In Rusty’s Corner

By Rusty Rubin, editor-in-chief of the Ringsports.com publication, 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” 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 Ringsports.com and on-line major book retailers. For a list of the reviews please contact Rusty.

Also we’ll be taking orders soon on autographed copies of “Billy Soose, The Champion Time Forgot” co-authored by Tom Donelson. Since we live in different parts of the country, it would be hard to co-ordinate a joint signing, both myself or Tom will available. ***

Black Cloud, a great boxing movie is now out on DVD, if you’re a true fight fan, it’s a movie you don’t want to miss.***

On the road last week, hosting a benefit at Ricky’s Sports Bar in Oakland CA. for Muhammad Ali Cultural Center, in Louisville, that opens in November. With the most recent London bombings, is there a better way to spread world peace and understanding? Maybe, but this new center is going to go a long way in helping. ‘The Greatest’ has done it again.

I was only the host, as it should be, as the main event featured two great impersonators, the gentleman who hosts the website Mr.cinheaven.com who channels the spirit of Howard Co sell and John Ramsey who does a fantastic job of imitating not only Muhammad Ali, but others, including Mike Tyson. Two great guys working their butts off for a great cause.

Ricky’s was rated the #2 sports bar in the Country by Sports Illustrated in a recent issue. If they’re number 2, I’d love to see what #1 looks like. And I thought I knew my bars.

Ricky’s can be best described as an immense sports museum with great food and service added in. Ricky Ricardo, owner and host, his lovely wife Tina, and great staff did much to make this event even more memorable to this scribe, than I’d ever dreamed of. Thanks guys, you may be #2 in Sports Illustrated, but you will always be top dog in my book.

My thanks also go out to our gracious host, Maryann Davis, from the Hilton Garden Inn, who was always there for all our needs for this event.

Now to the Hopkins – Taylor fight, which I witnessed at Ricky’s. I know a lot of boxing writers felt that Hopkins won the fight, and it was close enough for debate. While I was busy enough to not pay as careful attention to the fight that I ordinarily would, it was clear to me, from what I saw that Taylor did enough to win, or at least get a draw.

As I said here, if Hopkins gave away too many of the early rounds he’d have his hands full, and that’s exactly what happened, although Hopkins did exert more effort early than he usually does, because Taylor made him fight.

Ref Jay Nady had his hands full and was an excellent choice by the Nevada Commission to work this event. Working a fight between two very muscular fighters who are not adverse to illegal tactics is never easy.

What all this means however, is a rematch, probably at years end, and probably the last fight for Hopkins, who said this was to be his last year.

Hopkins – Taylor was more exciting than I thought it would be, but that was as much because Taylor forced Hopkins to fight more than anything else. Hopkins knew he was behind late, and had to go all out to try for the KO, something he is not noted for.

For more information on the Cultural Center, which opens on Nov. 19, go to Alicenter.org. on your computer.***

A few other boxing notes: Two of legendary referee Mills Lane’s sons have applied for a boxing promoter’s license, so they continue to follow closely in their dad’s footsteps. We wish them the best.

And local celeb/boxer Joey Gilbert has signed a promotional contract with Gary Shaw. While we wish him the best, Joey, who was on the Contender, has a law degree, and why he chooses to get his brains rattled in the ring instead of enjoying his life/youth is beyond my comprehension. Still we will also remain solidly in his corner.***

Finally, Jose Perez Sr. who was featured on the cover of a recent issue of Ringsports.com, will be fighting in San Jose at San Jose University Event Center, on July 23, on a card highlighted by Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Perez remains undefeated, and will be facing his toughest foe to date. The cover of Ringsports.com features only the young fighters who we believe have the potential to be future greats. We feel Jose Perez Jr. meets this criteria.

Agree or disagree, I always welcome comments. Rusty@ringsports.com***

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 (Rusty@ringsports.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 ‘America’s Most Wanted’ posters.***

Glove2Glove:

Prayers for boxing promoter and all around good guy Clem Crowley who could use a push in the get well ranks just about now. Also prayers for the return to health of Audrey Talmo, wife of Ed, a long-time boxing fan who cares about our sport.

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 also requested for the Sheila Sepulveda, a long-time friend of this writer. Sheila is having some very serious health problems.

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.***

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 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.

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: No surprise at the news last week that the U.S. is losing its battle against drug smuggling, with only a 20% success rate reported by the Coast Guard. If they can smuggle in drugs, can’t they also smuggle in parts for WMDs.

The Coast Guard is using a fleet that is 38 years old and cannot compete against the smugglers. So why aren’t we funding it? We have money to forgive the debts of other countries and to give tax cuts to the rich, so why not help the nation’s security itself?***

I’d also be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned with the trade gap with China and the possible sale of an American energy company to this growing nation, which perhaps some day will overtake us and be a potential threat to America.

I think we can all say that a nation improving itself is a good thing, but not at the expense of the rest of the free world.

China keeps hinting that they will not rest until the breakaway republic of Taiwan is once again part of their nation. The U.S. is committed to defend Taiwan. Does anyone else see a possible military conflict here?***

Finally, to respond to a question that I get many times. Why don’t I comment on the local news events, like the trials of Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart and other celebs? Because in truth, to my way of thinking it’s not news, but fluff. What happens to society’s children, misfits or otherwise, has absolutely no effect on my life or this world. Commentary, more than this, would be just a waste of space, which could be used for the serious problems facing this world.

Agree or disagree, I’d like to hear from you. I respect everyone’s opinion. (Rusty@ringsports.com), and feel free to pass this along to your representatives, most of whom aren’t really your representatives anyhow.