Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer
Happy New Year to one and all!
I took some time off to cruise through the Panama Canal. It was an interesting experience, but also very enjoyable. Most of the passengers were older than Lois and I, which was somewhat surprising. The majority of passengers appeared to have a better than average intelligence advantage, and I enjoyed spending time with them.
The other highlight for my wife and I came in the form of the on-board music. If you can find The ‘Rosario Strings’ on your next seaboard excursion, hearing them alone would be worth the price of the cruise. This talented trio can play any type of music and play it well. They have played on many Holland America cruises in the past.***
But, I digress. From the art of music to the art of boxing, There aren’t a lot of fights upcoming that feature big names, but maybe because there are not a lot of big names in boxing.
I have listed some of the interesting events coming up in the next few months. If these upcoming bouts are a sign of what to expect in boxing in 2010, our sport could be in a lot of trouble.
Of course, if Mayweather and Pac Man take place as scheduled, it should be a much needed shot in the arm for the sweet science. The fight is now on hold due to the issue of blood testing brought forward by the Mayweather camp.
There is really no basis for the testing. My guess would be it’s just a ploy to get inside the head of Pacquiao. In a fight as close as this one looks to be, at least on paper, both camps will do whatever it takes to get that extra edge.***
I hate to write this, but one of the most important and boring fights in January takes place in Uganda when 47 –year-old Evander Holyfield takes on Frans Botha for the WBF Prune Juice heavyweight title.
Two questions here: Why bother? And who cares?
Both fighters should have hung the gloves up a long time ago, actually Botha did. With the quality of heavyweights out there it is indeed understandable why these over-the-hill guys still fight. With the current state of heavyweight boxing, perhaps some dreams can come true. But again, does anyone really care?
My guess is that this heavyweight fight will cause more pain for those watching than those participating.***
In a far more interesting January bout, Shane Mosley takes on Andre Berto, in a fight that could generate some much needed excitement. Mosley has found his youth again, and seems to be getting better with age. Berto, a top notch amateur, is looking ahead to a possibly great career, so this is a big fight for him as well.
Well, take a closer look at these fights as they draw closer, although I don’t know if I am able to write anything positive about the heavyweight tiff. Hell, I don’t even know if it is possible.***
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.
The votes are in for the International Boxing Hall of Fame for 2010. Congratulations to fighters Danny “Little Red” Lopez and Jung-Koo Chang. Joining with them at the induction will be veteran writer Ed Schuyler, manager Shelly Finkel, referee Larry Hazzard, promoter Wilfried Sauerland and Top Rank matchmaker Bruce Trampler.
Also slated for induction: Howard Cosell, and Paddington Tom Jones.
These gentlemen will be inducted at the IBHOF in Canastota, NY, June 13th. Also being inducted posthumously will be light heavyweight Lloyd Marshall, featherweight Young Corbett II, lightweight Rocky Kansas and light heavyweight Billy Miske.
For more information please call (315) 697-7095, or go to their website, www.ibhof.com.
Glove 2 Glove:
Prayers are requested for the soul of veteran boxing guy and outstanding ring announcer (and friend) Danny Valdivia, who passed away recently, at age 75.
Prayers requested for the recently deceased Miguel Cotto Sr., Tony Zito, 85, Vince “Leo” LaSalva, 88, and Beldon Fox and Henk Ruhling, 89.
Prayers requested for Oscar Terrell, brother of champion Ernie, who has fallen into ill health. Prayers also for Barbara Burgess and Fred Fox, both will undergo serious surgeries in January. We also ask for prayers for Jim Martin, husband of Christy, who is in the hospital with heart problems.
Please pray for my Aussie mates John MacDougall, who had to deal with health problems for his wife of many years, Gwen to a nursing home. Both 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. 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 Ringsports.com magazine and website. It 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!***