In Rusty’s Corner

Perhaps the major thing that can get boxing on an upward trend again is a decent heavyweight division. With what’s out there today, I see no prospect of one anytime soon. The Ali era will probably remain the best heavyweight era in my lifetime.

Who’s out there now who can be called a real champion? Except perhaps for the Klitschko brothers and maybe Sam Peter, the heavyweight division leaves a lot to be desired, like a new heavyweight division.

On Dec. 20, in Switzerland Evander Holyfield, 46, and not having fought in a year and a half, takes on the Russian giant Nicolai Valuev, for the WBA title. Is the WBA that desperate? Considering what’s out there now, probably so.

First, Holyfield has never had lightning speed (few heavyweights have) and Valuev is strictly a slow moving puncher. This fight may be competitive, but it’s not one I’d waste a nickel on to watch. For that matter, you couldn’t pay me to watch it. The only action in this fight may well be the ring girls, if they use them in Switzerland. My only prediction for this fight: BORING!

The Klitschko brothers are tall, fast and talented, and Sam Peter is a competitive banger, although way to short to deal effectively with anyone over 6’5”.

Sad to say, it goes downhill after that. There are no exciting upcoming fighters that I can see in the heavyweight ranks. This division hasn’t been exciting or competitive since Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson retired.

They say that boxing goes the way of the heavyweight division, and it’s easy to see why boxing is in the dumps right now.***

Now this week we may have a very interesting fight at the MGM in Las Vegas, when Paulie Malignaggi takes on Ricky Hatton. This could well be a preview of what to expect in the De La Hoya – Pacquiao fight. Speed vs. power will be on display and it’s not Hatton that has the speed.

Malignaggi is not a puncher, but he has very impressive boxing skills and the speed to play hit and run against the stronger but much slower and aging Hatton.

It looks like an easy pick here, but, except for Miguel Cotto, who handed Paulie his only loss, Malignaggi has beaten a host of no-names. Hatton has fought better fighters and has done well.

So this can be a defining fight for the American. Like the Oscar – Pac Man fight, Paulie will be playing hit and run and Ricky has to catch him and land a big punch to slow him down. That’s the interesting part of the fight, and what makes it an interesting fight to watch. If Malignaggi can stay away, he wins an easy decision. I’ll pick Paulie to take the nod here.***

Glove 2 Glove:

One of boxing’s good guys, Genaro ‘Chicanito’ Hernandez has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Kudos to the WBC for taking up the battle to help pay for some of Genaro’s high medical bills. I ask you to do your share also by saying prayers for this fine young man, who represents everything good that sports in general and boxing in particular stands for.

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

Thanks and God bless.***

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.***