LAS VEGAS (June 4, 2009) – If the WBA doesn’t rule in favor of a petition filed for two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-8-1, 29 KOs) to fight WBA heavyweight champion Nicolai Valuev for the title, Ruiz is prepared to replace injured David Haye as IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko’s opponent June 20 in Germany..
“I am committed to fighting for the WBA title again because I am the mandatory challenger,” Ruiz explained. “I was robbed twice and I want to knockout ‘The Giant’ this time and take the fight out of the hands of the judges. If the WBA doesn’t stand by its rules and mandate a fight between me and Valuev, I am fully prepared to fight Klitschko, even on short notice.”
Ruiz’ attorney/advisor, Tony Cardinale, has called Klitschko’s manager, Shelly Finkel, to let him know that if the WBA fails to mandate Valuev-Ruiz III that Ruiz will be ready, willing and able to fight Klitschko.
Odlanier Solis ready for Wladimir Klitschko
After David Haye had to pull out of his showdown with IBF/WBO/IBO champion Wladimir Klitschko due to a hand injury ARENA’s heavyweight sensation Odlanier Solis offers to step in for the challenger right away. “I am ready to go”, states Solis. “If Wladimir Klitschko dares to accept me as opponent I promise to expose him and strip his championship belts from him.”
The three-time world amateur champion and 2004 Olympic gold medallist has had an outstanding amateur career winning 227 of his 241 amateur fights. Since turning pro for German based promoter Ahmet Öner in April 2007 (knocking out then reigning German champion Andreas Sidon in one round) “La Sombra” scored 13 wins in as many pro-fights including 9 kos. In his last outing in January 9th reigning WBC international champion Solis gave his US debut on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights outclassing and stopping “Big Man” Kevin Burnett.
“I am the new generation, the best boxer in the world today and I am ready to prove it”, says Solis. “I stopped David Haye in only 3 rounds (at the world amateur championships 2001 in Belfast 2001) and I will do the same to Wladimir Klitschko. There is no worthy opponent in the world today for the Klitschkos but me. Now that I am reunited with my old trainer Pedro Diaz nobody can stop me on my way to the top. If Wladimir thinks I’m joking he should just accept the challenge and meet his successor on June 20th. I will be the next undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
Kingpin Kevin Johnson Ready To Go To Germany
Undefeated and world ranked heavyweight contender Kevin Johnson (22-0-1, 9KO) has one question for The Klitschko Management Group, “What time does the next flight to Germany leave?” Johnson, coming off an impressive TKO victory over undefeated US Olympic Team Captain Devin Vargas on May 15th looks to prove he is the leading US heavyweight contender and next heavyweight champion. “It’s as simple as picking up the phone and calling Star Boxing,” Johnson stated after learning that David Haye pulled out of his June 20th match with Wladimir Klitschko. “I’m ready to show the entire world what boxing experts already know, the next heavyweight champion of the world is from the United States and his name is Kevin Johnson.”
Brian Minto Wants A Shot A Klitschko
WBO#9 Heavyweight Brian “The Beast” Minto (33-2 21kos) says that he is available to fight WBO champ Wladimir Klitschko. “I am ready and willing to face Wlad in 2 1/2 weeks at Veltins-Arena. “After a tune-up 6 weeks ago, I never left the gym. I am in shape and ready to go!” stated Minto. A winner of 6 straight and 15 of his last 16, Minto does appear to be a viable replacement for the WBO title now that Haye is out.
Having fought in major fights on German soil before, Minto is also undefeated on both HBO (TKO7 of Vinnie Maddelone (25-2) and RTL (TKO6 of former IBF Title Challenger Axcel Shultz (26-4). “I’m not only the best American heavyweight, but I have always interacted well with the German fans. If given the opportunity, I will display to the entire world the heart of a true champion.” Minto added.