First, I have not been on vacation, I don’t even know what a vacation is anymore. I had a virus on my computer, something called a ‘beagle’ virus, and instead of immediately calling a computer repair guy, I called the vet. Show’s what boxing people know, huh?

There are many big fights upcoming, and some can and will decide who will be the fighter of the year, and probably the fight of the year.

A lot of folks think that the Oscar v. Hopkins winner on Sept. 18, who will be the fighter of the year. I’m not sure. Even if Oscar upsets the “Executioner”, his performance against Felix Sturm was far less then stellar. And although it figures to be a good fight, I don’t see the potential for fight of the year.

A better shot at both honors could go to the winner of Marquez – Pacquiao II, which we know will be a war.

Or even the winner of the upcoming Carlos Hernandez – Erik Morales bout.

We know they’ll be plenty of action and spilled blood in this weekends fight between Leonard Dorin and Arturo Gatti, but now that Buddy McGirt has taught Gatti what the word defense means, that’s an edge up for the veteran. Look for a mid-round stoppage for Gatti, and don’t wear white at ringside.

I also take note that although he hasn’t fought in some time, Felix Trinidad has been made a heavy favorite over Ricardo Mayorga for their October fight date. Personally, I can’t see how a fighter who has taken so much time off, can comeback that quickly. Then again, since Mayorga tends to train on beer and cigarettes, that may even the fight up a bit.

Send all jokes and boxing oddities to Rngsports@aol.com, thanks, and members of the boxing media are free to send this most welcome information as well.***
Update: We are again taking orders for autographed copies of my new book, “OFF THE CANVAS”. Check our website for details. So far I have heard only good things about the book. Be aware that there is about a 3-week backlog on orders. It could be faster, to get non-autographed delivery “Off the Canvas” which is also available on the web at Authorhouse.com, ID#22873, or through major on line book stores like Borders, Barnes and Noble, Waldenbooks or Amazon.com.***

Agree or disagree, feel free to express your views.

Glove2Glove:

An old boxing guy passed away in Sacramento a few weeks back, when Sid Tenner went to his last reward. See ya in the big ring in the sky, old friend. You cashed your bet, as you were a 3-1 favorite to get there before me…Rest in peace.

Please say prayers for the return to health of Helen Wambolt, wife of our East Coast World Boxing Hall of Fame writer Danny Wambolt. Cards will also be most welcome.

Prayers are requested for Donna Jean Landers, boxing fan from Oklahoma, who has been fighting cancer for three years. She needs your help my friends.

Please say prayers for writer Marty Carson (auto accident) and his wife (health problems) of Indiana. Marty is a long time friend and a boxing expert.

Please say prayers for the return to health of Orazio Esposito, father of our photographer Richard Esposito.

Sandy Johnson a staff member of the Nevada State Athletic Commission is fighting breast cancer. A call, e-mail or card, along with your prayers would really do a lot to raise the spirits of an old friend.

Special prayers go out to Mills Lane for his complete recovery. Mills, who suffered a stroke a few years back may be down, but knowing him, he’s far from out.

Prayers for the return to health of Don Donelson, father of writer Tom, and Gene Sebastian, brother of former middleweight champ Billy Soose. Both are suffering from congestive heart disease. And to Arthur Terciera, father of writer Keith, also having heart related problems.

Prayers are requested for Ringsports.com photo journalist Dale Hausner of Arizona, who is having problems with cancer.

Prayers are requested for Kenneth E. Ryther father of our photo journalist Amy Green. Kenneth is suffering from Parkinson’s.

Prayers for Ed “Whitey” Hadar, a former boxer who is having some serious health problems.

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 both former champs Greg Page and Gerald McClellan, both confined to wheelchairs.

Glove2Glove is a non-denominational group set up to aide those boxing folks and their relatives in need of prayers and cards. We accept no money and only contact our members when someone is in need. It’s free to join. Simply send us your e-mail address. And even if you’re not a member, feel free to contact us if you are aware of some boxing person in need.

Touching on politics briefly: I’ll keep this one simple. I’ve been spending a little time reading this great document (although badly in need of upgrading) called the Constitution, and I ask: Who gave the United States the right to be the police force of the world and attack nations that had not attacked us, not had weapons to do so?

I know there may be some in the Oval Office that can’t figure out that there’s a three letter difference between Iraq and Iran, who let the terrorists pass and have nuclear weapons. But no where is it written that the job of America is to seek out justice for cold blooded dictators wherever they are.

I think it’s time that we had a true Constitutional Convention again, in order to continue to make the Bill of Rights a truly living document. The hard part of course it the ratification of 2/3 of the 50 States, a problem not seen by our founding fathers. And in these dangerous times, perhaps it would be best to make proposals and let changes be made one at a time, rather then a large (but preferable) gathering.

Agree or disagree, I’d like to hear from you.