In Rusty’s Corner


Rusty Rubin is the award winning editor of Ringsports.com.

Glad to be back from a long-awaited and much needed cruise vacation. I have to tell you, particularly at this season of the year, that the whole world should be run like a cruise ship, with people from all around the globe sharing warmth and pleasantry with others. And I am not talking about just the crew members but the passengers as well. No anger, no hatred, no prejudice. What a wonderful world it could be if it were run that way. Thanks to everyone, passengers and crew of the Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas.

Christmas also came early for me this year, as this old scribe learned that his efforts (along with many others) allowed for Billy Soose to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009.

Tom Donelson and myself wrote a book that hopefully helped Soose’s long awaited induction possible, but far more important, allowed Gene Sebastian, Soose’s brother, to keep the promise he made to Billy. The promise Gene made to do whatever he could to allow the middleweight great entry into those hallowed halls. I think we all cried when we found out the wonderful news. I know I speak for Gene, Tom and myself in thanking everyone responsible for this well-earned honor for a great champion.

***

One fight of no real value to pick this week, and as usual it’s a heavyweight matchup by two guys who really have little to offer the viewers.

Former champ and once great, Evander Holyfield, takes to the ring again in quest of winning not one, but all three versions of the heavyweight title, by taking on big, slow Nikolai Valuev in Switzerland. My only comment is if you enjoy great or even good boxing, don’t waste your time watching this. Neither fighter is worthy of the title, although in today’s times, few heavyweights should bother to enter the ring. It’s just a lousy division, with only a few exceptions. I will not take the time or effort to predict this fight except to say ‘pain’ and that ‘pain’ will be inflicted mainly on the viewers.

***

Long-time friend, Steve Acunto has written a great new book. It’s a Spanish language guide to understanding boxing techniques. This is a Spanish version of his previously released book in English and is available at AuthorHouse.com.***

Glove 2 Glove:

Sad to report the passing of Nevada referee Toby Gibson, who left us on Nov 25…Prayers for his soul are greatly appreciated.

One of boxing’s good guys, Genaro ‘Chicanito’ Hernandez has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Kudos to the WBC for taking up the battle to help pay for some of Genaro’s high medical bills. I ask you to do your share also by saying prayers for this fine young man, a true fighter and champion who represents everything good that sports in general and boxing in particular stands for.

***

My good friend and former President of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, Norm Cote, is in need of your prayers. Things haven’t been going well for Norm of late, as he’s been on dialysis for a while also. Norm’s a fighter and so is his wonderful wife Annie.***

Prayers for Audrey Talmo, wife of solid boxing guy, Ed. Also prayers for the recovery of Mills Lane and Denis Wilcox.

Needless to say we need prayers for the return to health of both former champs Greg Page and Gerald McClellan, both confined to wheelchairs.

On behalf of these great fighters, we thank you for your ongoing prayers.

If you know of any boxing people in need of spiritual uplift or prayers, just drop us a line. It’s free to all and no one will ever contact you or put your name on anyones mailing list.

Thanks and God bless.***

Rusty Rubin is the editor of Ringsports.com. He is also the author of three acclaimed boxing books! “Woozel, Boxing and Me”, “Off the Canvas” and “Billy Soose, the Champion Time Forgot” co-authored by Tom Donelson.

In these hard economic times, any or all of these books will make an excellent and inexpensive Christmas present to the boxing fan(s) in your life. To order, just go to Autorhouse.com.

Ringsports.com is not sending out any spam ads. I strongly advise everyone to ignore anything not expected. Please feel free to check with me if you have any questions.***