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.

It seems like mis-spent anger now that two weeks after the fight, the management of heavyweight ex-champ (don’t ask me how) John Ruiz is appealing the split decision loss to Nicolai Valuev.

This is torture, not to confirm the decision, but to have to watch these two guys fight again. Look, no matter the outcome, and I don’t see how Ruiz can win the appeal, neither fighter is worthy to be called the heavyweight champion of the world. Then again, I’d be hard-pressed to tell you who is.***

Two big fights this weekend, with Nate Campbell taking on Joan Guzman for the three major titles, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Campbell is young and hungry while Guzman is experienced and patient. It should be a solid fight to watch on Showtime and we’ll go with the hungrier man to take a close decision. Look for Campbell to eke it out.

The other fight, on HBO/PPV TV, features two southpaw veterans, and ex-world champions. Cuban Joel Cassamayor taking takes on Juan Manuel Marquez in Vegas, in an intriguing match-up.

I expect Marquez to cut, even if not by a legal maneuver, and he’ll have to work hard against the veteran Cassamayor. In my eyes this fight comes down to how sharp the referee is, as Cassamayor knows how to get away with a lot of illegal tactics. Before you make a judgment on that, keep in mind that if the referee doesn’t see the foul, it’s not a penalty. Good luck on whatever official gets this assignment.

Picking the inner is about as tough as refereeing this fight. Marquez has a lot of heart, and if the fight isn’t stopped in favor of the Cuban, I look for Juan Manuel to take the decision. I know it sounds like a cop-out here, but I can’t see this bout going any other way.

Glove 2 Glove:

Sad to announce that two former champs passed away in New Jersey last week as Joey Giardello and Rocky Castellani answered the final bell. Please say a prayer for both their souls.

Glad to report that 92 year young cut-man Chuck Bodak is out of the hospital and doing well. You can send Chuck your best wishes to Vasil ‘Chuck’ Bodak, B &B Country Manor IV, 26711 Valpariso, Mission Viejo, CA. 92691. I know he appreciates all the prayers and well wishes.

Please continue your 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.

If you know of any boxing people in need of spiritual uplift or prayers, just drop us a line.***

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.***