Ruiz getting another WBA title shot
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (July 3, 2008) – The World Boxing Association ruled today at its Directory Meeting that WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev will be considered “champion in recess” due to an injury and that he has until June 26, 2009 to fight for the title.
Negotiations have started between representatives of the WBA’s top two rated heavyweights, ex-WBA champion Nikolai Valuev and former two-time WBA title-holder John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs), respectively, to fight for the WBA “regular” heavyweight championship belt. The Valuev-Ruiz will be obliged to fight Chagaev by June 26, 2009.
“We’re happy to get an opportunity to fight for the WBA title again,” Ruiz said from Argentina.
The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz, living in Las Vegas, is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights, defeating three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.
CONTACT: Bob Trieger Full Court Press 978.664.4482 bobtfcp@hotmail.com
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Ruiz-Valuev Rematch for WBA Championship!
LAS VEGAS (June 27, 2008) – Soon after it was announced that WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev had pulled out of his July 5 mandatory title defense against former WBA title-holder and No. 1 contender, Nikolai Valuev, due to another injury, John Ruiz, through his advisor and attorney, Tony Cardinale, contacted World Boxing Association officials demanding that, in accordance with WBA rules and regulations, the championship be vacated and negotiations ordered to begin for a title fight between Valuev and former 2-time world heavyweight champion, WBA No. 2-rated John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs).
Chagaev, who won the WBA belt on April 4, 2007 by winning a 12-round majority decision against Valuev, hasn’t made a mandatory title defense (due by April 4, 2008) because of a series of injuries, fighting one voluntary defense (WDEC12 vs. Matt Skelton, Jan. 19, 2008).
“We know that the WBA will follow its rules and regulations,” Ruiz said. “It’s already well past the time he’s had to make a mandatory defense and the WBA heavyweight title belt is being held hostage. We don’t need a hostage negotiator to take politics out of the heavyweight division. The WBA just has to do the right thing to move forward and give boxing fans what they deserve. The heavyweight division has been at a standstill in the WBA and it should follow its rules and order the top two rated contenders to fight for the title.”
In its last correspondence to the WBA, Team Ruiz anticipated Chagev being physically unable to defend his title against Valuev and informed the WBA that it would demand that the WBA follow its regulations if Chagaev sought a second postponement of his mandatory title defense.
Team Ruiz’ demand is pursuant to the following WBA Championship Regulations:
5.- DEFENSE OF THE TITLE
5.1 WBA TITLE DEFENSE
5.1.12 If a World Champion recognized by the World Boxing Association fails to comply with his obligation to defend the title on the date indicated by the Regulations, or fails to comply with his obligation for a World Championship fight, duly approved by the World Championships Committee, or fails to comply with any rule of the World Boxing Association, the Committee shall recommend the President and the Directory of the Association that his title be declared vacant.
8.- PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW WHEN A TITLE IS DECLARED VACANT
8.1 A World Championship may be lost because a of breach of the contract for a World Championship fight, or because of inability to fight, or because the period given by the World Championships Committee is over, or by failure to comply with the required weight at the weighting time, according to what is established in article 12.1 of the Regulations that Govern the World Championship Matches, however a World Championship can only be obtained as a result of a fight duly authorized by the World Championships Committee.
8.2 In the event that a World Championship is declared vacant, the two (2) Official Contenders shall fight for the vacant title, and for this, they shall be granted a period of no more that THIRTY (30) days to negotiate an agreement under the best possible conditions, with a duly qualified promoter. If they fail to negotiate the agreement within the time indicated, the Director of the World Championships Committee shall call a Purse bid. The World Championships Committee can open the fight to Purse Bid before the period given is over, as long as the parties (Champion or Challenger) state his unwillingness to negotiate an agreement for a world title fight.
The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights, defeating three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.
CONTACT: Bob Trieger Full Court Press 978.664.4482 bobtfcp@hotmail.com
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Ruiz Helps WBA KO Drugs!
Boxing in benefit exhibition vs. Gilberto Jesus Mendoza in Venezuela
LAS VEGAS (June 3, 2008) – Former 2-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz, currently the WBA’s No. 2 rated contender, left today for Venezuela to participate in this week’s 18th annual WBA – KO to Drugs Festival.
The WBA’s international festival will he highlighted by Saturday night’s professional boxing show at the Olympic Center in San Juan de los Morros, Venezuela. During the show, Ruiz will engage in a three-round (2 minutes per round) benefit exhibition against Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, Vice President of the World Boxing Association. For each blow Mendoza’s lands against Ruiz, $100 will be donated to a charitable foundation that will be announced this week.
“It will be a pleasure to box with no less the first Latin American heavyweight champion, John Ruiz,” Mendoza said. “John represents the spirit of our festival because as a Latin American, he achieved what seemed to only be reserved for Americans or Europeans.”
Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights and defeated three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – as well as top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.
“I’m excited about returning to Venezuela, especially for such a great cause and one I’ve always supported,” Ruiz remarked. “The last time I was there it was for an awards ceremony. Venezuela is a beautiful country and the people there are very friendly. I’m honored to be invited and I’d like to thank the WBA and the Mendoza family for selecting me to help promote its anti-drug program. I have spoken to kids for years about the perils of drugs, encouraging them to stay away from all illegal drugs, and to follow their dreams. It’s about surrounding yourself with good people and making wise decisions in life.”
For more information about John Ruiz go to his My Space at “johnquietmanruiz.”
CONTACT: Bob TriegerFull Court Pres 978.664.4482 bobtfcp@hotmail.com
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Ruiz on Call and Ready to Rock
LAS VEGAS (May 7, 2008) – Former two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz has announced that he’s prepared to replace WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev to fight another former WBA title-holder, Nikolay Valuev, for the WBA belt.
Chagaev pulled out of his scheduled mandatory defense against Valuev in May, reportedly due to a cold that forced him to break training, but Ruslan hasn’t made his initial mandatory defense since capturing the WBA belt on April 14, 2007 via a 12-round majority decision versus Valuev. His only title defense was a voluntary fight this past January in a 12-round decision against Matt Skelton. WBA champions are required to make a mandatory defense within a year of winning the belt and/or last mandatory defense. Chagaev is officially over the deadline and seeking further delays.
“We have to respect mandatory defenses and if Chagaev isn’t willing or able to fulfill his obligation as champion,” WBA No. 2 rated Ruiz said, “he should step aside so the WBA can move forward instead of standing still. There’s so much speculation about Chagaev. First there was Hepatitis B and now another viral infection – it must have moved from his intestines to his throat – and nobody really knows when or if he’ll be able to fight again. We will be filing a letter of petition with the WBA to strip Chagaev and order a fight between me and Valuev for the WBA title.” Ruiz is also rated No. 3 by the WBC, No. 6 by the IBF, No. 10 by The Ring magazine, and No. 12 by the WBO.
“The heavyweight division drives boxing,” Ruiz added. “Fans are waiting for things to explode, but it seems like the heavyweight champions are holding the title belts hostage. They’re all tied up and don’t want to fight the best heavyweights. No wonder fans criticize heavyweights. I’m ready to clean-up the division and willing to fight any of the world champs or top contenders. How long do I have to wait for my title shot?”
Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights and defeated three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – as well as top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.
CONTACT: Bob TriegerFull Court Pres 978.664.4482 bobtfcp@hotmail.com
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Ruiz Walks for U.S. Troops
LAS VEGAS (April 24, 2008) – Former two-time world heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz still be part of the ESPN Radio 1100, The Dream Team marching to show support for U.S. military troops next Wednesday morning (April 30), starting at 9 AM/PT, in Las Vegas.
Seat Williams, host of “Afternoon Gridlock” on ESPN 1100, has organized The Dream Team to march approximately three hours from Las Vegas City Hall to Nellis Air Force Base in order to help raise awareness and donations for troops and their families.
Ruiz joins The Dream Team that includes former world heavyweight boxing champion “Iron” Mike Tyson, former UFC champion Randy Couture, Williams, and Nellis Air Force Base troops.
“Our soldiers serve all over the world to help keep us free,” Ruiz said. “Joining this march is just my way of showing support for the troops. They are real heroes and should never be forgotten for the sacrifices they make every day for us. I’m honored to have been asked to participate in this great cause. I have a new team and I’m no longer held back from doing things that I really want to get involved in like this.”
Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs) is the former 2-time WBA heavyweight champion presently rated No. 2 and No. 3 by the WBA and WBC, respectively, No. 6 by the IBF, and No. 10 by The Ring magazine. The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights, defeating three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and McCline during his 15-year pro career.
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2-Time World Heavyweight Champion
Ruiz Rated High, Still Avoided
LAS VEGAS (April 17, 2008) – Former two-time world heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz used to be the Rodney Dangerfield of boxing as well as one of its most avoided fighters. Now, though, the new Ruiz has gained respect in many circles, particularly after his impressive win against 4-time world title challenger Jameel McCline, yet, John remains the opponent champions and top contenders alike least want to fight.
Top American contender Ruiz and European challenger Alexander Dimitrenko are the only heavyweights rated among the top six in the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation. Rated No. 2 and No. 3 by the WBA and WBC, respectively, and No. 6 by the IBF but, unlike Dimitrenko, Ruiz is also ranked in the top 10 by The Ring magazine.
“After so many years of not being respected,” Ruiz said, “it’s exciting to know and feel that I’m finally being recognized as one of the top heavyweights in the world. I’m glad. It’s been a long time coming. I’m ready to clean-up the heavyweight division and I’m willing to fight any of the reigning champs or other top contenders.
“I can’t wait for my next fight. I’m so much more confident fighting this time around, throwing more punches and combinations, just being more aggressive in the ring. I’m motivated more today than I ever was in the past. I changed my whole team and it’s really made a big difference, especially having Manny Siaca, Sr. as head trainer. I’ve learned so much from Manny. We’ve been working hard and it’s paying off.”
Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs) has fought himself back into position for another world title shot, coming off an impressive 12-round decision on March 8 in a near shutout performance (119-109, 118-110, 117-111) against McCline, who is his previous fight had three times floored new Samuel Peter, returning to the vintage days when “The Quietman” first won a world title with a 12-round decision against legendary Evander Holyfield in 2001.
The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights, defeating three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and McCline during his 15-year pro career.
CONTACT: Bob TriegerFull Court Pres 978.664.4482 bobtfcp@hotmail.com
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Ruiz Heavyweight Player Again!
LAS VEGAS (March 26, 2008) – Fresh off of his dominating performance against four-time world title challenger Jameel “Big Time” McCline, two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs) has fought himself back into position for another world title shot.
A rejuvenated Ruiz won a lop-sided 12-round decision on March 8 in a near shutout performance (119-109, 118-110, 117-111) against McCline, who is his previous fight had three times floored Samuel Peter, the new WBC heavyweight champion after stopping Oleg Maskaev on the same card in Cancun. (Judge Julie Lederman, who scored 119-109 in favor of Ruiz, also had McCline losing 112-113 to Peter.)
The new Ruiz is similar to the vintage edition of the Puerto Rican/American who first won the world title in 2001 with a 12-round decision against legendary Evander Holyfield.
“I’m excited and looking forward to my next fight,” Ruiz said. “All of my hard training paid off. (Ruiz weighed-in against McCline at his lightest in five years, 233 lbs.) I’m much more confident fighting this time around. I’m more aggressive than I’ve been in years, throwing more punches and combinations. Everybody’s talking about Sam Peter being the best heavyweight since Lennox Lewis. McCline almost finished off Peter and look what I did to McCline. I’m back at the top of my game and I can beat anybody out there. I’m still in the game; I will be a title holder again and try to unify the titles.
“I’m encouraged by a lot of positive feedback I’ve gotten since the McCline fight. I’m motivated more today than I ever was in the past. I changed my whole crew, especially bringing in Manny Siaca, Sr. as head trainer, which has helped me achieve the position I’m in, back on the right track. I’ve been learning some new things with Manny. I feel like I’m almost starting over again. I’m so excited. Manny has trained 28 world champs and I’m going to be his 29th. What I’ve been through makes me want it more today. Working with Manny has been a great opportunity for me to learn and put it into my game. I’m mentally focused and I’ve been doing everything possible to be my best.”
Ruiz, who has fought in 10 world championship fights, has beaten three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – as well as top contenders Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and McCline during his 15-year pro career.
Ruiz-McCline was a WBC Qualifier with the winner promised the No. 3 spot in the next ratings. Ruiz is ranked No. 2 in the WBA and cracked the WBO ratings at No. 11.
“My fight against McCline showed I’m ready for anybody in the division,” Ruiz added. “If any of the true world champions want to show what they’re worth, let them prove it by fighting me, somebody who has never ducked an opponent and with more world title fight experience than anybody. I’m ready for any of the title-holders – (Wladimir) Klitschko, Peter, or the (Ruslan) Chagaev-(Nikolay) Valuev winner. I’m back in the gym already getting prepared for my next fight. I’m back!”
CONTACT: Bob Trieger Full Court Press 978.664.4482 mailto:bobtfcp@hotmail.com
