe firmly that we need to give America a bigger and better choice, a major third party. However
this probably won’t happen in my lifetime.
The biggest loser was Defense Secretary Don Rumsfeld, who probably would have saved the Republicans the election
embarrassment had be been let go a week earlier. Rumsfeld had to be the scapegoat, the sacrificial offering. The
conduct of the war in Iraq was under his direction, and the war is obviously not going as well as most Americans would like.
Not that it was all Rummy’s fault. Dick Cheney and other neo-cons must share the blame, and truth be told,
it’s really Bush’s war. No one is asking or expecting our top leaders to resign, but the buck always stops
at the President’s desk. As for Cheney, he’s next in line if Bush steps down, and that’s enough to scare anyone.
I think each voter had their own ‘pet issue’ to blame on the current administration, and although the war in
Iraq was the major factor, there were many, many, others.
Life is never black and white, but various shades of grey.
Support our troops.
Have a great week.
Agree, disagree or just want to help? I’d love to hear from you.
(Rusty@ringsports.com)
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