Newsflash: We are taking orders for autographed copies of my new book, “OFF THE CANVAS” to be published in the Spring. Cost of $12.50 will get you at the top of our list, (as it will be sent on a first order, first sent basis) for an autographed copy sent to you (along with my thanks). Send order along with check or money order or credit card info to: Rusty Rubin, Ringsports.com, POB 18336, Reno, NV. 89511.***

I am all too aware of the expression, ‘if it’s not broke, don’t fix it’. Well I think as boxing fans we know our sport is in need of some repair. We may never gain the credibility of other sports, but I think I have figured out a way to make it work better.

I know there are no cure-alls as there are many problems we have to face, but here’s one possible solution, and I’d like your input in regard to it.

First we form an alliance between the ABC (Association of Boxing Commissioners and the BWAA (Boxing Writers Association of America). This is the basis of a new organization to help right some of the wrongs in our sport.

To that group we add boxing writers who are not aligned with the BWAA, promoters and other fight people including fans.

I envision a group of about 45 directors or voters, with 2/3 plus one (31) votes being needed to institute change. As an example, 15 members of the BWAA, 15 members of the ABC 2 members who are promoters, 2 members who belong to the Association of Ringside Physicians, 3 members of the AAIB (American Association for the Improvement of Boxing) 2 members from sanctioning bodies and 6 non-aligned boxing writers throughout the country. (note: These are arbitrary numbers that can be increased or decreased as decided upon).

Adding to this will be the input of boxing fans everywhere who can at their pleasure bring up items to be discussed and voted upon if the 2/3 of the group feels it’s worthwhile.

This group will have regulatory powers as follows.

1) All States that have boxing must have accredited commissions and adhere to the rules of the ABC. No exceptions. Any State that doesn’t comply will be penalized by not having any fights in their domain recorded or recognized by the working press or fans, including championship fights. Anyone winning a title in non-member States will not be recognized. Yearly elections will be held to determine who presides over this group.

2) Drug and steroid testing will be made mandatory and fines and suspensions assessed to anyone who tests positive for these substances.

3) While there is no intent to take away any sanctioning bodies rankings, this group will vote for and have their own rankings to make things easier for the fans.

4) While we will make no attempt to overturn a bad decision, this group will, upon request, determine if a unfair decision has occurred and in that event, a rematch should be ordered.

5) No dues will be required or salaries paid, except to whoever serves as the Secretary, who will obviously have a full time job.

Why do I think this will work? Because we have the numbers in our favor. We are the majority. We are caring boxing fans concerned for the future of our sport. We also hold the power of the pen. We can make this work!

By now, you get the idea. What I’m doing here is just giving you an outline as to how I envision this to work. I’d like to hear from everyone out there if they have anything to add.

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

Glove2Glove:

Please say prayers for solid boxing guy, member of the WBHOF and all around class act Sabitini Arbucci who is recovering from cancer surgery.

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.

Chas. Shandor, father in law of Ringsports.com writer Nick Constantine has been diagnosed with cancer and needs your prayers.

Prayers are asked for and welcomed for LaVerne Gaither of Atlanta, who is having some serious medical problems.

Also down but not out with cancer is Kathy Ceravola, sister of top referee Elmo Adolph, and my best friend and co-founder of Glove2Glove, Susiey Walker.
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.

Classified:
Reader Ed Ramos has the following articles available for sale. All come with letter of authenticity
1- Rocky Marciano golden gloves autographed 1968 trophy-$700.This trophy comes with a notarized letter of authenticity. The autograph was obtained by the son of the promoter of this tournament.
2-Muhummud Ali plaque -$1500.This plaque was given to Ali over 10 years ago and is in excellent condition.
3-Joe Louis-Max Shmeling vintage puppets from either the 1930s or 1940s-$300 set. These puppets are extremely rare and are in very good condition.
4-Sonny Liston cut signature-$1000.
5-Cassius Clay 1963 cut signature-$900.
6-Sugar Ray Robinson autographed collage poster-$400.
7-Boxing Illustrated autographed by Ali in 1974-1975-$300.This vintage Ali autographs is one of the best ones that I have ever seen on a magazine.
8-Cassius Clay autographed boxing glove from the early 1960s-$1500 or best
offer.

Touching on politics briefly:

John Kerry’s use of the “F” word in describing Bush’s Iraq policy may not have been in good taste, but anyone old enough to vote has probably used the word a lot more often. The White House has asked for an apology.

I’m not going to make excuses for the use of the word, or for John Kerry, but I don’t think he owes anyone but the voters he may have offended, an apology.

Being in boxing, we’ve probably heard that word used in the ring or in interviews very often. Some people say it shows a lack of class, but as I said we’ve all probably used it more times then we should have.

Kerry is getting testy because his campaign for the Oval Office is losing, not gaining momentum. That’s understandable, and in truth I’m quite surprised that I haven’t heard other candidates use profanity more often.

I’m not defending Kerry’s remarks, but I’m not going to object to them either. As it has been said many times ‘Let them without sin cast the first stone’. I’ve used the word, and I’m sure everyone on the White House staff has as well.

Agree or disagree, all responses are welcome and the best will be published.