In Rusty’s Corner
By Rusty Rubin, managing editor, of Ringsports.com, 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” 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 me.
Let’s look at the upcoming Arturo Gatti – Jesse James Leija fight this Saturday. Here is a match between two veteran boxers, who keep on finding ways to resurrect their careers. And if both of them fight up their capabilities this weekend, we’re looking at what might be the fight of the year, in January.
Both these fighters give every bit as they get, and both tend to cut at times, have great chins, and there’s no quit in either man. What’s helped Gatti come this far when most felt his career was on the downturn, is learning defense, not as easy task for a brawler.
With Leija, every time I think he should hang up the gloves he surprises me with brilliant efforts. He’s not as big a puncher as Gatti, but has a solid chin and like Arturo, always gives 100%. You can never count him out.
A take no prisoners war is what we should expect from both of these combatants this weekend, in a must watch fight.
It’s also a must fight for both fighters, as the winner here gets the dubious prize of next taking on undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. for the title.***
Next Saturday in St. Louis, Cory Spinks puts his title on the line against Zab Judah (again)…Look for the young southpaw Spinks to make it a clean sweep against Judah, who hasn’t looked right since he was clocked by Kostya Tszyu. Spinks by decision.***
Back to the subject of Mayweather, the way he came off a long layoff and dismantled Henry Bruseles last week was awesome. But let’s face it, Mayweather still hasn’t fought any strong up and coming fighters, and Gatti or Leija would be no exception. Point being it’s hard to say how good or great a fighter may be until he proves it against warranted competition.***
Agree or disagree, I always welcome comments.
My good friend Stephen B. Acunto, who founded the American Association for the Improvement of Boxing, along with Rocky Marciano, now has his book “Champions Boxing Guide” available in Spanish. For details visit Steve’s website: AAIB.org
Please help me with my upcoming new book. Send all boxing jokes, stories, quips and boxing oddities to Rngsports@aol.com, thanks, and members of the boxing media are free to send this most welcome information as well. All submissions used will be given full credit, if used in the book, and it will be given on who submits the story first, basis. Here’s your chance to have your name in print, instead of American’s Most Wanted posters.***
Agree or disagree, feel free to express your views.
Glove2Glove:
First please continue to say prayers for the victims of the Tsunami in Asia and their families. A lot of people are hurting right now.***
Please say prayers for the return to health of Jeanette Nittoli, older sister of outstanding photographer and friend, Mary Ann Owen, who along with another long-time friend Butch Gotlieb, runs the Boxinginlasvegas.com website. ***
Prayers requested for the return to health of former New England featherweight champion, down but not out with a brain tumor as well as Ray Lampkin, former top contender who will be undergoing triple bypass surgery shortly.
Please say prayers for the soul of Doreen Tucker. The daughter of well respected boxing judge Doug Tucker, passed away fromcancer, in a Reno hospital. She was 35.***
Dub Harris, WWII hero and founder and past President of the World Boxing Hall of Fame has suffered a stroke in Southern California. Please pray for his quick return to health.***
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 wife of RS.com writer Marty Carson (auto accident) who is having health problems) of Indiana. Marty, who is a long time friend and a boxing expert, is also ailing a bit.***
Please say prayers for the return to health of Orazio Esposito, father of our photographer Richard Esposito.***
Sandy Johnson a great gal as well as a staff member of the Nevada State Athletic Commission is fighting breast cancer. A call, e-mail or card, along with your prayers would really do a lot to raise the spirits of an old friend.***
Special prayers go out to Mills Lane for his complete recovery. Mills, who moved from Reno to New York, suffered a stroke a few years back. He may be down, but knowing him personally, he’s far from out.***
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. And to Arthur Terciera, father of writer Keith, also having heart related problems.***
Prayers are requested for Ringsports.com photo journalist Dale Hausner of Arizona, who is having problems with cancer.***
Prayers are requested for Kenneth E. Ryther father of our photo journalist Amy Green. Kenneth is suffering from Parkinson’s.***
Prayers for Ed “Whitey” Hadar, a former boxer who is having some serious health problems.***
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: While I freely admit to being a great admirer of Colin Powell, I never felt that way about his son, Michael, who last week resigned as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (the FCC).
Under the younger Powell’s leadership, our country has taken a step backward in common sense and a step forward in practicing censorship.
You can make a case for Michael’s handling of the Janet Jackson exposed breast during the Super Bowl, as it was in prime time and children were watching. Not that I think children will be corrupted in any way by seeing a God given female breast, but there is a time and place for that.
As for Howard Stern, if people don’t like to listen they don’t have to. I’m not a fan, personally, but a lot of folks are. He has or should have the right to do his show anyway he chooses and the FCC has no right in interfering. If anyone doesn’t like Stern, do as I do, don’t listen.
The TV shows have also been censored, although not on the major cable channels, fortunately. Fox bent over backwards in the cause of censorship when they announced they would cover a cartoon character’s butt. WOW!
Yet through all this is the wisdom to allow rappers to ‘sing’ about killing cops, raping and beating up women, calling them whores, violent video games for our kids. It’s time for some common sense in America, and Michael Powell didn’t show much as head of the FCC. In fact, unlike his heroic father, Michael sadly was forced into intellectual submission by people who forget that freedom of speech is meant for everyone.
I’m not a fan of video games, violence, FOX, Stern or Janet Jackson, but that’s my right. The fact is that I’m even less of a fan of censorship, which I detest, and will continue to fight against….Now what the f--- was I writing about?
Agree or disagree, I’d like to hear from you.
