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Making the Rounds
With Rusty Rubin
Vargas better not be overconfident.
On paper Fernando Vargas has a huge edge over little-known,
light-punching, Jamaican Fitzroy Vanderpool. Even at the Nevada
sportsbooks, Vargas is listed as 18-1.
So it sounds like an easy win for Vargas on Saturday
night at the Olympic Auditorium in LA and on HBO TV.
But what it sounds like and the odds aren't always as
they seem.
We say what little-known Ricardo Mayorga did to champion
Vernon Forrest, not once, but twice.
Mayorga, of course, we knew could punch, but few thought
he could out-box Forrest and win a decision, over 12-rounds, which
he did in the re-match.
Vanderpool is not a puncher, and has fought few if any
'name' fighters. But from all reports, this young man is an outstanding
boxer.
And this has been a year of upsets thus far. Can this
be another one? It can if Vargas, who's going to be trying to chase
down and be in the face of Vanderpool all night, doesn't catch up
to him.
Vargas is a warrior who loves to brawl. Vanderpool has
to know this, but also that his only chance is to out-box the 'Ferocious
One'.
I think Vargas will sooner or later catch up to Vanderpool,
and if he does, will stop him. Although, one other thing we don't
know about Fitzroy is how solid his chin is. It could be a good
one, and that won't help Fernando score a KO.
If I were wagering on this contest, I'd throw a few bucks
on the Jamaican at 13-1. Not a lot, but enough to garner a decent
profit if the upset occurs. Laying 18-1 on anyone makes no sense
to me.
And, if you like Vanderpool you might want to couple
it with a wager (if they're taking any) on the over, because if
he wins, it doesn't figure to be by stoppage.
What may be one of the better fights of the year takes
place on the undercard when Manny Pacquaio faces Manny Lucero in
what figures to be a war.
Both of these guys have what it takes to be a champion,
but probably only one will emerge as such. Look for Pacquaio, who
has fought better foes, to win a hard fought split-decision.
Agree or disagree, I'd like to hear from you.***
For the record, while we are no longer actively seeking
investors, anyone interested in being a part of the fastest growing
boxing magazine and website in the world, please contact Roland
Munoz at our business office 201-659-0279 or e-mail him at Roland66@optonline.net.***
Glove2Glove is a non-denominational group that gives
comfort to boxers and boxing people in need of cards and prayers.
It's free to join and we never contact you unless we need your emotional
support. We don't ask for any money, just for your cards and words
of comfort of those in need. All you have to join is to inform us
and give us your e-mail address. It's that simple.
And Glove2Glove is putting together a cruise to raise
money for former champions Greg Page and Gerald McClellan, both
confined to their homes and putting a huge financial burden on their
loving families.
The cruise leaves from Miami on Nov. 23, and goes to
Ocho Rios, Cozumel and the Grand Caymans. It's a great 7 day trip,
with guests like Angelo Dundee coming on board, and is a great way
to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends, and help a great
cause as well.
You'd think that because of the guests we are arranging
to come on board with us, this cruise would be very expensive. Quite
the opposite holds true. We were able to secure a great fare of
$669 per person inclusive, sans air fare to Miami? Cheaper then
your average cruise, with great guests and for a great cause. And
$80 per cabin will be donated to the Page/McClellan families. Interested?
Drop us an e-mail.***
Please say prayers for the Page/McClellan families, who
care for these two boxers that provided boxing fans with much excitement
and now need their support in return.***
Please say prayers for the return to health of Susiey
Walker, co-founder of Glove2Glove, and Cathy Cerola, sister of outstanding
referee Elmo Adolph, both down but not out while fighting cancer.***
Please continue to say prayers for the restoration of
sight for ring announcer and friend Mark Biero, who is dealing with
the ravages of diabetes.***
Please add your prayers for the family of Sandra Good,
who used to date late heavyweight fighter James Broad. Both her
parents are in very bad shape.***
If you have or know of anyone connected with the boxing
community who needs our support, please notify us via our e-mail.***
Touching on politics briefly: while the situation in
North Korea continues to deteriorate, one has to wonder why more
pressure isn't being put on China, who is the largest ally to this
dictatorship?
China is the one country in the region that can help
end this crisis with the military regime of North Korea without
any bloodshed.
There is much pressure that can be put on China by the
free world, including taking similar actions that President Carter
did, by boycotting the Olympic Games that are scheduled to be held
there.
I know that doesn't sound fair, as China shouldn't be
punished for the actions of a totalitarian country, but there has
to be a peaceful way to end this dangerous situation, without having
to resort to all-out war, or allowing ourselves to be blackmailed
by the North Korea.
I've long written and verbalized my views that this small
Asiatic Country can cause more damage to our democracy then all
the other 'Axis of Evil' nations combined.
Agree or disagree, feel free to write back, as everyone's
views are valued and respected.
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