Rusty Rubin is the editor-in-chief of the Ringsports.com website and the author of various highly acclaimed boxing books!
The next date to mark on your calendar, particularly if you agree with me that youth is not only the future of boxing, but of the world, is Nov. 16th, when Team Los Angeles takes on Team Calgary, in a fun event at the Quiet Canyon Casino in Montebello, CA. For more information, please call 818-563-2094.***
In keeping with my policy of picking hard fights, this week features two important fights that figure to have a lot of non-stop action.
The first pick comes in a fight in Tucson, AZ. and features two tough Mexican fighters in Rocky Juarez and Juan Manuel Marquez. Should be action packed, but I have to believe that Marquez is the stronger fighter with a better chin. He should register a late stoppage here.
The other fight is from Wales, where Joe Calzaghe and Mikkel Kessler both put their undefeated tabs on the line. Kessler seems like the real thing, a fast fighter who can go with Calzaghe as few can, but he has to knock him out or look for a cut stoppage here, because Calzaghe gets a big home-field advantage. I look for Kessler to score a TKO mid-way. However, if reports are correct that Kessler has an injured hand, all bets are off.***
After trying for almost 18 months for a major fight to return to ring glory, Reggie Johnson ( former2 time champion) gets back into the ring with Glencoffe Johnson in a fight held in Lake Charles, LA. On Nov. 17th.
It’s a great fight on paper, and if these guys are anywhere close to their best, it should be a great fight to watch. Congratulations to Kerry Daigle of Keeppunching.com for putting this outstanding fight together. More info to follow as it comes across my desk.***
Glove2Glove:
Prayers requested for long-time, outstanding cut-man Joe Souza who was injured in a ring mishap. Get well quick, Joe.
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 Capt. Clint Myers who has suffered a stroke while serving his country while on leave 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.***