In Rusty’s Corner


Rusty Rubin is the managing editor of Ringsports.com

Sad to lose a friend, but in the case of Alexis Arguello, all of boxing was the big loser. Ultimately his inner demons won their long battle with the mayor of Nicaragua, and he committed suicide at age 57, I had the pleasure of meeting Arguello at least three times that I recall and he was a perfect gentleman. May God rest his soul for eternity.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. who was injured in training, will fight veteran Juan Manuel Marquez as originally planned. Mark your calendar for September 19th for the big event.

This, in turn, probably means a title shot against Manny Pacquiao with a victory over Marquez, but that is not a victory that Mayweather should take for granted. Marquez is a tough, ring savvy veteran who is going in looking for a rematch with Pacquiao with a win, and a big payday.

Currently rumors have it that Pacman will be fighting tough Miguel Cotto before taking on the winner of Mayweather – Pacquiao.

The major fight this week is from Sunrise, Florida and features two very hard punching super flyweights.

It would shock no one if this fight ended suddenly with a knockout as Vic Darchinyan 32-1-1 (26) goes head to head with Joseph Agbeko 26-1 (22) for the IBF title. But both fighters have exhibited tough whiskers, so a decision here is also a distinct possibility.

Darchinyan, 33, a southpaw from Armenia, lost via a TKO from tough Nonito Donaire. Agbeko, 29, from Ghana suffered his only loss via majority decision to another tough foe, Wladamir Sidorenko, in Germany.

To say it’s anybody’s fight is accurate as both have similar styles. However, when a conventional fighter (Agbeko) fights a southpaw (Darchinyan), there’s always the possibility of a clash of heads. If that happens Agbeko probably gets the edge because he hasn’t shown a lot of problem with cuts.

What will happen? If it goes to a decision, all bets are off, because I’m not too happy with the Florida judges.

But a prediction is needed here, so go with the champion, who has faced a bit tougher opposition. Darchinyan by knockout.

Glove 2 Glove:

Prayers for the soul of former champ, Alexis Arguello, who left us with many favorable memories, both in and out of the ring.

Alex Ramos, the Bronx Bomber and founder of the Retired Boxers Association, is having more health problems and needs our help, financial if possible but definitely our prayers.

Please pray for my Aussie mate John MacDougall, who had to admit his wife of many years to a nursing home. Both John and his wife Gwen need your prayers for recovery and inner strength.

On behalf of these great fighters who have given their all in our great sport, we thank you for your ongoing prayers.

If you know of any boxing people in need of spiritual uplift or prayers, just drop us a line. It’s free to all and no one will ever contact you except for prayer requests, or put your name on anyone’s mailing list. To join drop me a line at Rusty@ringsports.com.

Thanks and God bless.***