In Rusty’s Corner


Rusty Rubin is the managing editor of Ringsports.com.

It was interesting to hear Hall of Fame trainer Freddy Roach call for the permanent banning of Tony Margarito, from boxing.

It’s not that I agree or disagree, just think that judgment is a bit premature. This is America and a person is innocent until proven guilty. Come to think of it, it’s boxing and that may change the parameters a bit.

It’s hard to see how Margarito didn’t know his wraps were different than before, or where they? But will just hold our opinion in abeyance and see what the California Commission finds.***

Some interesting fights this weekend, On February 14,th, in Sunrise, Florida, Nate Campbell puts his belt on the line when he takes on Ali Fureka for the IBF/IBO and WBA lightweight crown.

Campbell is one tough hombre and Fureka has faced lesser competition, but that doesn’t negate his chances. Upsets do happen. But I just can’t see it happening here. Campbell by TKO midway.

On the same card junior middleweight Sergio Martinez takes on Kermit Cintron in what figures to be a very exciting fight. Cintron seems the harder puncher, and both fighters now there way around the squared circle. I’ll take Cintron to take control late and win a decision, but, this is Florida, the home of some horrible/ugly decisions in recent years.

One more fight of local interest at the Reno Events Center where super middleweights Joey Gilbert and another Jesse Brinkley meat up in what may be a very tough contest. Two local fighters, both from the “Contender” series, who have had a falling out. Should make for interesting viewing.

I’ll take Brinkley who has been more active in recent times. Jesse by a close but unanimous decision.***

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:

Seems like boxing has been losing some of it’s good guys of late, and the latest is outstanding cut man and real class guy, Chuck Bodak, who passed away in a nursing home at age 92. Chuck will be missed by all boxing folks who looked for the good in our sport. Please pray for his soul.

Another outstanding heavyweight and good guy Scott LeDoux is suffering from ALS. Please pray for his strength in battling this illness.

Ringsports.com’s photographer Ray Luna reports that his mother, Geneva has suffered a second stroke. Please pray for her rapid recovery.

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 anyone’s 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 presents to the boxing fan(s) in your life. To order, just go to Autorhouse.com.