In Rusty’s Corner

Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer

Allow me to re-state something I have said many times before, that boxing people, as a whole, are among the finest people in the world. They are hard-working, blue collar folks, who when they get to know you, will give you the shirt off their backs in the middle of winter. That’s the main reason I’ve been involved with the sport for many, many years. 

The 100th anniversary of the Jack Johnson – Jim Jeffries fight will be celebrated in Reno, NV. from July 1-4. Among some of the names expected to be on hand are George Foreman and Ray ‘Boom Boom Mancini’. For more information please call the Grand Sierra Hotel in Reno. 

It wasn’t hard to see the upset that I gave out in my last column. This week an upset win is harder to see. 

American Olympian Andre Ward is fighting in his hometown of Oakland, California, and his opponent is not a big puncher. I just can’t see any major problems for him on June 19th. 

Ward, 26, and undefeated at 23-0, isn’t a big puncher, winning only fifty percent of his fights via the Knockout route. Ward is four years younger and has fought some tougher opposition than his opponent, 30 year old Allan Green. 

Green, 30, hails from Tulsa, OK. and sports an impressive record of 29-1 with 20 Knockouts. 

Greene has fought seven times more than Ward, so he’s far from a pushover. At 6’2”, he’s got a slight height advantage over Ward, but it’s negated because they both have the same reach. 

All things being equal, Wards big advantage is the home-cooking that Oakland provides. Not seeing any chance of a knockout here, you have to believe that the judges will be scoring every close round for him. 
Ward by unanimous decision. 

Glove 2 Glove: 

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. 

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. 

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. We always welcome new members.*** 
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 retailers. 

Please allow me to recommend, two other great books, the “Arc of Boxing” by Mike Silver and “My Life among the Icons” by Johnny Ortiz. 

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!***

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