Articles of 2004
Vitali Klitschko: An Open Letter From John Ruiz
Dear Vitali,
The boxing public is confused as to who the man in the heavyweight division is today. If you defeat Danny Williams tomorrow (Saturday) night, I challenge you to a world heavyweight championship unification match, my WBA belt against your WBC belt.
Here are some of your recent quotes:
“I want to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
“I'm the heavyweight champion of the world. And when you have this belt, you have to seek out the best.”
“You put your name into the (history) books by going out there and fighting the toughest guys. What kind of champion would it be who would say, `No, I don't want to fight this man because he is too tough?' How could you have the respect for him? I want to be different.”
“I want to fight against the strongest challenger in the world.”
I agree. There’s only one place to settle this and that’s in the ring, not by what boxing commentators or writers say. You’re fighting tomorrow (Saturday) night, but this message is for Chris Byrd and Lamon Brewster, too. As you know I support a heavyweight tournament matching the four major world title-holders. Tournament or not, though, I intend to only fight so-called world champions.
If you really want to fight the best and the toughest in our business consider my accomplishments and compare them to anyone else (including yourself) in our division:
I’ve beaten three former world champions – Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker.
I’ve beaten five top 10 contenders in world title fights – Holyfield, Rahman, Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo and Kirk Johnson.
I’ve had eight WBA title fights, fought 93 championship rounds, and been a world champion for more than three years, two months and counting.
Boxing is about winning and imposing your will on your opponent, not style points. I’ve fought and beaten the best heavyweights in the world other than you.
I hear that HBO is holding a date for you in March of 2005, so for boxing fans all over the world, let’s take the first step and unify our titles.
Good luck Saturday and Happy Holidays to you and your family.
John “The Quietman” Ruiz
WBA Heavyweight Champion
Thomas Hauser’s Literary Notes: Johnny Greaves Tells a Sad Tale
Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser
Rolly Romero Upsets Ryan Garcia in the Finale of a Times Square Tripleheader
Undercard Results and Recaps from the Inoue-Cardenas Show in Las Vegas
Canelo Alvarez Upends Dancing Machine William Scull in Saudi Arabia
Bombs Away in Las Vegas where Inoue and Espinoza Scored Smashing Triumphs
Arne’s Almanac: The Good, the Bad, and the (Mostly) Ugly; a Weekend Boxing Recap and More
Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow
“Breadman” Edwards: An Unlikely Boxing Coach with a Panoramic View of the Sport
Avila Perspective, Chap. 326: Top Rank and San Diego Smoke
Late Bloomer Anthony Cacace TKOs Hometown Favorite Leigh Wood in Nottingham
Argentina’s Fernando Martinez Wins His Rematch with Kazuto Ioka
Emanuel Navarrete Survives a Bloody Battle with Charly Suarez in San Diego
Sam Goodman and Eccentric Harry Garside Score Wins on a Wednesday Card in Sydney
Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father
Avila Perspective, Chap. 326: A Hectic Boxing Week in L.A.
Hiruta, Bohachuk, and Trinidad Win at the Commerce Casino
David Allen Bursts Johnny Fisher’s Bubble at the Copper Box
Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti
In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends
A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant
Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle
Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight
Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?
Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father
Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow
Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka
In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends
Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster
Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti
Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser
Hiruta, Bohachuk, and Trinidad Win at the Commerce Casino
David Allen Bursts Johnny Fisher’s Bubble at the Copper Box
Avila Perspective, Chap. 326: A Hectic Boxing Week in L.A.
Sam Goodman and Eccentric Harry Garside Score Wins on a Wednesday Card in Sydney
Thomas Hauser’s Literary Notes: Johnny Greaves Tells a Sad Tale
Argentina’s Fernando Martinez Wins His Rematch with Kazuto Ioka
Emanuel Navarrete Survives a Bloody Battle with Charly Suarez in San Diego
Late Bloomer Anthony Cacace TKOs Hometown Favorite Leigh Wood in Nottingham
Avila Perspective, Chap. 326: Top Rank and San Diego Smoke
-
Featured Articles3 weeks agoThomas Hauser’s Literary Notes: Johnny Greaves Tells a Sad Tale
-
Featured Articles2 weeks agoBoxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser
-
Featured Articles4 weeks agoRolly Romero Upsets Ryan Garcia in the Finale of a Times Square Tripleheader
-
Featured Articles4 weeks agoUndercard Results and Recaps from the Inoue-Cardenas Show in Las Vegas
-
Featured Articles4 weeks agoCanelo Alvarez Upends Dancing Machine William Scull in Saudi Arabia
-
Featured Articles4 weeks agoBombs Away in Las Vegas where Inoue and Espinoza Scored Smashing Triumphs
-
Featured Articles4 weeks agoArne’s Almanac: The Good, the Bad, and the (Mostly) Ugly; a Weekend Boxing Recap and More
-
Featured Articles1 week agoEkow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow