27.01.07 – Many people consider him one of the greatest Jewish warriors since Moshe Dayan. His name is Bruce “The Mouse” Strauss, he is one of the chosen people and now the legendary former boxer has been chosen to be the “main event” at Bosfest, 2007, the roast/tribute/benefit being held for another ring legend, Johnny Bos..
Bosfest 2007 will finally take place on Thursday, February 15, at Hurley’s Saloon on West 48th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue. The starting time is 7 pm sharp and there will be cocktails, food and prizes galore as boxing industry types and fans turn out for this night for the longtime New York booker/matchmaker/agent. As a bonus, the night is also Bos’ 55th birthday.
Co-chairmen of the Bosfest are Lou DiBella, Jay Wartski, Alan Wartski and Michael Marley..
“It’s a great honor for me to come in from my home in Omaha to pay tribute to the Bosman,” Strauss said. “I was on the David Letterman show but this is bigger, more important. Without guys like Bos, who is an Old School fistic genius, there would be no boxing. Take it from me because I fought on every continent except Antartica. I wonder what it would’ve been liked to get knocked cold on the South Pole?”
“I always say if you can’t get Benny Leonard, then Mouse Strauss is the next best thing when it comes to Hebrew ring heroes,” Bos said. “I really appreciate Mouse and everyone else who is going to bat for me.”
“The Mouse” went from being a New Jersey high school wrestler to a boxing vagabond whose motto was have gloves, will travel. He compiled a 77-53-5 record with a stunning 55 KOs in a 13-year career which began in 1976 and ended in 1989. He fought some big names including numerous world champions and top contenders among them Howard Stern, Bobby Czyz, Termite Watkins, Pete Susens, Vampire Johnson, Malcolm “Flash” Gordon and Marlon Starling.
Strauss took his ring road show to Canada, Cameroon and Germany and, win, lose or draw, always tried his best while also providing fans with plenty of laughs. One of his favorite tricks was asking round card girls for their phone numbers as he sat on his stool between rounds.
Bosfest 2007 individual tickets cost $250. All those who bought individual or table seats for the postponed Bosfest last November, don’t worry. Your tickets will be honored on Feb. 15 at Hurley’s in midtown.
Anyone wishing to buy tickets or a table may contact Michael Marley at mlcmarley@aol.com or by phone at 917 853 4484. Checks must be made out to “Johnny Bos Roast.”