Interview: John Ruiz

by Ike Enwereuzor

04.07 - WBA heavyweight champion John "Quietman" Ruiz of Chelsea, Mass now (37-4-1) 27 KO's made his professional debut August 20, 1992 beating Kevin Parker by 4th round decision in Atlantic City, NJ. Ruiz is currently at Poconos Pa getting ready to make his title defense against undefeated No.1 heavyweight mandatory challenger Kirk "Bubba" Johnson (32-0-1) 23KO's on July 27, 2002 at Mandalay Bay Casino Las Vegas, NV.

Ruiz became the first Latino heavyweight champion of the world on March 3, 2001 when he captured the World Boxing Association (WBA) championship. He also became the 2001 individual Athlete of the year and 4th Boston sports Awards and 2001 Puerto Rican Boxer of the year.

This world championship tripleheader billed Challenge to Glory: Perception/Reality will also feature IBF Banatamweight champion Tim Austin who faces Adan Vargas WBA super middleweight champion Byron Mitchell takes on Julio Cesar Green. Here's what the WBA heavyweight champ had to say...

How is training coming along for your battle against No.1 contender Kirk Johnson?
Training is going pretty well.

What're your thoughts on Kirk Johnson?
I don't know much about him but he has quick hands. I plan to use my jab and hopefully I'll catch him in the later rounds. I'm ready to go 12 rounds if that's what it takes to beat him.

Please, describe your three fights with former undisputed heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield?
The last fight with Holyfield was one of those performance, I was very disappionted with myself by the way I fought. I trained to box but I went in there and start slugging with him. First fight with him was a great fight then second one was fair. I thought I was fighting an old man but I didn't see him old, he would have quit in first rounds. Evander still got a lot left in him.

Your thoughts on Holyfield-Rahman fight in June?
I think it was a good fight but it seems like hasim Rahman didn't have it. He looked like he wanted to quit from the first round and Holyfield proved that he still got it. I don't think they should have stop the fight in the first place, it wasn't blocking Rahman eye and I have seen worst than this. I have seen fighters sustain lots of cuts and still go on.

Any comments to your fans?
I want to thank all my fan for supporting me. I want them all to come out July 27 or tune in to HBO. Thanks to you too Ike. God bless!