11/24/06 - 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.
Not shocked at Manny Paquiao’s surprisingly easy win over Erik Morales, who, at the weakened weight of 130,
just couldn’t get untracked and was stopped in the third round.
I expected Morales to tire late and lose a close decision. Shows how hard it is to fight at a no-longer-natural weight.
Look for Pacquiao to fight Marco Antonio Barrera in the Spring and ‘El Terrible’ to move up to 136 for his next fight.***
In Hidalgo, Texas, this weekend, Juan Manuel Marquez gets back into action against Jimrex Jaca. Jaca obviously
has his passport problems straightened out. Jaca can box well, but is untested against the ‘name’ fighters,
and Marquez is a ‘name’ fighter.
Juan Manuel is also a big puncher. Look for Marquez to score a KO midway.
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:
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 return to health of top of the line referee Chuck Hassett who is reportedly battling prostate cancer.
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 war in Iraq was considered to be the number one issue in the Democratic sweep
in the recent elections. It wasn’t the deciding issue on my vote, but it was a major one.
I don’t know if the newly elected Congress or the appointment of Robert Gates to Secretary of Defense
(replacing Donald Rumsfeld) is going to make much of a difference.
The Baker Commission investigated and has made recommendations, but no matter what they suggest, it doesn’t
obligate President Bush to change anything. Our President has been known to ‘listen with deaf ears’.
A commonality of many Presidents and world leaders, past and present, have been their stubborn belief in the
justice of their causes, now matter how half-baked it may appear, and no matter how many people tell them they are wrong.
Of course in some countries if you tell the leader you think that they’re wrong, you disappear.
It shouldn’t happen in America and hopefully doesn’t, but some people may take criticism badly. While no one we know
of has been ‘silenced’, we can readily relate to President Nixon’s ‘hit list’ of people he was having the FBI spy on.
President Bush is not one to admit defeat, (let alone his mistakes). He seems to think that God is guiding his actions.
Why God would single out a person like George Bush to guide him is at best illogical, and that is not how anyone who
believes in the Lord views him. Bush’s arrogance is disgusting to most of the world.
America withdrawing from Iraq may wind up being the only logical option we have. We have done both, run the course
and stayed the course. Perhaps the time has come to change the course, because it may be the only way to alter
history and save American lives.
There’s nothing shameful to admit that we were wrong, and by retreating we may save hundreds or thousands of American lives.
On a personal note, I never supported going into Iraq. I thought it was a blunder then and haven’t changed my mind.
However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a way for America to come out of this conflict smelling like a rose.
We went in without any thought of how to get out, and now we have a quagmire, that may only end in a Civil War
in the cradle of civilization. But a Civil War may well have happened if we left after the infamous
“mission accomplished” speech, which to my way of thinking would have been the logical move.
Americans don’t have to support the war in Iraq to wholeheartedly support our brave lads risking and
sometimes giving their all.
Support our troops.
Have a great Thanksgiving and a great week.
Agree, disagree or just want to help? I’d love to hear from you.
(Rusty@ringsports.com)
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