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.***
First, let me renew my call for the powers that be in the world of boxing to continue steroid testing, a minimum of 1 year suspension if caught using, as well as use the asterisk if the fighter is ever inducted into the Hall of Fame. We must crack down now, and set a good example not only for our sport but others as well!***
The only surprise in the Hopkins – Eastman fight was the great condition of Bernard Hopkins. For being 40, and in a tough sport like boxing, he’s somewhat like a freak of nature.
Eastman fought his fight, although his only chance was in winning the first six rounds, and hoping to sneak out another or at worst a draw. Hopkins did enough early to prevent that from happening, and once round five was in the bag, the outcome of the fight was very predictable, unless the Executioner started showing his age. He didn’t.
Both Eastman and Hopkins have great chins, so it had to go to a decision, and with Bernard being one of the best closers in the sport (winning the later rounds), the only question was how many rounds would the judges give to Eastman. The answer? Very few.
After taking the unanimous decision, Hopkins told Larry Merchant of HBO, that he was willing to take on Jermaine Taylor, who fought on the undercard and won via an impressive s performance and stoppage of former sparring partner Daniel Eduardo.
After his less than stellar performance in chasing and beating an unwilling to fight, William Joppy, in his last go, Jermaine needed to make an impression on the fans, HBO and the Hopkins camp, and he did that. As to if he’s ready or not to beat Hopkins, that’s another story.
I’d like to see Jermaine take on another tough foe before meeting Hopkins before years end, as Bernard says this will be his last year in the ring. Taylor is just too green for the Executioner, and needs one or two strong performances before taking on the best middleweight around today.
My choice would be a Taylor – Felix Sturm match-up, with the winner getting a shot at Hopkins.***
Good News: “Black Cloud” the boxing movie that I’ve written about here in the past, premiers on March 11, in NYC, L.A., Boston, Hartford, New Haven, and New London Ct. as well as Providence, RI. The Mohegan Sun in Connecticut will be hosting a screening or you can visit Blackcloudthemovie.com. Don’t miss this one.***
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 (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 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.***
Prayers for the soul of long-time Minnesota boxing promoter, and great friend of the sport, Tommy Brunette, who passed away suddenly last week.
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 underwent triple bypass surgery recently. Also prayers are needed for the return to health of Sheila Sepulveda, widow of Reno based Ahora Spanish News Publisher Miguel, and mother of Steve Sepulveda.
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: A number of people are writing and calling and asking for (1) the sources of my information and (2) who has been reading my site?
The reasons for the questions are simply that when I write about current issues, they always seem to be addressed in some form or another a few days after my story is posted, most recently, the possibility of terrorists (drug dealers) smuggling parts of nuclear weapons over the border.
The issue did suddenly seem to appear when it wasn’t openly discussed before, but I won’t take credit for bringing it to national attention.
Truth be told, my only legitimate source of information is ‘common sense’. I don’t ask anyone questions in advance of the piece, but I do bring up the important issues in this column.
As to who reads this column? That’s a question I can’t answer. I have no idea, as far as I’m concerned the timing is just coincidence. I can live with that.
What I find a bit more difficult to live with is that now that many legislators are shown legitimate concern for this issue, the President still wants to cut the budget for unmanned spy planes on the border, and make illegal aliens coming over the border legal. Either he has no grasp of the serious potential of this problem or he is to busy protecting our interests elsewhere in the world. Either way, we have to make him aware of his first responsibility, which is to the safety of the people of the United States of America. So feel free to pass this column on.***
Just a quick response to House Speaker Dennis Hassert’s recent statement: “You can’t jam change down the American people’s throat.” I couldn’t agree more, but right or wrong, why would that not be exactly the same as what we did in Iraq? Didn’t we ‘jam’ democracy down their throats? I’m not saying it was wrong, just making a somewhat valid comparison.
We don’t know if the results of the Iraqi election will have the desired effect, but did anyone ever consider a possible negative effect? What happens if America goes to walk with Syria or Iran? They are both ruled by the Shiites, as is Iraq now. Will Iraq stand up with those of brave Americans and allies who gave them freedom, or side with their brethren in the other Shiite countries? Only time will tell. But I definitely hope I’m off base with that way of thinking.***
And finally, many thanks to the many fine people who wrote in, pro and con, on my last editorial. We don’t have to agree on the issues, but it’s good to know a lot of people, even those who oppose my views, understand them, and take the time to write their feelings to me. I respect the honesty.
Agree or disagree, I’d like to hear from you (Rusty@ringsports.com)