In Rusty’s Corner

Rusty Rubin is the editor-in-chief of the Ringsports.com website and the author of three highly acclaimed boxing books!

In my travels I’ve met some great people champions, if not in the ring, then in their heart. People I am proud to call my good friends. I consider all boxing people as part of my family, but only few get the title as friend.

I’d like to thank everyone out there who has contributed to the success of the magazine, fact to face, but that would require a lot of long distance travel, something I am no longer up to.

Joe Calzaghe survived a surprising first round knock down at the hands of slow starter Bernard Hopkins. A few folks thought that Hopkins did enough to win; I was not one of them. I had the 37year old from Wales ahead by three points.

Kudos to Top Rank for signing the Washington D.C. based Peterson brothers. They will make a fine addition to Top Rank’s stable.

Glove2Glove: Prayers have worked my friend and outstanding boxing judge Gary Merritt, who was having some heart problems. Gary is home now and recuperating.

Please say a prayer for Juan Contreras, a 12-year old Michigan amateur who sustained brain damage in just his second fight. Let’s show Juan we’re in the corner for him for this, the biggest fight of his life.

Please say a prayer for the complete recovery of ring announcer Michael Buffer who has been diagnosed with throat cancer.

Former President of the Golden State Boxers Assn. and wrestling great Count Billy Varga is in a So. Cal. nursing home and would love to hear from his fans....Please drop him a line at Brighton Gardens of Northridge, 17630 W. Devonshire St., Northridge, Cal 91330.

Prayers for the return to health of Patti Brandenburg, wife of boxing manager Gary.

Please say prayers for the recovery of good friend and great boxing guy Norm Cote, Past President of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, who is undergoing dialysis three times a week. Norm’s a great guy and a real fighter and we have to be there in his corner.

Please say a prayer for the recovery of Geneva Luna, mother of our ace photographer, Ray. Geneva suffered a stroke on Easter Sunday.

Prayers also for former World Boxing Hall of Fame President Charlie Casas who is having some severe health problems as well as one of the founders and past President, Dub Harris, who suffered a stroke.

Prayers for Audrey Talmo, wife of solid boxing guy, Ed. Also prayers for the recovery of Mills Lane and Denis Wilxox.

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 friends and relatives in need of prayers and cards. We accept no money and contact our members when someone is in need. It’s absolutely free to join. God doesn’t ask for money, and neither do we. Joining us is as Simple as sending 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.***