In Rusty’s Corner

Rusty Rubin is the editor-in-chief of the Ringsports.com, 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.***

Old friend from the UK, former light heavyweight and Lonsdale Belt winner, Tony Wilson has a new website for you to check out, it’s www.tonywilsonboxing.co.uk.

Tony, an asset to our sport, does much for the kids in the UK, and deserves much support from everyone connected to our sport.***

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.

Two items this week require some comments. It’s sad to hear that a fighter who once could have been (and for a short time truly was) a Hall of Famer, saying that he is addicted to cocaine and uses it whenever he can get his hands on it.

I refer to one “Iron” Mike Tyson. The man could have done so much more with his money and his life, not only for himself but for boxing, which allowed him to earn the money he is wasting on drugs.

It’s not the first time Tyson has been in trouble and it sounds very much like it won’t be his last.

Let’s continue to give a good thought to his recovery, as he did much to add interest and excitement to our sport.***

After a couple of relatively easy predictions in my last article, I only make one tough one for this piece. In Atlantic City Kelly Pavlik takes on Jermain Taylor for the WBC/WBO middleweight titles.

It’s an interesting fight to watch, albeit a difficult one to predict.

While Taylor has fought better foes, Pavlik is one of those tough customers who don’t know the meaning of the word retreat. He’ll be in Taylor’s face all evening. Kelly is also the harder puncher, and the fight is being held at a neutral location, the Boardwalk Hotel in Atlantic City.

Styles make fights, and this match up between an in your face banger like Pavlik and an outstanding southpaw counter puncher in Taylor is what makes this fight so interesting.

Probably the easiest pick (although maybe not always the best) would be the fight going the distance.

Both fighters have outstanding chins and while Pavlik has had his face marked at times, does not appear to be a guy who cuts.

That being said, head butts often happen when a southpaw (Taylor) takes on a conventional fighter.

So who will win? If the fight was in Little Rock, Taylor’s home, then he would get the edge by decision.

In neutral territory there is no edge.

The decision will be based on whether or not the judges prefer the aggressor or the counter-puncher.

The key to being the aggressor is being effective.

I don’t think Kelly will look that sharp here, and that’s why I give the slight edge to Taylor by a very, very close decision.

But you can bet your boots (or shoes) that it will be a very interesting fight to watch.

See ya in mid October..

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