1/17/07 - 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.***
Interesting news out of the Lone Star State notifying me that referee Laurence Cole has been suspended
for three months for telling Juan Manuel Marquez he was ahead on the scorecards during his fight with
Jimrex Jaca in November. A head butt against Marquez could have forced the fight to the scorecards.
The incident occurred between in the corner between the 8th and 9th round. To his credit, Marquez
fought on bravely and won the fight.***
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.***
We saw a new and bright future in the heavyweight division on Saturday night, in Florida, when Sam Peter won
an easy unanimous decision over James Toney. Both fighters looked in better shape than their last fight,
and the lesser weight and younger age helped the “Nigerian Nightmare” hurt Toney early and
on the defensive for much of the fight.
Peter held his own in every round, but seemed to dominate in the last 30 seconds of each stanza.
What surprised many of us viewers was that Billy ‘Tae Boe’ Blanks was giving Toney advice
between rounds, while the real boxing trainer, Freddy Roach was standing by quietly.
Toney, who vows to keep on fighting, may have grown old in a hurry, or, Peter is no longer a big question mark
(except against much taller fighters) or a combination of both. It doesn’t matter. Peter won, and hats
off to a new world heavyweight champion.***
Ricky Hatton takes on Juan Urango in Vegas this weekend. Two undefeated fighters, with Hatton having three
times as many bouts (41)...Don’t know a lot about Urango, but I do know that Hatton has to deal with
the possibility of facial swelling and cuts, and Urango, the IBF champion is a southpaw.
Fortunately, neither should deter Hatton from retaining his title. Hatton by late TKO.***
Rocky Balboa, is a movie I have not seen and will not see. Actually, after Rocky, I have refused to view any
other boxing movies which enhance some folks already negative image of our sport.
Yes, I am well aware that Rocky won some major awards, and deservedly so...The music, acting and script writing
(for the most part) was excellent). My problem comes from knowing how many people won’t go to, or even
watch a boxing match because of all the blood and gore (unrealistic) shown in the movie, and somewho may have
became convinced that Rocky was something that could actually happen in boxing. Nothing like reinforcing a
negative image I always say.
Actually, to a very small extent, the violence shown in Rocky can be compared to real boxing, but certainly not
close to the length of which was depicted in the movie. A real-life Rocky would have seen his fight stopped
early by any halfway competent referee, and no fighter would or could take the abuse that Rocky took and was
able to come back and win.
There have been some good, realistic boxing movies over the years, but I don’t group Rocky with them.
This may be just my lone voice crying out in the wilderness, and obviously I don’t have a lot of backers here.
Truth is that Rocky was a good movie to watch, but a lousy film if it was intended to improve the image of the sport I love.
So, I have boycotted all the Rocky films over the years, and particularly the newest one, about a 60
year old fighter? Give me a break.
This is just my personal view. Go see Rocky Balboa and decide for yourself, but remember, if you think this
can happen in real life, you probably believe in the man in the moon also.
Care for some green cheese?
(Rusty@ringsports.com)
Glove2Glove:
Please say prayers for the soul of Yvonne Durelle, a great ring warrior, who’s 1958 war with Archie Moore
was one of the greatest fights in history. Durelle died this week, in Canada, at age 77.
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 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.***
Touching on politics briefly: As stated in my last column, I’m fed up with politics as usual, and
for the time being or longer, am hanging up my political quill.
Caring about ones country is not a one-man job, it’s everyone’s.
Support our troops and pray for their safe return.
Agree, disagree or just want to help? I’d love to hear from you when I return.
(Rusty@ringsports.com).
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