In Rusty’s Corner – “Unimpressed” with Mayweather

Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer

After watching the Mayweather – Cotto fight, I noticed that on more than one occasion “Money” took a breather and let Cotto fight and perhaps win a couple of rounds. If Mayweather really believes he is better than Pac Man, why doesn’t he fight him? What does he have to lose, well only the zero at the end of his record, which can cost him dearly. Am I the only writer out there who believes the time has come for “Money” to put up or shut up….Color me unimpressed with his showing vs. Cotto.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao will be fighting Tim Bradley, in what may well be another yawner. It’s not that Pac Man is taking an easy fight, it’s just that there is only one big name out there, and it’s a guy named Mayweather.

I’m not analyzing this fight today, but on the surface I see nothing that Bradley brings to the table that can sidetrack Pacquiao. But I’ll do an in-depth report as that fight draws closer.***

Meanwhile, as promised, I’ll give my picks on the top boxing folks who have influenced our sport, good or bad, over the past 75 years.

Right on top of my list, as a boxer, it has to be Jack Johnson, who did more to influence minorities to perform not only in boxing but all sports,  than anyone else before him. He was of course the first black heavyweight champion.

There are others who should be mentioned as positive forces in boxing: fighters like Muhammad Ali; Ernie Terrell; Floyd Patterson; Oscar de la Hoya; Christy Martin; and I apologize to all those I left out in the interest of space.

In the non-boxer area, my thought would be Nat Fleisher and the late Bert Sugar, whose names will always be part of the journalistic presence and positive influences on our sport.

There are others who won’t be remembered for their skills in the ring, but on the apron, Eddie Futch and Angelo Dundee to name just a few.

I left out the promoters and their publicists mainly because they can and often are listed as both positive and negative influences. I have my opinions, but mine are as good (or bad) as anyone else.

I will add a few people like the late boxing writer Jack Welsh, a personal friend for many, many years. Jin Carlin, who is always on the sidelines, always more than willing to lend a hand.

And let’s not forget those who spend their time and money getting the stories out on the web. They also promote the fights and fighters.***

One final note, while I am not a fan of MMA , probably because I’m an old boxing guy and don’t accept change very well. I will give full credit to MMA for being not only a money maker, but since it’s rapid rise in popularity, more and more gyms are opening and the kids are getting off the streets again. It’s also a positive influence on boxing for just that reason.

Glove 2 Glove:

Please say prayers for the soul of Caleb Garcino, an eight year old Godson of boxing writer Daxx Kahn.

Prayers are also requested for the soul of Andy “Hawaiian Punch” Ganigan, who passed away at the young age of 59.

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 the recent passing of 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.

Do 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.***

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *