Boxing

Interview with Former World Champion Gabriel Ruelas

By Kent Appel

I had a chance to chat with former super featherweight champion Gabriel Ruelas of Sylmar, California this week. Mr. Ruelas took some time between his busy training schedule to talk about his upcoming lightweight bout on March 24, 2003 with up and coming prospect Cortney Burton of Benton Harbor, Michigan. He also discussed his plans for the future in the sport of boxing. Ruelas, 32 years old, enters the bout with a record of 49-6, 26 by knockout, while Burton, 24 years old, is 17-1, 9 by knockout.

The Ruelas verses Burton fight is a CO feature bout on a card that is to be held at the Cajun Dome in Lafayette, Louisiana that also features a welterweight contest between Michael Lerma and Alfred Ankamah. The bouts will be broadcast on the Fox Sports West television network.

Gabriel Ruelas has been a professional fighter since 1988 and he reached the pinnacle of his sport in 1994 when he captured the WBC super featherweight championship with a 12 round unanimous decision victory over Jesse James Leija. Ruelas, along with his younger brother Rafael, are one of the few brother teams to win world professional titles with Rafael Ruelas being a former IBF lightweight champion. Gabriel Ruelas’ fight with Arturo Gatti was the Ring Magazine fight of the year for 1997.

Kent Appel: “Thank you for taking time out from your training for your upcoming lightweight fight with Cortney Burton to talk to me. How is your training going?”

Gabriel Ruelas: “It is going very well. I am in great shape and I will have no trouble making the lightweight limit of 135 pounds. I am ready for anything my opponent will throw at me, any style. My experience in the fight game means I have seen everything, I have been there.”

KA: “What does this fight mean for your career?”

GR: “Every fight is important. It is important to do what is needed to get the win because every win moves my career forward.”

KA: “You have been in with some very good fighters like Azumah Nelson, Arturo Gatti, Jesse James Leija, and Troy Dorsey. Does your experience against tougher opposition give you an advantage in this fight?”

GR: “I have never thought of it that way. It is helpful but I never underestimate any opponent, no matter what. The important thing is to get the win.”

KA: “Do you consider your style as more of boxer, and boxer puncher, or as a puncher?”

GR: “I think of myself as more of a boxer but if I am hit with a good shot, I can get in and fight with the best of them. I will not run away from a fight.”

KA: “This fight with Burton is a step up in competition from your most recent fights. I know you don't want to become known as a stepping stone for up and coming fighters. Do you feel ready for the challenge?”

GR: “There is always someone who is trying to use me as an opportunity to further their career. It is the nature of this game. The only thing I can do is to be ready. Like I said, I never underestimate any opponent but I have been there and I am ready for anything.”

KA: “Should you win this fight, are you ready to fight a top contender or maybe even go for the lightweight title?”

GR: “I am not looking past this fight. I don’t worry about it, it is my manager's job and I let him pick who and when I fight. It is my job to get the win no matter who the opponent is. I am ready for anyone.”

KA: “Any chance for you going back down to the super featherweight division or to go up to super lightweight?”

GR: “I can fight at any of the weights between 130 and 140 pounds. It depends on what is the best opportunity for my career and I will fight at that weight.”

KA: “What was your toughest fight?”

GR: “The fight against Arturo Gatti was my toughest fight. He stayed right there with me and he knocked my down in the fifth round. The referee stopped the fight but I felt I still had my senses and he stopped it too soon. Even Gatti said I hurt him too. It was a fight that could have gone either way. It was a Great, Great Fight!”

KA: “You got your start in the fight game at an young age. How much longer do you want to keep boxing?”

GR: “I haven't really been that active in the last few years and I still have a lot left. I may fight two or three years more or maybe even five years. I am always in the gym training and long as I feel good, then why not fight?”

KA: “Has boxing made your life better and what advice would you give to young people who want to get into the sport?”

GR; “Yes it has made my life better because it has made me face and conquer challenges I may have thought I couldn't do. My advice to younger people is to follow your heart and don't listen to anyone who says you can’t do it and if you lose a few fights, don’t give up. Don’t spend the rest of your life wondering if you could have done it, don’t leave any unfinished business.”

KA: “Thank you for taking the time to talk to me.”

GR: “Thank you.”

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