Ruiz Returns with New Head Trainer

LAS VEGAS (March 7, 2006) – Former two-time world heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (41-6-1, 28 KOs) plans on returning soon to the ring, hopefully in a rematch against World Boxing Association champion Nicolay Valuev.

Ruiz lost a controversial decision to Valuev in Berlin last December and he petitioned the WBA for an immediate rematch based on the WBA’s rule 7.3 that allows for a rematch based on a controversial decision in a championship match. Valuev won by 12-round decision by scores of 114-114, 116-114, 116-113.

“I will return,” Ruiz vowed. “I’ll definitely keep fighting. I expect to hear this month that the WBA has ordered an immediate rematch and I look forward to fighting Valuev again for my title belt.”

The WBA’s current ratings have Ruiz rated third. The No. 1 position, however, is not rated and the No. 2 challenger, Wladimir Klitschko, will be removed because he’s scheduled to challenge IBF champ Chris Byrd on April 22 in Germany.

Meanwhile, Ruiz has narrowed his search for a new head trainer to Manny Siaca, Sr., of Puerto Rico. Siaca has trained 23 world champions including his son, Manny Siaca, Jr., Edwin Rosario, Sammy Serrano, Leo Gamez and Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. “I’m very comfortable with Manny,” Ruiz remarked, “He has a lot of valuable experience.

“I’m rededicating myself to become a three-time world heavyweight champion. Since losing my title belt in Germany, I’ve found a new love for the sport, something I hadn’t felt for many years. Fans are going to see a new and improved John Ruiz. Team Ruiz is going to have a few new faces and these additions are going to help me reach a new level. They’re going to bring the best out of me so I can become the heavyweight champion of the world again and finally reach the goal I’ve always had of being the undisputed heavyweight champion.”

Ruiz is the first and only world heavyweight champion of Hispanic heritage. He has beaten world champions Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker, as well as top 10 contenders Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo and Kirk Johnson.