Rusty's Corner


Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer

Even with a couple of weeks away from boxing, there are but a few things I can comment on. And both items have been said before, by myself and others.

First the WBA, who I have often nicknamed the “Worthless Boxing Association”, because of their tendency to make bad fighters seem legitimate, with a questionable at best way of rating their fighters.

Case in point, John Ruiz; A heavyweight fighter who simply cannot or will not fight. No matter how horrible he performs (which with few exceptions are today’s standards) he still comes back with a top contender rating from the WBA.

I have no problem in stating that this is the worst heavyweight division in my memory, but is that enough to justify giving pretender Ruiz a top rating time after time? No, and it’s certainly not the fault of the fighter. I rarely even recognize the legitimacy of the WBA any longer, and it’s easy to see why.

Item number two brings into question the legitimacy of the MMA crowd. I often think of these matches with the same integrity as wrestling, and when their fighters cross over to that endeavor, and vice-versa, it brings into question as to it’s reality. So far their haven’t been many calls to question if these ‘events’ should be labeled ‘exhibitions’, which tells me the Athletic Commissions are satisfied….And if they are, so am I, at least for now.***

When was the last time we saw a heavyweight title fight on free TV? It would take a lot of research to answer that, but this weekend, ESPN is offering up exactly that, and with two fighters who are legitimate.

The afternoon (in the US) bout is live from Stuttgart, Germany, and features the tall, well conditioned Vitali Klitschko putting his WBC title on the line against a smaller but faster Juan Carlos Gomez.

On paper as well in the ring, one thing is obvious. In order to win, Gomez must use his speed to stop Klitschko on cuts, because he certainly doesn’t figure to win a decision there.

Klitschko has to use his jab to keep Gomez away, and then pick up the pace midway to either win a decision or a TKO. I like Vitali to win by stoppage in the 8th or 9th round.***

The other fight is on PPV, from Pensacola, Florida, where the aging Roy Jones Jr. will look to provide some excitement to his hometown fans taking on the always tough, and also aging, Omar Shieka.

This is a hard fight to figure. How much does either fighter have left is the question that will be answered here.

Even at 40, it’s hard to see how Jones, who hasn’t excited anyone of late, can lose a hometown decision here, although Sheika is probably going to be the more active fighter.

Even with all the questionable decisions in the Sunshine State, it’s hard to imagine any scenario where a decision will go against Jones. That being said, I look for him to take a hard-fought decision, legitimate or not.

Glove 2 Glove:

Alex Ramos, the Bronx Bomber and founder of the Retired Boxers Association, is having more health problems and needs our help, financial if possible but definitely our prayers.

Ringsports.com’s photographer Ray Luna reports that his mother, Geneva has suffered a series of strokes. Please pray for her rapid recovery.

Please pray for my Aussie mate John MacDougall, who had to admit his wife of many years to a nursing home. Both John and his wife Gwen need your prayers for recovery and inner strength.

Needless to say we need prayers for the return to health of both former champs Greg Page and Gerald McClellan, both 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 uplift or prayers, just drop us a line. It’s free to all and no one will ever contact you or put your name on anyone’s mailing list.

Thanks and God bless.***

Rusty Rubin is the editor of Ringsports.com. He is also the author of three acclaimed boxing books! “Woozel, Boxing and Me”, “Off the Canvas” and “Billy Soose, the Champion Time Forgot” co-authored by Tom Donelson.

In these hard economic times, any or all of these books will make an excellent and inexpensive presents to the boxing fan(s) in your life. To order, just go to Autorhouse.com.