Rusty Rubin is the editor-in-chief of the Ringsports.com website and the author of three highly acclaimed boxing books!
Again for the record, I am going to throw my support for the induction of outstanding trainer Freddie Roach for the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Added to Billy Soose, this would be a powerful two-some for upcoming inductions.***
Let me remind you that many other people are spamming using my name and e-mail address. It’s not me or Ringsports.com, who are sending these messages, and my 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 top 10 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.
I was really surprised at how flat Paul Williams looked in his losing outing to Carlos Quintana. Gracious in defeat, Williams praised Quintana for pulling off the upset. Williams will be back.
A week later, as predicted here, a war between Kelly Pavlik and Jermain Taylor broke out. Pavlik came on strong in the later rounds keeping his undefeated tag. This was the kind of a fight that makes for a great trilogy, and I can see it happening, even though Pavlik emerged the winner again.
Two interesting and important fights this weekend with Sultan Ibragimov taking on Wladamir Klitschko, the holder of three heavyweight belts, the IBF, WBO and IBO. It may not be an exciting fight, but we’ll take the faster hands of Klitschko to score a TKO victory over the slower, but game Russian. This contest takes place at the famed Madison Sq. Garden in New York.
The other bout of interest takes place in Lake Charles, LA., where Reggie Johnson is looking to continue his quest for another title with a win over another tough veteran in Julio Gonzalez. It’s an interesting fight between two aging veterans, and it’s a hard one to predict. But based on his past history and motivation, I’ll take Johnson by a KO midway through the fight.
Finally, there’s a good boxing card at the Silver Legacy in Reno, featuring Jesse Brinkley. If you’re in the area, come on by.***