Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer
A boxing writer/maven named Mike Silver was kind enough to send me his new book, “The Arc of Boxing”. This book pulls no punches and clearly explains why boxers in the past were better than fighters in recent times. And, that’s something I absolutely agree with.
Boxers in the past were ‘hungry’ and would take a fight on a moments notice. They learned best because they faced the best. They stayed in shape because they had to survive in tough economic times. Times are also tough now, but you don’t see a lot of young people turning to the ring for a livelihood.
Today there are a rash of title’s to go around. There has been a crossover to mixed martial arts, which I personally do not enjoy watching. But there are enough paying customers willing to accept it, so MMA will keep going for at least while longer.
Anyone wishing to debate Mr. Silver’s conclusions should first pick up and read this book. He makes a very strong case for the good old days, and is backed up by noted boxing trainers, writers and historians.
James “Lights Out” Toney, 41, has decided to switch his focus to MMA which could prove interesting.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to pick up “My Life among the Icons” by my Los Angeles based friend, Johnny “The Flash” Ortiz. It’s a great read.
While it’s not exactly a boxing book, Johnny Ortiz has written a great must-read called “My Life among the Icons”. This book offers a great insight into the lives of both famous and infamous Los Angeles characters, boxing folks included. You can pick it up in the bookstores now!***
Johnny Tapia stepped back into the ring on Friday, winning a 4th round TKO over a former sparring partner. We wish Johnny the best in his ongoing fight to overcome the demons that have caused so many problems in his life.***
Upcoming, on May 15th, the “Battle of the Badges”
The big or at least the best fight this week (on paper) takes place in Dallas, Texas between top rated welterweight and for that matter (pound-for-pound champion in some folks opinion, mine included).
This HBO PPV fight from Cowboy Stadium should prove a good value as both Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey are solid fighters.
Clottey, a capable fill-in for Floyd Mayweather Jr., is not afraid to mix it up with anyone and takes into this title tiff a very respectable record of 35-3 with 21 knockouts.
This native of Ghana has fought the best around and has not embarrassed himself at all. In fact, he looked impressive in most of his battles. At age 32, he takes into this battle an inch and a half height advantage and a three inch reach edge. These are things that Pacquiao and famed trainer Freddy Roach cannot ignore.
Pacquiao, 31, is a southpaw who comes into this fight with a 50-3-2 mark with 38 knockouts.
On paper, it looks like a toss-up because not only does Clottey show the edge in height and reach, but Pac Man has been through a lot of wars.
But Pacquiao is a very experienced ring veteran who is usually willing to slug with anyone, and often does. He has a slight age advantage (1 year) but his biggest advantage is really his hand and feet speed. Clottey is not slow, but when you compare him with Pac Man, there seems little to compare.
I see this fight going late and a stoppage for Pacquiao via the TKO route.
I give this battle a big five stars and it should be an exciting and fun fight to watch.
Glove 2 Glove:
Say prayers for the souls of veteran fighter Danny Kapilow and champion Efren Torres who left us recently, with many memories.
Prayers are also requested for the soul of the grandmother of Minister Jodie Collins, Jr. who also departed our world recently.
Prayers for the comfort of all their families are also requested.
Sad to report that Genaro Hernandez’ cancer has returned. We ask for your prayers to help “Chicanito” in his battle against this relentless foe.
Prayers for the return to health of Casey Guerrero, wife of popular boxer, Robert. “The Ghost’s” wife is having a recurring bout with leukemia.
Prayers requested for Oscar Terrell, brother of champion Ernie, who has fallen into ill health.
Please pray for my Aussie mates and Glove2Glove member 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.
Prayers for Audrey Talmo, wife of solid boxing guy and Glove2Glove member Ed. Also prayers for the recovery of Mills Lane and Denis Wilcox.
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 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 and/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 us, or just request needed prayers, drop Dave Wilcox a line at ubtdave@earthlink.net
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.
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, until 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.***