In Rusty’s Corner

Rusty Rubin is the managing editor of Ringsports.com

There’s nothing really new about a fighter, even a top one, taking time off and getting injured sparing bit before his comeback fight. Such injuries are almost always the end result of ring rust. No mater your age or how well conditioned you are, it’s not a but unusual.

Such is the case of Floyd Mayweather Jr. who was planning a comeback fight against a very tough, experienced Juan Manuel Marquez.

The game plan was to beat Marquez and then get into the squared circle with Manny Paquiao for the honor of being considered the top boxer on this planet.

With Mayweather now recovering from a sparing related rib injury, will have to take a bit more time off than he had planned. It would be absolutely stupid for him to skip the needed warm-up fight and move ahead to battle Pac Man.

And say what you will about Mayweather, he is certainly not stupid. The question to ask now is will Marquez wait for him, or will Mayweather choose a different (and easier) comeback opponent?

Rumors have it that Pacman will be fighting Miguel Cotto next.

Boxing is getting interesting again, folks.

It’s my understanding that the World Boxing Hall of Fame will be held on October 24^th at the LAX Marriott. Further information will be passed along as it becomes available.***

Only one important fight this week, coming on June 20^th , from Germany, for the IBF/WBO heavyweight title, between champ Wladamir Klitschko and Ruslan Chagaev. Chagaev is replacing the injured David Haye.

Klitschko, it has been said, has a glass jaw, something I do not believe. He’s lost three fights via the TKO route, but I think it’s more a matter of believing in himself, than questionable whiskers.

Wladamir, 33, at 6’ 6 ½, enjoys more than a 5” advantage over Chagaev, 30, who, although undefeated at 25-0, hasn’t really beaten anyone of note.

Neither appears to be a huge puncher, but the younger of the Klitschko brothers does benefit from a lot more fights against tougher opponents. Give the experience and the fight (and the two titles) to Klitschko by a close decision.

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.

One of boxing’s good guys, Genaro ‘Chicanito’ Hernandez has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. The good news from his corner (and mine) is that his cancer is in remission.

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 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.

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 except for prayer requests, or put your name on anyone’s mailing list. To join drop me a line at Rusty@ringsports.com.

Thanks and God bless.***

Rusty Rubin is managing 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. These books are available at Authorhouse.com, and all major book suppliers.

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.

You will be glad you did!