Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer
Don’t forget the annual induction of the greats at the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 9 -12, in Canastota NY.
Among those expected to be on hand are Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez, Kostya Tszyu, referee Joe Cortez and others.
For event information check out www. Ibhof.com or call directly to (315) 797-7095.***
A couple of interesting and probably very exciting fights upcoming this weekend (March 12).
First in Las Vegas, where the crowd pleasing Ricardo Mayorga takes on always tough contender Miguel Cotto, to be seen on Showtime PPV, for the WBA super middleweight title.
Cotto, 30, is a solid fighter who cuts, and at times shows a china chin, has only lost two of his 37 bouts to Antonio Margarito and Manny Pacquiao. A good tandem to lose to, if a loss is in the cards.
Cotto stands 5’7” and has a 67 inch reach.
Mayorga, who somehow manages to put on exciting fights, despite the rumors that he trains on whiskey, women and cigars, is 37, but holds a decent height and reach advantage over the Puerto Rican star. His record of 29-7-1 (23) can be a bit misleading when you look at the caliber of competition he’s faced.
The edge goes to Cotto, talent wise, but you have to go hope that he doesn’t get cut or nailed by a solid right by Mayorga.
Cotto by decision.
The fight on HBO is equally intriguing as undefeated Serhiy Dzinziruk, (glad I’m to longer doing radio) puts his 37-0 (23) record on the line against Sergio Martinez, 46-2-2 (25). It’s a middleweight title go from Foxwoods, where the American should get a slight edge.
On the surface Dzinziruk gets the edge because he appears to be the much harder puncher, but before you start counting your money, Martinez has fought, far and away, the tougher competition.
Martinez, at 35, is one year younger than his foe. Both fighters are southpaws. They both match up well height and reach wise.
Picking a winner here is difficult, but it should be an outstanding fight to watch, even without a small wager. I think this should be a great fight to watch.
But I have to go somewhere with this pick. I don’t know if Dzinziruk cuts, if he does, I’ll take Martinez by decision or late stoppage.
Glove 2 Glove:
A couple of outstanding, boxing people have left us recently. Greg Goossen of Ten Goose boxing and Las Vegas boxing judge Lou Tabat.
Prayers for the souls of both of them would be much appreciated.
Prayers for the recovery of outstanding referee Jay Nady, who is recovering from heart surgery. Jay’s a fighter (he really was in college) and should be just fine.
Prayers for the recovery of the mother of Jacquie Richardson (Retired Boxers Assn.) and her father who is having hip replacement.
Prayers are requested for the health of outstanding trainer Joe Sousa, who is fighting the fight of his life against cancer.
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.
God listens!
Rusty Rubin, formerly the award winning managing editor of Ringsports.com as well as the currently defunct Ringsports Magazine, is the author of three highly 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 all available at Authorhouse.com, and all major book retailers. They are all more than worth the purchase price.
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. They are especially appreciated gifts if the recipient is tired of watching re-runs of sit-coms and the far-less than significant reality shows. Being laid-up a bit of late, I should know. Where’s the Gillette Cavalcade of Sports when you need it?
You and the book-gift recipient will be glad you made the right choice (or the write choice)!***