In Rusty’s Corner

Rusty Rubin
Rusty Rubin is the editor-in-chief of the Ringsports.com website and the author of three highly acclaimed boxing books!

The highly anticipated match between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, was, as predicted, a war, and now in two weeks, boxing fans were rewarded by having two fantastic fights.

Normally, you don’t get that much action in a southpaw v. southpaw bout, but we did and more, on Saturday night, a close, hard-fought split-decision to Pac Man.

Some felt this see-saw battle deserved an immediate re-match, not so with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, who is the promoter of the Philippino warrior. It’s not that the six million dollars offered by Marquez’ promoter Richard Schaffer of Golden Boy Promotions, was not tempting. It had to be. But Arum protected his gutsy, popular fighter from another immediate war.

There were some verbal exchanges at the post fight press conference, but with a heated nip and tuck battle in the ring and on the judges scorecards as well, it was quite understandable.

Marquez, who was the winner on many ringside scorecards also, at age 35, needs a breather before fighting another battle with Pacquiao or any other warrior. Man does not live on heart alone, although with these two, you could make a case for the opposite.

There were no losers in this battle at Mandalay Bay, everyone, except Marquez, and his promoters of course, had to be happy with the outcome. One thing for sure, the live and TV audience got more than their moneys worth, and it speaks highly for both combatants.***

This weekend, on HBO’s Boxing After Dark, veteran Cuban champ Joel Casamayor, 35-3-1 (21) meets Australian Michael Katsidis, 23-0 (20) at the Morongo Casino for the Ring Magazine lightweight title belt.

You can bet that the Aussie will have Casamayor on his toes for most of the bout. It’s hard to pick against the more experienced Cuban, but sometimes youth will have its day and the question is ‘is this the time?’

That question will be answered on Saturday, but will give the edge and the pick to the more experienced Cuban, who has fought better fighters during his years. Casamayor by TKO.

Glove2Glove

Prayers for the soul of boxer Rafael Ortiz of Lebanon, Oregon who passed away this week.

Glove2Glove is a non-denominational group set up to aide those boxing folks and their friends and relatives in need of prayers and cards. We accept no money and contact our members when someone is in need. It’s absolutely free to join. God doesn’t ask for money, and neither do we. Joining us is as Simple as sending 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.***

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