By Rusty Rubin
Ready to mail back my ballot for the International Boxing Hall of Fame. As a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America, one of the privilidges granted is that chance to see that those who merit induction get the chance for it.
The ballot however has changed recently, there is no longer an ‘old timers’ category, or even an expanded one.
To make matters worse, someone at the IBHOF has decided arbitrarily that we can not vote for anyone who’s last fight was prior to 1943. Why?
Most of the fighters in those days could run rings around many that are on today’s ballot. Missing from the ballot are greats like Billy Soose, Wes Ramey and Billy Miske.
I don’t know who made the absurd decision to have a cut-off date, but I urge not only the boxing writers who vote, but for all the fans who remember (and those that don’t) to be fair and write to Ed Brophy, at the IBHOF, POB 425, Canastoa, NY, and let’s get the voting back on an even footing as it should be.
There are plenty of deserving fighters out there who are being overlooked because of this type of ballot, and while I appreciate the chance to vote for whom I feel is the best on the ballot, many better fighters have been left off.
There’s a stench of politics here and it doesn’t belong in a place where we should be honoring our hero’s who have earned their stripes, instead of ignoring them.
Glove2Glove:
Prayers for the soul for Gabriela Blears, the 16 year old daughter of boxing scribe James Blears, who passed away last week,
Prayers for the recovery of Muhammad Ali who is said to be having serious problems as a result of his Parkinson’s related illness.
Prayers for the return to health for Col. Bob Sheridan, renowned sports announcer who has suffered a heart attack.
Prayers for former world class referee Davey Pearl who is under care for Alzheimers.
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 asks for your prayers in his 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 terrorist bombings in Jordan just prove once again that these cold blooded killers don’t mind killing their fellow Muslims, something against the teachings of the Koran. In fact, killing itself is outlawed by Islam, as it is in most true religions. ‘Thou shall not kill’ is repeated in all the major religions of the World.
While these deadly bombings have angered the Muslims and turned them against those who wanted to recruit them, (finally), it still is just a drop in the bucket.
All human life is sacred, and we must remember that at all times. That’s the one big advantage we have over the killers who preach a radical and false brand of Islam. We value human life, they do not!***
I have to wonder what our President is going to give away on his trip to the Far East...If his track record is any indication, it won’t be good for our economy.***
Finally, an original idea out of Washington, teaching ethics in the White House. Great thought and better late than never, but who qualified Tom Delay to be the Professor in charge?***
Prediction: If Hillary Clinton gets the Democratic Presidential nomination, the Republicans control the White House for another eight years. And if I’m wrong thousands of Americans will move to Canada.
Agree or disagree, I’d like to hear from you. I respect everyone’s opinion. (Rusty@ringsports.com).
