In Rusty’s Corner

for - Rusty 

Rusty Rubin is an award winning boxing writer, covering the sweet science for more than 35 years and has offered his expertise to “dmboxing” since 2007.

Let’s take another stroll down my memory lane.

Last week Rubin “Hurricane” Carter past away from prostate cancer at age 76.

I had a chance to meet this mild mannered light heavyweight contender at the WBC Convention in Las Vegas about 15 years ago. The WBC President (the late) Jose Sulaiman presented Carter with an ‘honorary’ championship belt.

Carter was arrested for armed robbery about twenty years previously, and his boxing career was finished, although, with some help from friends, he was found not guilty of the crime.

I guess it was like Muhammad Ali, who lost his prime fights because he refused to fight in Viet-Nam. Who knows how many wins he would have added to his record, let alone how much money he would have made.

It was much the same for Carter, who never got another chance to fight for a title; he lost his chances, fame and money and wound up in a jail cell himself.

It’s hard to fathom how far Carter would have gone if he wasn’t falsely imprisoned, but you can take it to the bank that he would have had many title shots. He was that good a fighter.

Rest in peace, ‘Hurricane’. You most certainly earned and deserve that right.***

Also the annual Boxing Writers of America are having their annual awards dinner at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 1. Information on this event is available at the BWAA website. It’s another event that my back prevents me from attending.***

I’m still seeking a few more stories for my next book, true tales of inspiration, or of any miracles to help with my last book, send them to me post-haste. I have placed a deadline on all submissions for May 1. I expect to have the book available before the heat of the summer kicks in.

Remember 100% of the proceeds will be used to help find a cure for cancer.

All help on your behalf will be much appreciated.

For more information on how you can help, please read the bottom of this article.***

A tip for our readers, please check out REAL COMBAT MEDIA BOXING RADIO. It’s a show that I predict you will enjoy. And my predictions are the only reason you read my columns, right? Hold off on answering that.***

This week we concentrate on an important fight, and it features undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. taking on Argentine welterweight (and legitimate) contender Marcos Maidana.

The bout, to be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 3, is for the WBC/WBA title.

At 37, Mayweather hasn’t looked the worse for wear in his 45 fights, of which he won all, with 26 knockouts.

The question here is does the hard-punching 30-year-old Maidana have a chance, and because he is a hard puncher the answer must be yes. However in order to get that chance he has to land solidly against a quick-footed champion.

Mayweather has an inch height advantage, but the biggest thing he has going for him, besides his speed, is his three inch reach advantage. That could, or at least should, keep Maidana off his game and at a distance.

Maidana is far from a pushover, his record of 35-3 (31), and obviously can bang. But his three losses came against Amir Khan (UD12), a split decision defeat by Andriy Kotelink, and a unanimous decision defeat to Devon Alexander.

Mayweather wins this fight as long as he uses his jab and speed, but one mistake could be very costly.***

Glove2Glove.

Prayers for the soul of former top light heavyweight contender Rubin “Hurricane” Carter who passed away from prostate cancer at age 76.

I request prayers for the full recovery from a couple of serious surgeries for my long-time friends Doni Uren.

Another friend who is in need of prayers and recovering from surgery is Roger Davidson. Prayers for his quick recovery are very much appreciated,

I’m also sad to announce that another long time friend, Doug Tucker, ringside judge, is ailing and can sure use some prayers.

Also in need of your continuing prayers is Russian heavyweight Magomed Abdusada who was seriously injured in a fight, but with the heart of a champion, he is rallying.

Gary Balleto, Charles Rainier and former champ Wilfredo Gomez have been ailing so prayers are requested.

There are some ongoing reports that 72 year old great Muhammad Ali is not doing well.

Prayers for the return to health of outstanding boxing guys Alex “The Bronx Bomber” Ramos. Alex has done much to improve the welfare of retired boxers. Your prayers for him have worked in the past. Alex is still facing some serious obstacles.

Young ex-champ Paul Williams was involved in a motorcycle accident and needs your prayers for a full recovery. Reports indicate that he is doing okay.

Prayers also requested for the recovery of former champ Rocky Lockridge.

Also prayers for the recovery of outstanding Hall of Fame referee Mills Lane and Denis and David 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.

Also in need of prayers for the return to health is former champ Gerald McClellan, who is legally blind and confined to a wheelchair.

On behalf of all these great fighters who have risked their life and health in our great sport, we continue to thank you for your ongoing prayers. May the good Lord bless each and every one of you.***

Do you know of any people, boxing or otherwise, in need of spiritual uplifting and/or prayers? It’s absolutely free.

You can join Glove to Glove! It’s EASY! Just drop us a line.

Membership to our prayer group is always free to all and no one will ever contact you except for other prayer requests.

We never give out or sell out our membership list. I can almost assure you that your name or contact information will not suddenly appear on anyone’s mailing list. Why almost? Because there are hackers out there and every one is vulnerable.

In short, there is absolutely no obligation to join Glove2Glove. Every prayer request is most welcome and I know that all of the recipients will appreciate it.

Why? Because it’s healing to know that other people care, even people they don’t know, and to have the knowledge because God always listens!

To join the Glove2Glove prayer group, or just request much needed prayers, drop Dave Wilcox a line at ubtdave@earthlink.net. Or contact me care of the website you’re reading this on.

Glove2Glove, which had been a long-time integral part of the recently defunct Ringsports.com magazine and website. It is a wonderful program that I wish to have continued 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. Their generous offer means a lot to me. We always welcome new members.***

Thanks and God bless.***

Rusty Rubin, is the award winning managing editor (of Ringsports.com) as well as now defunct Nevada Boxing and Ringsports Magazine.

He is also the acclaimed author of three highly acclaimed boxing books! “Woozel, Boxing and Me”, “Off the Canvas” and “Billy Soose, the Champion Time Forgot” co-authored by fellow scribe and friend Tom Donelson.

These three books are all available at Authorhouse.com, and all major book retailers. They are all more than worth the small purchase price, or contact me via this website for a personally autographed copy at a small extra shipping charge. Please know that all proceeds from these books will be used to fight cancer.

“I WOULD LIKE TO URGE THAT ALL OF MY MANY FRIENDS TO LIST THE FOLLOWING INFO ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE AS WELL AS YOUR E-MAIL.

“HAVING BEEN BLESSED WITH SO MANY GREAT AND CARING PEOPLE IN MY LIFE, I HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO GET INVOLVED WITH NETWORKING; I’M JUST TOO DAMN TIRED AND OLD FOR THAT, ALTHOUGH I KNOW IT’S FOR A GOOD CAUSE AND THAT NETWORKING IS THE BEST WAY TO GET THE WORDS OUT.

“HENCEFORTH, ALL PROFITS FROM THE SALE OF ANY OR ALL OF MY BOOKS WILL GO TO THE SUSAN G. KOMAN FOUNDATION, AND BE USED TO FIND A CURE FOR BREAST CANCER.

“I ALSO PROPOSE A CHALLENGE TO ALL OTHER JOURNALISTS, BOXING OR OTHERWISE, TO DO WHAT THEY CAN TO SUPPORT ME IN THIS EFFORT. IT’S ALSO  A CHANCE TO CHANGE THE PUBLIC OPINION OF THE WORKING PRESS AND OUR SPORT, AS WELL AS DOING SOMETHING REALLY IMPORTANT FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR WORLD.

“YOUR STORIES OF INSPIRATION AND MIRACLES ARE NEEDED BY MAY 31, for my next book to inspire others and do our share to fight cancer. If you have any to share, send them to Rustyrubin@sbcglobal.net, and in the subject matter write the word miracle. Let’s all do our part to help find a permanent cure for this dread disease! Names will be withheld by request as it’s the stories of  inspiration that are most important. Please feel free to pass this request along to others who have experienced life changing experiences.

“Inspiration and stories of miracles can, but do not have to be boxing or cancer related! To those who have already contributed, my sincere thanks.

“Together we may be able to find a cure for cancer and result in a much needed knockout win for the sport of boxing.

“I now have some time to try to finish this latest work, which, God willing, will bring the world so much closer to finding a cure for cancer as well as improve the lives of others. Please send me your stories at rustyrubin@sbcglobal.net”.

Finally, “My 2013 New Year’s resolution, besides living long enough to finish this book was to spend the rest of my life by helping others, and I really need everyone’s help to do that. Just  by putting a smile on someone’s face helps to heal, not to mention giving yourself an uplifting feeling.

Please step into the ring with me to add power to all the voices that are crying out for a cure for dread diseases.

Keep punching, always….Rusty

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