Rusty Rubin is the editor of Ringsports.com website and 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.

This weekend, in Las Vegas, the long-awaited and highly anticipated twin-title match-up between Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto takes place at the MGM Grand. Both the WBA and IBF welterweight crowns are on the line and it figures to be a great battle for as long as the fight lasts.

Before his last fight, you could have easily picked Cotto, because Margarito, although taller, had two weaknesses. He was a very slow starter and his defense could be easily penetrated. The last fight showed that one of those problems was gone, as he destroyed his opponent early in the first round.

Cotto, who has not really shown any weakness, will have his chin tested as never before. It’s going to be a great fight, folks and while I still think Cotto wins on superior defense, Margarito is a heavy puncher.

Enjoy the fight, it should be more than worth the cost for HBO PPV, and I’ll pick Cotto by a stoppage, midway.

Glove 2 Glove:

Prayers are needed for the recovery of boxer Oscar Diaz, who suffered a brain bleed in his last fight and is in a coma in a Texas hospital.

Please say a prayer for the complete recovery of ring announcer Michael Buffer who had been diagnosed with throat cancer.

Former President of the Golden State Boxers Assn. and wrestling great Count Billy Varga is in a So. Cal. nursing home and would love to hear from his fans….Please drop him a line at Brighton Gardens of Northridge, 17630 W. Devonshire St., Northridge, Cal 91330.

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 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.***