In my last article I discussed the big fights in Las Vegas this weekend, and of course on HBO PPV. Both Oscar de la Hoya and Bernard Hopkins are nearing the ends of great careers, and both are vying for the best pound for pound fighter out there. A title once held by Roy Jones Jr. and now considered to be the domain of Floyd Mayweather Jr. Now it’s time for making the predictions.

Robert Allen figures to give Hopkins a tougher time then Felix Sturm does. Allen is big and strong, but not that mobile, and mobile fighters always seem to give “The Executioner” his biggest test.

But since Hopkins is 38 years old, nothing is a gimme anymore. While he is always in top condition, the Philly middleweight is at the stage where he can ‘grow old in a hurry’ and if he does, all bets are off.

But if he doesn’t, he figures to handle Allen as he has in the past. Hopkins by late TKO.

Oscar on the other hand needs the work, and although Sturm is 20-0, he’s not a puncher and therefore Oscar can carry him as long as he wants, as it’s hard to see Sturm or most anyone else out-box “The Golden Boy”.

Because Oscar has to know Sturm can’t hurt him, I think this fight will go the distance and be a unanimous nod for the popular East L.A. fighter.

The only caveat here is that Oscar has really not been hit by a middleweight in a match before, and although I don’t think it will have an impact on the outcome of the contest, you just never know.

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

Newsflash: We are no longer taking orders for autographed copies of my new book, “OFF THE CANVAS” which will be ready for delivery shortly. By mid June, it will be available on the web or through major book stores. Currently it can be ordered at Authorhouse.com book id#22873.***

Agree or disagree, feel free to express your views.

Glove2Glove:

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.

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.

Please say prayers for the return to health of Jerry Gladman, boxing scribe from Canada, who is down with ALS.

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: Memorial Day should be a solemn occasion, with at least a few minutes time being given to those who fought and gave their all to protect freedom and democracy, not only in America, but in the free world.

Yet, as important as this holiday is, few people really take their time to honor the fallen, brave lads and lassies who, if not for their bravery, we could be living under the Nazi flag instead of the red, white and blue.

Every Memorial Day, I try to find a few hours to pay a silent tribute, and salute those who risked everything for me. I’d like to think everyone felt this way, but we all know that a lot of people just look forward to a three day weekend, without any thought really given to why they are allowed the time off.

I know this piece should have been used before Memorial Day, but due to circumstances, I honestly screwed up and forgot to use it.

But that doesn’t make it any less relevant. There will be other important days to give thanks, and other Memorial Days to commemorate. June 14th is Flag Day, and no need to tell you the importance of July 4th. And no, it’s not just for the fireworks, but what it represents.

God bless America and those that gave their all to make this the greatest nation this World has ever known.

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