Rusty Rubin is the editor-in-chief of the Ringsports.com, and the author of three highly acclaimed boxing books!
Old friend from the UK, former 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.***
People ask why I don’t write columns on a regular basis. It’s not that I don’t have the time, just not always enough going on to comment on. And I’d rather comment on important fights, not just ones that are ‘gimme’s’. Of course ‘gimme’ didn’t apply to the Kelly Pavlik upset of Jermain Taylor last week. As I wrote, it was a very tough fight to call. Congratulations Kelly. Well done.
As one reader commented on Joey Gilbert’s use of illegal substances, “What the hell was he thinking?” Hard question to answer but let’s hope the young man from Reno, with a law degree, straightens his life out. Accused of sing steroids and meth is hard to justify, not will I. Joey is a nice young man, and I hope the drug testing was in error. If not, then he must be treated like everyone else.***
In keeping with my policy of picking hard fights, this week features one important fight that figures to be a war. Again you have a hard-hitting aggressor in Manny Pacquiao facing a future Hall of Famer, Marco Antonio Barrera, in what Marco says will be his last fight.
The reports I’m getting is Pac Man does not look sharp in training and Marco does, so that in itself makes for an exciting encounter in Vegas on Saturday.
Now for the hard part, picking the winner. Pac Man will be in Barrera’s face all night, but Manny knows how to handle tough guys. There are also reports that Pac Man has a lot of personal problems and may not have trained well for this bout.
That, if true, is very unusual, because Pacquiao has always been a gym rat and a fighter who has never seemed out of shape.
Two good guys in what will be one great fight. I’ll take the harder hitter over the aging counter-puncher. Pac Man by late TKO.
Glove2Glove:
A personal request for prayers for my friend Carmen Bach who is fighting a tough and courageous fight against cancer. She (Carmen) lost her husband Bob earlier this year, and needs the strength that the power of prayer can offer.
Prayers for the return to health of great boxing guy and cut man Chuck Bodak, is recovering from a stroke.
Prayers for the return to health of Naval Seal officer Clint Myers who has suffered a stroke while serving his country in Germany.
Prayers for the return to health of Roseanne Palmiere, mother of RS.com journalist Peter, who has been hospitalized after a long illness.
Prayers for the return to health of Patti Brandenburg, wife of boxing manager Gary.
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 is having some severe health problems as well as one of the founders and past President, Dub Harris, who suffered a stroke.
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.
Prayers for George Latka, “The Professor” has been victimized by punch-drunk syndrome. Also say prayers for his wife Trudie who is doing a great, but tough job, in coping with it.
Prayers for Audrey Talmo, wife of solid boxing guy, Ed and Helen Wambolt, wife of our own “Handsome” Danny, who is going through a tough battle. Also prayers for the recovery of Mills Lane and Denis Wilxox.
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.***
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 only contact our members when someone is in need. It’s absolutely free to join. God doesn’t ask for money, and neither do we. 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.***