Articles of 2006

Is John Ruiz New And Improved?

Published

19 years ago

October 31, 2006

John Ruiz has a new trainer/new lease on life

Former heavyweight champion of the world John “The Quietman” Ruiz (41-6-1, 28 KOs), who is ranked #1 by the WBA, is training in Las Vegas with his new head trainer, Manny Siaca, Sr., for his November eliminator against #2 ranked Ruslan “White Tyson” Chagaev (21-0-1, 17 KOs) in Dusseldorf, Germany.

The winner of Ruiz-Chagaev will be the next in line to give it their best shot against WBA heavyweight Nicolay Valuev.

Ruiz, who seems strangely reduced without Norman Stone cheerleading on his behalf, promises that everyone will see a new and improved Quietman whenhe goes up against the southpaw Chagaev.

I’m learning new things from Manny, said Ruiz of his training and trainer. I’m gradually moving into a new mode. I had leveled off. It hasn’t been since my stepfather trained me that I learned new boxing techniques and skills. I feel really good knowing that when I step in the ring I am bringing a different set of skills and a better mindset.

Now I’m working with Manny to get away from being the old me. I’m not going to be lying back, waiting for the other guy, and just swinging away. We’re working on a new training method where I am now throwing punches and moving, not holding and waiting. But what’s really important, is that instead of talking about being the new me, I’m going to show everybody on November 18.

Siaca has trained 23 world champions during his long and illustrious career, including his son Manny Siaca, Jr., Edwin Rosario, Sammy Serrano, Leo Gamez and Eddie Mustafa Muhammad.

John’s always had a good jab, Siaca said, but now he’s throwing bam, bam four jabs and moving instead of throwing a jab and grabbing. He’s throwing punches in combinations. He’s fighting a southpaw, so things will be a little different. In the fight, John needs to move and throw. We’ll be ready for him. I really enjoy working with John. He’s a very decent and honorable guy who works hard. Johnny Ruiz will become the world heavyweight champion again. I’d bet my life on it.

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