Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer
Allow me to continue to recommend two excellent books, “The Arc of Boxing” by Mike Silver and “My Life among the Icons” by my Los Angeles based friend, Johnny “The Flash” Ortiz. Both are great reads.
Sad news for all of boxing as Hall of Fame referee and good friend Arthur Mercante Sr. passed away at age 90. He will be missed.
Two fights of major interest this week, Kelly Pavlik meets Sergio Martinez in Atlantic City, where the younger Pavlik, 28, figures to prevail. Martinez, 35, is no slouch so you should be in for an exciting event.
Pavlik has 36 wins, with his only loss coming at the hands of Bernard Hopkins. Miranda 44-2-1, is a southpaw whose only losses have been to Antonio Margarito and Paul Williams.
Great fight to watch with Pavlik getting the edge with his youth and mental toughness.
The other fight takes place in Montreal, where Lucien Bute puts his 25-0 mark on the line against Edison Miranda, 33-4, who always puts on a good show. Bute has the hometown advantage here, but will that be enough to stop the likes of Miranda.
This is another great fight to watch. If Miranda doesn’t knock out Bute, he will have his hands full taking a decision. So, of course the logical pick is Miranda by knockout.
This is a step up for the southpaw Bute and will go a long way in furthering his career, but only if he wins.
Glove 2 Glove:
Prayers for the soul of legendary boxing referee Arthur Mercante who passed away at age 90.
Prayers are also requested for the soul of Lorraine Chargin, wife of promoter Don, who suffered through a long bout with cancer.
Undefeated So. Cal. boxer Danny Hernandez was shot in the head and is in the hospital. He needs your prayers for a full recovery.
Prayers for all their souls as well as for the comfort of their families are also requested.
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. We always welcome new members.***
Thanks and God bless.***