Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer
Just another reminder: That the annual induction of the boxing greats will be held at the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 9 -12, in Canastota NY.
Among those expected to be inducted are Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez, Kostya Tszyu, referee Joe Cortez and a few others.
For event information check out www. Ibhof.com or call directly to (315) 797-7095.***
I wasn’t going to comment on this, but enough people have expressed an interest, so let’s take a close look at what might just be one of the more interesting fights of the year.
This weekend in Montreal, Jean Pascal takes on the ageless Bernard Hopkins in a rematch of a ‘majority draw’ held last Dec. 18, at the same venue, the Bell Center.
Many people think that the draw was a ‘hometown’ affair, with Pascal, a native of Haiti living there.
The fact remains that Hopkins, at age 46, is not the same fighter he once was. No question he can still think on his feet with the best of them, but he has been slowing down in recent times.
The facts speak for themselves. Pascal, 28, 26-1-1, (16) is younger and quicker but that and the home town edge is all that he has going for him. I don’t see it being enough this time around.
Hopkins 51-5-2 with 32 knockouts has a height and reach advantage, and he certainly knows how to use it.
I can see the scenario where Pascal plays hit and run and really tires the “Executioner” out, but Bhop has ring smarts and is not going to chase Pascal all night.
And it probably isn’t going to be decided by the judges again. Hopkins by stoppage midway.
Glove 2 Glove:
Boxing lost two legends this week, Great boxing guy and celebrated cartoonist Bill Gallo passed away as did former Australian great fighter in and out of the ring, Lionel Rose
Prayers for their soul would be very much appreciated.
Rusty Rubin, formerly the award winning managing editor of Ringsports.com as well as the now 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, or contact me via this website for a personally autographed copy at a small extra charge.
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? Make your friend or loved one ‘look sharp’, ‘feel sharp’ and be ‘sharp.’ So how are you fixed for books? You’d better check.
You and the book-gift recipient will be glad you made the right choice (or the write choice)!***