Rusty Rubin, editor-in-chief of the Ringsports.com publication and website advisor is the author of “Woozel, Boxing and Me” (Authorhouse.com #31810). This book recently was awarded “Boxing Book of the Year” by 13thround.com.

Woozel, Boxing and Me is compilation of funny but true boxing stories, oddities and quotes, and serves as a final tribute to my zany best friend of more than 25 years, who attended many boxing events with me. Woozel created many of those zany moments with her positive attitude about life.

Sue passed away in Feb. 2004. The reviews have all been great and the early demand for this work, one of the funniest boxing books ever written, has been strong.
One of the stories that are included in this book is when Lou Duva was working with John John Molina in Virginia. ‘After a hard workout, Lou told Molina to run to the first red light and return to camp. It took a while until Molina finally returned. Lou asked what took him so long. Molina calmly replied: “All the lights were green”’.

“Off the Canvas”, #22873, is a view of American history and the social problems of the times, as seen by an 80-year old ex-champ. “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. Available at authorhouse.com, (#22873) Ringsports.com and on-line major book retailers.***

“Billy Soose, the Champion Time Forgot” #31809, co-authored by Tom Donelson, is also available. Soose was the middleweight champion of the world, beating greats like Tony Zale and Ken Overlin in less than a month’s time. The book is available at Authorhouse.com and other fine on-line outlets. Sales have been strong.***

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

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

I am quite interested in the new plan set forth my New Jersey Commissioner Larry Hazzard, to use instant replay when controversy arises in a bout held in that state. I have two problems with it, a corner can use the replay request to stall for time when a fighter is in need of a longer rest, and secondly, with the promoter supplying the equipment, can the equipment be rigged to favor the promoter’s fighter?

I think the idea is a positive step for our sport, but wonder if these two issues shouldn’t be addressed before being put into effect. If nothing else, it’s worth a try.

For the record, I’m sure the PPV networks will not be happy with this scenario as the reason we went from 15 to 12 rounds was for the fight to fit nicely into the programming schedule, not the safety reasons that have been used as an excuse.***

The International Boxing Hall of Fame has announced it’s inductees for 2007. Roberto Duran and Ricardo Lopez are solid choices. Pernell “Sweet pea” Whitaker is just a tad less positive because of his frequent problems with drug abuse and drunk driving. Boxers should be role models, but let’s fact it, athletes in general do not send good messages to our youth.

Trainer Amilcar Brusa of Argentina and Jose Sulaiman have done much for the sport of boxing, so few can argue against their induction.

Posthumous honorees include Kid Norfolk, George Godfrey and Pedro Montanez made far less sense to me than some of the other greats that were overlooked for the 2007 induction.

Other old timers inducted were Cuco Conde, TAD Dorgan and Young Barney Aaron and Dick Curtis.

The 18th Annual Hall of Fame Weekend is scheduled for June 7-10th in Canastota NY. If you require more information or wish to attend call the Hall at (315) 697-7095 of visit the ibhof.com.***

This weekend the fight action is in Florida, where a rematch of a controversial bout between James Toney and Samuel Peter will take place. Toney, to his credit, has hired Billy (tae-bo) Blanks as a conditioning trainer.

My pick, Toney by decision....He’s just too good a boxer and his chin is rock-solid.***

The world famous Kronk Gym is no more. Full credit to Emanuel Steward who spent much of his own money to keep it open, doing an important service to the youth of the community. Let’s hope Kronk gets it going again. Send all comments to (Rusty@ringsports.com)

Glove2Glove:

Please say prayers for the soul of Elise Brown, one year old daughter of Ringside Products honcho John. Elise passed away after a courageous fight.

Please say prayers for the recovery of good friend and great boxing guy Norm Cote, Past President of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, who is undergoing dialysis three times a week. Norm’s a great guy and a real fighter and we have to be there in his corner.

Prayers also for former World Boxing Hall of Fame President Charlie Casas who are having some severe health problems as well.

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.***

I’ll catch up on the rest of the G2G in the next column.

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 absolutely 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:

Glad to be home after a long vacation and a much needed one. I was able to get some relaxation and do some clear thinking, and right now I’m seriously thinking of taking some good advice from a friend, who about six months ago advised me to ‘but the f—k out of politics.

At the time, I didn’t realize what sage advice that was to keep myself and others politically informed and active only causes more undue stress on my body than I (or anyone else) need.

Maybe the last straw was when we spent a lot of money having outstanding advisors travel to Iraq, make recommendations, and have those recommendations fall by the wayside because of a guy in the White House who can’t admit he made a mistake. How many American and other lives have to be lost before this stupid war in Iraq is ended?

God knows, I hope that I’m wrong and that we emerge from Iraq victorious and in a stronger position in the world. If we do, however, I’ll gladly ‘stop the presses’ and give praise to our leaders who I so readily blame right now.

Add to this the daily newscasts told of how our political leaders continue to perpetuate the good old boy system. This brigade of new Democrats doesn’t promise to be any better. For better or worse, most these of bi-partisan clowns have stopped representing the voters and have been constantly on the take from big business. No matter what I, or anyone else says, that will continue until we have some meaningful election reform.

In short, this part of my column is being downsized. My friends, you will have to settle for a bit less from this end, although I’ll gladly respond to any and all inquiries and e-mails from all.***

Support our troops and pray for their safe return.

Agree, disagree or just want to help? I’d love to hear from you when I return. (Rusty@ringsports.com)