Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer
This Saturday, September 17, in Las Vegas, Floyd Mayweather Jr. makes his yearly appearance by taking on hard hitting Victor Ortiz in match televised on HBO Pay-Per-View.
Ortiz surprised the boxing world with an upset of then undefeated Andre Berto, in his last fight, earning him this match.
I always wonder why a guy who can earn so much money doesn’t fight more, but the record does show he has some external legal problems. It has also been noted by former promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, that Mayweather seems to have some mental problems as well. This remark has been dismissed by Golden Boy Promotions.
Ortiz, 24 is ten years the junior of Mayweather, but although one can question his defense (or lack of) you can question his punching power or his heart.
The fight itself is a good one for Mayweather to take, as Ortiz, 29-2 with 22 knockouts, like Manny Pacquiao (rumored to be his next opponent), is a hard-hitting southpaw.
Of course, a loss here is going to hurt the drawing power of Mayweather, 41-0, (29) when and if such a match is made.
Ortiz is a bit taller, but it’s Mayweather with the longer reach, and Ortiz has shown an inability to avoid being hit.
The major risk that I feel can hurt Mayweather is a clash of heads, not unheard of when a southpaw fights a conventional fighter. Veteran referee Joe Cortez handles the bout, which does add to the safety of both fighters.
Sounds like a great fight on paper, and may well be worth the Pay-Per-View price.
Pick? Mayweather on a stoppage midway.***
Glove 2 Glove:
Prayers are requested for the soul of former featherweight Eddie “The Hawk” Rodriguez, who passed away at age 79.
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.
Prayers for Audrey Talmo, wife of solid boxing guy and Glove2Glove member Ed. Also prayers for the recovery of Mills Lane and Denis Wilcox.
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.
Needless to say we need prayers for the return to health of former champ Gerald McClellan, who is confined to wheelchairs.
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 me a line at RustyRubin@sbcglobal.net … 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!