In Rusty’s Corner


Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer

I hear the fat lady singing. The future of “Ringsports Magazine” looks like a mirage. But there is some interest in its sister website “Ringsports.com”. While the site continues to remain in a state of limbo, I will have high hopes that a deal will be worked out. For the readers, it changes nothing. The same great sites that are publishing these articles will continue to do so.

As I will be taking some much-needed time off, this will be my last article for the year; I will endeavor to make some predictions on upcoming fights.

On Dec. 2, in Australia, Roy Jones Jr. returns to action against Danny Green for the IBO cruiserweight title. Jones should win, but it’s not going to be an easy fight for him.

Jones by TKO.*

On Dec. 5th, in Atlantic City, middleweights go at it when Paul Williams takes on always tough Sergio Martinez. ShowTime carries this action.

Good action fight on HBO, but Williams is just coming into his own as a fighter. He knows how to use his reach for a big edge.

Williams by unanimous decision.*

On Dec. 12, also on HBO, a not so exciting heavyweight bout (when was the last time anyone saw an ‘exciting’ heavyweight?) takes place in Switzerland between aging Champ Vitali Klitschko and contender Kevin Johnson.

Age or not, Klitschko wins by stoppage.
Finally on Dec. 19th, on PPV from Ohio, Kelly Pavlik, recovered from a hand injury, takes on Miguel Espino. Pavlik is just too good and gets some home cooking, although none will be needed.

Pavlik by early TKO.***

While the papers haven’t been signed, Manny Pacquiao’s fairly easy win over Miguel Cotto, should be the signal for a major money maker for both Pac Man and
Mayweather. Negotiations have already begun for this mega-match-up.

No matter the outcome of these negotiations, Mayweather thinks that since he is the bigger draw, he deserves a much larger percentage of the purse.

With due respect to Floyd, the Hispanic fighters pack them in far more than Mayweather. This could give Mayweather an excuse for not fighting Pac Man yet, and instead take on the aging but dangerous Shane Mosley. Mosley can still fight and if he defeats Mayweather, the really big money goes out the window.

I just don’t see that happening. My guess is Pacquiao, a proud man, will take a decent offer and give Mayweather the bigger bucks. Of course, Pacquiao will make big bucks as well.***

While it’s not exactly a boxing book, my good friend Johnny Ortiz has written a great must-read called “My Life Among The Icons”. This book offers a great insight into the lives of famous Los Angeles characters, boxing folks included. You can pick it up on the bookstores on Dec. 6th.***

Olympian Andre Ward deserves much praise for his surprisingly easy TKO of Mikkel Kessler. The judges had Ward ahead on all cards. Kudos goes out to Ward and his team on a fairly easy win over a tough opponent.***

Glove 2 Glove:

Prayers for the soul of veteran boxing guy Francisco Rodriquez, who passed away recently.

Prayers asked for Oscar Terrell, brother of champion Ernie, who has fallen into ill health.

Prayers for cut-man Chas Hank Henry who is down but not out in his battle against cancer. Hank would love to hear from boxing fans everywhere, and you can write to him at 468 Copper Creek Circle, Pooler, GA. 31322.

Needless to say we need prayers for the return to health of former champ Gerald McClellan, who is confined to wheelchairs.

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. Membership is 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 Rusty a line.

Glove2Glove, which has been an integral part of the magazine and website, is a program I wish to continue a long after I have left the sport. I want to thank Dave and Deborah Wilcox, who have offered to take over the program and promised to continue it indefinitely. This generous offer means a lot to me.***

Thanks and God bless.***

Rusty Rubin was managing editor of Ringsports.com as well as the now defunct Ringsports Magazine. He is also the 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. These books are available at Authorhouse.com, and all major book suppliers.

Rubin is currently at work on two new books and asks those who have inquired when the next one will be released, to be patient a bit longer.

In these hard economic times, any or all of these books will make an excellent and inexpensive presents to the boxing fan(s) in your life.

You will be glad you did!***

Rusty also wants to let everyone know that although the website and magazine Ringsports.com has been closed, the hope is that it will only be temporary and an investor/new owner will be found.

Ringsports.com has not and will never be sending out any spam ads. I strongly advise everyone to ignore anything not expected. Please feel free to check with me if you have any questions.***

FINALLY: TO EVERYONE OUT THERE IN BOXING LAND, I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST THAT LIFE HAS TO OFFER FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND THE NEW YEAR …