Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer
First, a continuing wish a speedy and full recovery to Oscar de la Hoya and Mia St. John who are both undergoing rehab treatment.
This week on June 25, in Cozumel, Mexico, Tijuana native and veteran Humberto Soto takes on Motoki Sasaki, from Japan, for the WBC lightweight title.
Also this week on June 25, I wish my friend and boxing historian David Martinez “Happy Birthday”.
The Fight:
Soto, 31, 55-7-2, seems to have been around forever, but is still four years younger than the largely unheralded Sasaki, who rarely fights outside of Japan.
On the surface it seems like a fight that Soto should dominate, as he has fought far bigger names than Sasaki. There is a however, here. Sasaki has fought mainly Japanese fighters, and there aren’t a lot of folks here who know their names, let alone their toughness.
Still, I can’t go against the younger and more experienced Soto, especially since the fight is in Mexico.
Humberto by TKO early, in what looks like a short, but action packed bout.
Glove 2 Glove
On a personal note, I would request prayers for my wonderful wife Lois, who is dealing with a still unclearly diagnosed condition.
Prayers are requested for the health of outstanding trainer Joe Sousa, who is fighting the fight of his life against cancer.
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.
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, who is in a nursing home John, a former Commissioner is having problems after a hip replacement surgery. Both need your prayers for recovery and inner strength.
Please say prayers for Phill Grazide of Santa Rosa, CA. a big supporter of amateur boxing, who is suffering the crippling effects of rheumatoid arthritis.
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 uplifting and/or prayers? Just drop us a line. Membership is free to all and no one will ever contact you except for prayer requests. Your name will not suddenly appear on anyone’s mailing list. In short, there is no obligation. 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.