In Rusty’s Corner

Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer

Okay Rusty, the election is over and the votes are in; it’s time to “man-up”!

Bet you’re thinking about the local and national elections, but in truth I’m talking about the election for the newest class for the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota.

The ballots had to be in by November 1, and in the interest of being true to my word (in boxing)? I could not vote for Mike Tyson.

As I wrote in this column a few weeks back, I cannot and will not, vote for anyone who has used performance enhancing drugs, unless that person goes into the Hall with an asterisk after his/her name.

It’s not that Tyson needs my vote. He’s a lock for the Hall on the first ballot, and deservedly so. Tyson won a lot of his fights on the fear of his ring foes, but he still deserves admittance to the IBHOF. But he should have the fact that he used these banned drugs registered on his record. Until the Hall of Fame does so, either via asterisk or other means, I’ll continue to vote for anyone proven to have used these substances.

In my mind, or what’s left of it, I have to believe that these PED drugs not only assist in the performance of the fighter, but also fool the fight fans as well.

For the record, I voted for Julio Cesar Chavez, and five others, who, to the best of our knowledge fought ‘clean’.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Glove 2 Glove:

Sad to note the passing of Alan Rudkin, British bantamweight champ, who left us at age 68.

Also news that Johnny ‘Smiler’ Van Rensburg, 78, South African light and welterweight champion. Prayers are requested.

Prayers are also asked for Roland G. Fortin, a good boxing guy, who passed away at age 94, in Lewiston, ME.

Prayers requested for the return to health of Archie Wright, 2, who wandered into some dangerous substances.
Prayers for the complete return to good health to my old friend, promoter, and ex-wrestler Jack ‘Moe’ Smith who had complete reconstructive knee surgery a couple of weeks back. Moe’s a fighter and making a complete recovery.

Tough fighter and great competitor Scott LeDoux, who was always in shape (as I prefer to remember him). Scott has ALS and has been given less than six months to live.

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. Every prayer request is welcome and I know the recipient will appreciate it.

God listens!

To join us, or just request needed prayers, drop Dave Wilcox a line at ubtdave@earthlink.net

Glove2Glove, which has been a long-time integral part of the defunct Ringsports.com magazine and website. It is a program I wish to continue a long after I have left the sport and this earth. 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.***

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