1/03/06 - In Rusty's Corner
In Rusty's Corner
By Rusty Rubin, editor-in-chief of the Ringsports.com publication, and author of "Off the Canvas",
a view of American history and the social problems of the times, as witnessed 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 Ringsports.com and on-line major book retailers. For a list of the reviews please
contact Rusty. Remember the holidays are rapidly approaching. Here's a great gift.
It's here! Just in time for this years Christmas basket! We're taking orders for autographed copies
of "Billy Soose, the Champion Time Forgot" co-authored by Tom Donelson. 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 now at Authorhouse.com (book id #31809) and other fine on-line
outlets. Early sales appear strong.
Soose was a former middleweight champion of the world, and in one three week period defeated Ken
Overlin and Tony Zale, giving him ample credentials to be inducted into the International Boxing
Hall of Fame.
Buy both books and the recipient will really appreciate your caring, and this writer won't complain
one little bit. You can consider it your extra Christmas gift to him (or not)...***
***Ringsports.com the magazine is anxious to get to the next level, but having a few problems. Here's
your chance to get involved with an established boxing publication (about to start our 17th year)
As well as an established website.We can use a few new ads as well. For advertising information
write to Rusty@ringsports.com, for investment opportunities
Roland@ringsports.com.***
First, allow me to wish each and every one of you the very best that the year 2006 can offer.
There are some great fights that should take place this year, although they probably won't be
in the heavyweight division. While you don't need great fighters to make great fights, I can't
see any possible match-ups this year that could excite me.
But first things, first. This year starts off with a couple of interesting fights on Saturday,
and on the same card.
The first is a battle between Zab Judah and veteran Carlos Baldomir. This is an important
fight for Judah and figures to be a tune-up for a bigger fight against Ricky Hatton or
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Important or not, Zab does have a weakness, his chin. Not that Baldomir is a huge puncher,
he's not, but when you have an iffy chin, that's not always important.
I can see an upset possible here, but if Zab uses his ample speed, he should be able to
take a convincing decision, and he needs the work.
The semi-main features Jean Marc Mormeck of France against O'Neil Bell. I'm not sure how
Bell continues to survive and eek out tough wins, but he seems to have that talent, as
well as pretty good whiskers.
Mormeck has faced stronger opposition and doesn't usually need any help from the judges.
Morkeck by late TKO or decision.
Agree or disagree, we'd like to hear from you. (Rngsportsr@aol.com).
Glove2Glove:
Let's say a prayer for the father of Eva Futch, a great friend, and the widow of legendary
trainer Eddie, who passed away in 2001. Eva's father's cancer has returned and needs all
the support we can give him, and please pray that Eva has the strength to cope with this
difficult challenge, so close to her having lost her husband.
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 in an Oregon hospital 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.
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.***
Please say prayers for the return to health of Orazio Esposito, father of our photographer
Richard Esposito.***
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 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 monopoly created by Dish Network, Direct TV and digital cable
continues without any sign that Congress is interested in stopping their illegal actions.
Word comes that CNN and Headline News will be going off the big dish and joining the monopolies,
leaving those of us with the big satellite dish to fend for ourselves to keep informed. While
in the computer age, it's not that hard to do, it still can be an inconvenience at times.
For about a year it's been impossible to watch any PPV fights because they are no longer available
on satellite. Other stations have been gobbled up as well, and soon we will be either forced to
join the greedy small dish companies or be unable to watch the news on television.
So what's the problem with the monopoly? You have to pay a monthly charge to get the channels
you want and that will include paying for networks you wouldn't watch on a bet. Why should
anybody be forced to pay for garbage that they don't want?
With the monopoly you have to pay for whatever trash they choose to throw into the package,
and if you want the good programming that big dish users used to get for nothing, you have
to pay a lot of cash for programming that includes a bunch of junk.
Monopolies are illegal under the anti-trust act, and yet Congress allows them to exist. Do you
think they pay by making big donations to the campaigns of these politicians? I do!
Agree or disagree, I'd like to hear from you. I respect everyone's opinion.
(Rusty@ringsports.com)
|
