Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer
In Atlantic City on April 28, “Bad” Chad Dawson faces a rematch with “The Executioner” Bernard Hopkins who, despite his age, 47, keeps on fighting.
Despite his age, Hopkins can still fight, boasting a 52-5 record with 32 knockouts.
Hopkins last fight, against the same Chad Dawson, wound up as a two round non-decision in Los Angeles. Verdicts like that happen when an orthodox fighter meets a southpaw, which Dawson is.
Dawson 29, has a record of 30-1 with 17 coming by was of KO. His only loss was to Jean Pascal.
Looking for an advantage here is hard. They both are 6’1. and Dawson has an inch and a half reach advantage.
While it’s not hard to visualize another clash of heads here, it’s not something that usually happens in back to back fights.
Neither fighter shows a lot of one-punch KO power, so I have to believe it will go to a decision.
Sooner or later Father Time catches up to all of us. While it’s hard to go against Hopkins, youth must be served.
Dawson by a hard-fought decision.***
Time Magazine recently had an issue listing the most influential people in the world. I’d like to take that item to the readers of this column. Please e-mail me your top 10 boxers in the past 75 years and why. I also feel that the same poll should include the top 10 non-fighters who have had a major influence on the sport. Your help will be appreciated and my personal choices for both will appear in this column next week.
Glove 2 Glove:
Prayers for the return to health of outstanding boxing guys Alex “The Bronx Bomber” Ramos and boxing historian Tony Triem.
Please pray for my Aussie mate 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.
Also prayers for the recovery of outstanding referee 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 us a line. Membership is free to all and no one will ever contact you except for other prayer requests. Your name will not suddenly appear on anyone’s mailing list. In short, there is no obligation. Every prayer request is most welcome and I know the recipient will appreciate it.
Why? Because it’s healing to know that other people care, even about people they don’t know, and have the knowledge that God listens!
To join the Glove2Glove prayer group, or just request much 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 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. This generous offer means a lot to me. We always welcome new members.***
Thanks and God bless!
Keep punching, always….Rusty