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