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 never surprised at the goings on at Atlantic City, it seems some strange things happen there. However, Saturday night, the only surprising thing that happened, at least in my eyes, is the referee of the Ruiz-Rahman fight allowing Ruiz to take back the WBA title. Hey guys, he was holding all night, which is the only way he knows how to fight…Where’s Jay Nady when you need him.

I suppose you could call Cory Spinks decision over Ricardo Mayorga a major upset as well, although I think a draw would have been fairer. But congratulations go out to the young man, he fought a great fight, and took away Mayorga’s game plan.

With Mayorga out of the picture, Ringsports.com will have to choose from three for fighter of the year, James Toney, Manny Pacquiao or Roy Jones Jr. Cast your vote today.

Zab Judah never gave Jaime Rangel a chance to land his big punch stopping him early in round one. I still think Judah is over-rated and has a very iffy chin.***

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

Boxing feedback:
Many of your ideas are following along my own. As I have mentioned repeatedly over the past, the key to boxing success is that promoters and TV must be willing to cede some of their authority to a central body, who negotiate contracts with TV, set up rankings and set up standards for state boxing commission to follow.

Your idea for the BWAA is a good start. Just an organization would not have power but such an association can certainly shine the light on bad decisions, corruption within the ranks and set up a fair ranking system. Yell loud enough and something might yet get done. Right now, ESPN is recognizing Ring Magazine ratings as their rankings and if other television outlets did the same, we could weaken the sanctioning bodies.

The key to reforming boxing as I have mentioned is to influence the next generation of promoters since I don't see Arum, King and others ceding their power.

Other major sports considers themselves in competition with other forms of entertainment for the entertainment dollars. Football does it the best since they live by the philosophy that their league is only as strong as the weakest member. So sharing the income is one way to keep all the franchises alive. There are no weak financial franchises.

It is time at least for boxing media to step forward and at least begin the process of reforming the sport that we all love.

Tom Donelson, Iowa.

Glove2Glove:

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 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 Parkinsons.

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: First I’d like to congratulate all those responsible for the capture of Sadaam Hussein. I hope he gets his just rewards. But without taking away anything from that accomplishment, Sadaam was not the sworn enemy of the United Stated, Usama Bin Ladin is.

One less cold blooded dictator in this world is a good thing for peace loving people everywhere. We will not minimize the importance of Sadaam’s capture. But we’d love to add Bin Ladin’s name, as well as Mullah Omar and a few other cold blooded, cowardly terrorists to really start feeling like we have a chance at living in peace in today’s world.

It’s the end of Sadaam and his regime, but it’s far from the end of terrorism. And if Bin Ladin is true to his word, they can still sneak terrorists into Iraq and target the brave soldiers who are doing their job, and obviously doing their job very well.

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

Political feedback: