In Rusty’s Corner

Rusty Rubin is the editor-in-chief of the Ringsports.com website and the author of three highly acclaimed boxing books!

‘Healing, therapeutic’ and ‘helpful in dealing with a life threatening illness’, are the words that seem to be most used when readers have called and written to me about “Woozel, Boxing and Me” (Authorhouse.com #31810). This book has been given 4½ stars at Amazon.com (read the reviews) and was awarded “Boxing Book of the Year, 2006” by 13thround.com.

“Woozel, Boxing and Me” is far more than just a compilation of many funny and true boxing stories, oddities and quotes. The book serves as a final tribute to the memory of Susiey Walker, my zany best friend of more than 25 years, who loved life and knew how to live it to the max. This book has helped many people deal with terminal illness and death, although that was never my overt intention in writing this book. I am now working on a follow up.

Wuz traveled and attended many West Coast boxing events with me and by so doing created many of those unforgettable moments with her positive, but often zany attitude and always bubbly personality. Sue passed away in Feb. 2004, at age 54, after a tough 5-year battle with colon cancer. Although she never got into the title belt, Sue was a true fighter with the (body of a model and the heart of a champion.

The book reviews have all been great and the early demand for this work, one of the funniest boxing books ever written, (by me at least) has been strong. ‘Woozel, Boxing and Me’ is a must read for all boxing fans and everyone who has had to deal with tragic, life-altering situations. If you didn’t think that boxing, like life, has its funny and sadly tragic moments before, this true story will quickly change your mind and help you appreciate those wonderful people in your life that truly make it worth living.

And although progress has been slower than I liked, I am indeed working on a follow-up to this book, with less “Woozel” stories and more sports related humor and human interest tales.

“Off the Canvas”, #22873, is an accurate view of American history and the social problems of our times, as seen through the eyes of an 80-year old ex-champ. “Off the Canvas” takes you from the time of the Great Depression (1929) till the World Trade Center disaster (2001) and is a book that has been getting very strong reviews from inside and out of the boxing community. “Off the Canvas” covers most of the problems of our times in a book that you just can’t put down.“ Off the Canvas is available at authorhouse.com, (#22873) Ringsports.com and on-line major book retailers. If you enjoy both boxing and American history, this book is a must read!***

“Billy Soose, the Champion Time Forgot” #31809, co-authored by Tom Donelson, is also available via internet book sellers. Soose was the middleweight champion of the world in 1939, beating greats like Tony Zale and Ken Overlin in less than a month’s time. Yet because of WWII, when he entered the military, his career was-shortened, sadly few remember him today. Although a member of the World Boxing Hall of fame, it is the sincere view of both authors that Billy Soose more than qualifies for induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

All three books are available at Authorhouse.com and other fine on-line outlets. Sales have remained strong.

Speaking of worthwhile books, pick up a copy of “Boxing in the Shadows” by my fellow author and friend, Tom Donelson. It’s both a highly educational and enjoyable read.

Any of these books will make a great birthday or holiday present and add greatly to the library of that ‘special’ sports fan in your life.

Autographed editions are extremely limited and should be ordered at least 30 days in advance.

With the holidays nearly upon us, the trilogy or any of the books makes a great gift for someone special in your life.***

Again allow me to again warn you that many other people are spamming using my name and e-mail address. It’s not me or Ringsports.com, and my heartfelt advice to everyone is not to open anything you’re not expecting. Feel free to check with me if you have any questions.***

Being a journalist, I’ve learned that the highest tribute that one can receive is positive comments about his endeavors in his chosen field of work. I thank everyone who has made those comments to me, either in person or other means of communication. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.***

People ask why I don’t write columns on a regular basis. It’s not that I don’t have the time, just not always enough going on to comment on. And I’d rather comment on important fights, not just ones that are ‘gimme’s’.

So, in keeping with my policy of picking hard fights, this week features one important fight that figures to be a war. Juan Diaz vs. Julio Diaz, in Chicago, is the best fight to view this weekend.

An easy pick here as Diaz will surely win the bout, but the real question is, which Diaz? The fight is pretty much a toss-up, but I’ll go with Juan to stop Julio in the later round.

As for the Holyfield – Ibrigamov fight, I’ve given up on watching the heavyweights of today. They generate as much excitement as an afternoon nap, and sometimes not even that. I really think that with few exceptions, today’s heavyweights can put you to sleep with their lack of action more than the big punch.

Sam Peter and Wladamir Klitschko seem like the only two heavys out there who are worth watching, and against Jameel McCline, Peter hit the canvas three times before coming back to hold the WBO heavyweight title held by Oleg Maskaev, who pulled out of the Peter fight with a back injury.***

After trying for almost 18 months for a major fight to return to ring glory, Reggie Johnson ( fiormer2 time champion) gets back into the ring with Glencoffe Johnson in a fight held in Lake Charles, LA.

It’s a great fight on paper, and if these guys are anywhere close to their best, it should be a great fight to watch. Congratulations to Kerry Daigle of Keeppunching.com for putting this outstanding fight together. More info to follow as it comes across my desk.***

For those living in No. Cal and No. Nevada, check out the Silver Legacy fight card, promoted by Mills Lane’s son’s, on Oct. 20th. Local favorite Jesse Brinkley headlines.***

Kudos to Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions for signing Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy. If Lacy’s confidence is not to badly shattered from his loss to Joe Calzaghe, he has talent to spare and like the Phoenix, should rise from the ashes and be a champion again.

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