WBA No. 1 contender Ruiz (44-8-1, 30 KOs), who had agreed with promoters of last Saturday’s championship bout -- defending champion Nicolai Valuev and challenger David “Hayemaker” Haye -- to “step aside” as the WBA “Official Challenger," earned his 12th world title shot against new WBA champion Haye (guaranteed by the end of May, 2010) with his seventh-round stoppage of Adnan Serin in the seventh round of their co-feature match.
Fighting for the first time in 14 months, as well as with a new head trainer in Miguel Diaz, the 37-year-old Ruiz weighed in at 226 pounds, his lightest in six years. Now a promotional free agent since his contract with Don King recently expired, “The Quietman” was more mentally and physically prepared for last weekend’s fight than he’s been since capturing his first WBA crown in 2001 against Evander Holyfield.
Ruiz also displayed a much more fan-friendly style against Serin – no holding, clutching or grabbing -- and he’s confident of winning his third world title next year against Haye because of his experience advantage and genuine toughness.
“I hadn’t fought in a long time and was kind of anxious the first few rounds,” Ruiz spoke about his fight against Serin. “I settled down and started putting my punches together. I’m looking forward to fighting Haye and winning my third world title. I’m a free agent now and we’ll be talking to some promoters. This is a good opportunity for me with a title fight coming next year.”
Tony Cardinale, Ruiz’ manager/attorney, believes Haye-Ruiz will be a more action-packed, interesting and entertaining fight than either had against Valuev. “It’s difficult to look good against Valuev,” Cardinale noted. “John scored considerably more in his two controversial fights against Valuev than Haye. John chased Valuev around the ring, not the other way around. His new trainers, Miguel Diaz and Richie Sandoval, will put together an effective game plan for John. Without a doubt, John Ruiz will be the toughest opponent Haye has ever faced.”
Ruiz, the first and only world heavyweight champion of Latino heritage, hopes his fight against Haye will land in Las Vegas, but he’s also comfortable fighting Haye in England or Germany. “I live and train in Las Vegas,” he explained, “so I’d love to fight there. But I’m 6-0 in England and have a good fan base in Germany. Wherever I fight, I need my fans to support me, especially Latinos from al over the world.”
With a book about his life on the horizon, Ruiz notes that the perfect final chapter would include a third world title. “I’ve had an up-and-down career but it’s not over, yet. My life is good right now; I’m in a comfort zone. I got back to the basics and improved my style, earned another world title shot, and I’m a promotional free agent. I want to win another world title for my family and fans. I had fun celebrating Saturday night’s win at a cigar bar with my team and wife, Maribel. But the real party will be next year when I get my belt back. I’m a true fighter and David Haye’s going to find that out in the ring.”
Go on line to www.johnthequietmanruiz.com for more information about John Ruiz.
