6/20/07 - Rusty Rubin
In Rusty’s Corner
By Rusty Rubin, editor-in-chief of the Ringsports.com publication and website advisor is the author of three outstanding boxing books!
‘Therapeutic’ and ‘helpful’ are the words most used in writing to me about “Woozel, Boxing and Me” (Authorhouse.com #31810). This book has been given 4 ½ stars at Amazon.com (read the reviews) and recently was awarded “Boxing Book of the Year, 2006” by
13thround.com.
Woozel, Boxing and Me is more than just a compilation of many funny and true boxing stories, oddities and quotes, and serves as a final tribute to the memory of Susiey Walker, my zany best friend of more than 25 years, who loved life and lived it to the max. This book has helped many people deal with a terminal illness and death, although that was never my overt intention in writing this book.
Wuz traveled and attended many West Coast boxing events with me and by so doing created many of those unforgettable moments with her positive, but often zany attitude and bubbly personality. Sue passed away in Feb. 2004, at age 54, after a tough 5-year battle with colon cancer.
The book reviews have all been great and the early demand for this work, one of the funniest boxing books ever written, (by me at least) has been strong. This is a must read for all boxing fans and everyone who has had to deal with life-altering situations. If you didn’t think that boxing, like life, has its funny and also tragic moments before, this true story will change your mind.
“Off the Canvas”, #22873, is an accurate view of American history and the social problems of our times, as seen through the eyes of an 80-year old ex-champ. “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 strong reviews from inside and out of the boxing community. Available at Authorhouse.com, (#22873) Ringsports.com and on-line major book retailers.***
“Billy Soose, the Champion Time Forgot” #31809, co-authored by Tom Donelson, is also available via internet book sellers. Soose was the middleweight champion of the world, beating greats like Tony Zale and Ken Overlin in less than a month’s time. Yet because of a war-shortened career, (WWII) few remember him today. It is the sincere view of both authors that Billy Soose belongs in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
All three books are available at Authorhouse.com and other fine on-line outlets. Sales have remained strong.
Speaking of worthwhile books, pick up a copy of “Boxing in the Shadows” by my fellow author and friend, Tom Donelson. It’s an educational and enjoyable read.
Any of these books will make a great birthday or holiday present and add greatly to the library of that ‘special’ sports fan in your life.
Autographed editions are limited and should be ordered at least 30 days in advance.***
Again allow me to again warn you that other people are spamming using my name and e-mail address. It’s not me and my advice to everyone is not to open anything you’re not expecting. Feel free to check with me if you have any questions. I am told that a lot of this nonsense was sent out during my recent three week sojourn, and still is today.***
Being a journalist, I’ve learned that the highest tribute that one can receive is positive comments about his endeavors in his chosen field of work. I thank everyone who has made those comments to me, either in person or other means of communication.
The LA based World Boxing Hall of Fame has announced the results of their voting for the October induction.
In the boxer category: Larry Holmes, Ricardo Lopez, Efren Torrez, Alvaro ‘Yaqui’ Lopez and Gerald McClellen.
In the expanded category: George Benton, Joe Cortez and Steve Albert are to be awarded that honor.
And in the posthumous category: Dick Sadler, Lily Rodriquez and Jose Vasquez DelaTorre.
We congratulate them all.
On July 28th, the WBHOF is also holding a fund-raising golfing event, where you can expect to rub elbows with some top names in boxing (not golf) and other areas of entertainment. The event is at the Soboba Golf Course in So. Cal...For info on either playing, sponsorship or both, call Rick Perry at 800-811-8VIP
The June 11th, fundraiser at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles featured a great evening of celebrity boxing to raise funds for the Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. Mike Tyson joined Sugar Ray Leonard and other former greats to help the cause, and reportedly a lot of money was raised. The feature bout, Danny Bonaduce vs. Robert Shapiro resulted in a KO for the attorney, who always stays in top shape. A rematch is in order here.
On June 23rd, Ricky Hatton takes on Jose Luis Castillo at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. This started out, odds wise, as a true pick-em bout, but the young man from Wales is currently an almost 2-1 favorite, against the strong veteran from Mexico.
Picking a winner here isn’t easy, and I’m not sure the big money bet on Hatton is ‘smart money’. More than likely it’s the fans who have come over from the UK to see this fight. This fight could easily end in a draw, as they are two counterpunchers with heart. The easiest bet, take the over and run.***
My old friend from the UK, former light heavyweight and Lonsdale Belt winner, Tony Wilson has a new website for you to check out, it’s
www.tonywilsonboxing.co.uk.
It’s good to see that Terry and Tommy Lane have inherited the boxing bug from their famous referee father. So if you’re in Northern Nevada on July 6th, make sure you stop by the Eldorado Hotel/Casino and say hello to Mills and the ambitious young lads. Boxing badly needs this infusion of new blood into its industry.
Glove2Glove:
Prayers for the soul of former champ Hugo Corro, who passed away in Argentina at age 53.
Prayers for the recovery of former champ and Hall of Famer Carlos Zarate, who has suffered a heart attack.
Prayers for the recovery of Bobby Czyz, now in a hospital because of a car accident.
Prayer for the return to health of Roseanne Palmiere, mother of RS.com journalist Peter, who has been hospitalized after a long illness.
Prayers for the return to health of Patti Brandenburg, wife of boxing manager Gary.
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 for the health of boxing ref and Judge Chuck Hassett who is having some serious health issues.
Prayers also for former World Boxing Hall of Fame President Charlie Casas who are having some severe health problems as well as one of the founders and past Presidents, Dub Harris, who suffered a stroke.
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.
Prayers for George Latka, “The Professor” has been victimized by punch-drunk syndrome. Also say prayers for his wife Trudie who is doing a great, but tough job, in coping with it.
Prayers for Audrey Talmo, wife of solid boxing guy, Ed and Helen Wambolt, wife of our own “Handsome” Danny, who is going through a tough battle. Also prayers for the recovery of Mills Lane and Denis Wilxox.
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.***
(Rusty@ringsports.com).
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