2/1/07 - Rusty Rubin
In Rusty’s Corner
By Rusty Rubin, editor-in-chief of the
Ringsports.com publication and website advisor is the author
of “Woozel, Boxing and Me” (Authorhouse.com #31810).
This book recently was awarded “Boxing Book of the Year” by
13thround.com.
Woozel, Boxing and Me is compilation of funny but true boxing stories, oddities and quotes,
and serves as a final tribute to my zany best friend of more than 25 years, who attended many
boxing events with me. Woozel created many of those zany moments with her positive attitude about life.
Sue passed away in Feb. 2004. The reviews have all been great and the early demand for this work,
one of the funniest boxing books ever written, has been strong.
One of the stories that are included in this book is when Lou Duva was working with John John Molina
in Virginia. ‘After a hard workout, Lou told Molina to run to the first red light and return to
camp. It took a while until Molina finally returned. Lou asked what took him so long. Molina calmly replied:
“All the lights were green”’.
“Off the Canvas”, #22873, is a view of American history and the social problems of the times,
as seen by 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 rave reviews.
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.
Soose was the middleweight champion of the world, beating greats like Tony Zale and Ken Overlin in
less than a month’s time. The book is available at Authorhouse.com and other fine on-line
outlets. Sales have been strong.***
Any of these books will make a great birthday or holiday present to add to the library of that
‘special’ boxing fan in your life.
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.***
Circle the date of June 9th when Miguel Cotto takes on Antonio Margarito in Madison Square Garden.
It doesn’t get much better than that.***
The 18th Annual Hall of Fame Weekend is scheduled for June 7-10th in Canastota NY. If you require
more information or wish to attend call the Hall at (315) 697-7095 of visit the
ibhof.com.***
Speaking of the Hall of Fame, the Los Angeles based World Boxing Hall of Fame has a new President
as Adolpho Perez takes over the duties. It’s hard work and a lot of responsibility, so let’s wish him the best.***
Vitali Klitschko, returns to the ring again, and one has to wonder why. I know it’s a lousy heavyweight
division, but with Vitali holding a master’s degree, why should he need to take any abuse in the ring.
How much will the layoff hurt? My guess is, at his age, a lot.
Of course fighting once a year doesn’t do much for any again fighter. Oscar de la Hoya may be the
exception to that, as there are always exceptions. Still the legs of an aging fighter can go at any
time, and when it does, it isn’t pretty.***
While I have some things I treasure, I’ve never considered myself a collector of boxing related material.
However, my friend Ed Ramos is. Ed Ed’s looking for a Muhammad Ali (onsite) robe as well as a program
or poster from his fight with Lubbers, or any oddball Ali items. You can contact Ed at 860-922-4365
or drop him a line at andinoramos@hotmail.com.***
No shock to see Freddie Roach in the corner of Oscar de la Hoya when he takes on Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Oh, no prediction on the fight yet. I’d like to know the size of the ring they will fight in.
A bigger ring favors the rabbit, Mayweather and a smaller ring gives him less places to run from
Oscars power punches.***
Jorge Arce is an exciting fighter to watch and we had the pleasure of doing so on Saturday night,
courtesy of HBO and Top Rank. Also watched Kelly Pavlik in action. Both are fighters that are
actually worth paying money to watch.
This week we get to see a great lightweight battle between Jesus Chaves and Julio Diaz (ShowTime)
...From this little corner of the world, I lean to Diaz to retain his title by a very close decision.
(Rusty@ringsports.com)
Glove2Glove:
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 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.***
I’ll catch up on the rest of the G2G in the next column.
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.***
Agree, disagree or just want to help? I’d love to hear from you when I return.
(Rusty@ringsports.com).
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