By Mike “Mykers” Boehm – John “The Quiet Man” Ruiz has been anything but quiet in the past year. For some strange reason his obsession with the WBA world heavyweight title has been uncanny and a bit perplexing within the WBA. With his two losses against Nikolay Valuev, John Ruiz hopes to reclaim the heavyweight gold by defeating David Haye at the M.E.N. Arena in Lancashire, United Kingdom this April. More importantly, is his reasoning and outcry justified? Most thought the WBA title shot belongs to Kali Meehan or Ruslan Chagaev, who coincidentally are slated to face each other; in a date that has not yet been determined. Let’s stir the pot, and look at the factors and speculation regarding John “The Not So Quiet Man” Ruiz..
The former two-time WBA world heavyweight champion John Ruiz has put his time and effort in the heavyweight division. A division that most feel has several green fighters, and older fighters who don’t pose much of a threat. But then again, age is just a number and has no ultimate effect on the sweet science as displayed in recent years. The 38-year-old former titlist will throw his reputation on the line when he faces David Haye on April 3, 2010. For John Ruiz the WBA title shot is bittersweet, for onlookers could be just another loss in the books.
John Ruiz fought a total of one time in the year 2009. That fight was against Adnan Serin, in which he earned a seventh round TKO. The fight itself was interesting because it appeared to go five rounds more than it should have. In round five, John Ruiz took a hard shot and was bleeding from a cut near the left eye the rest of the bout. Ruiz came back with his jab, but was unable to put Serin down and out for the count. In contrast, a feat, in which Tony Thompson did in five rounds. While speculation is one thing, the former titlist in John Ruiz, should have earned a second or even third round TKO victory. Unfortunately for John Ruiz, David Haye is quite the task, and has a plethora of tactical skill, footwork, power, and smarts to retain the WBA world heavyweight title.
Don’t be discouraged, Ruiz is a smart and talented professional fighter. He’s been in with the best, defeated plenty of good opposition, and earned his name in the heavyweight division. One of John Ruiz’s best qualities is he understands that a loss does not end a career. Currently, he will be entering the fight against David Haye with eight career losses; one by knockout. That one knockout loss of course, came at the hands of David Tua back in 1996. Other than this single knockout loss, Ruiz has proved his chin can stand the test of time. Unfortunately for David Haye, most feel his chin is a far cry from spectacular.
John Ruiz sports a 6 foot two frame, while David Haye is 6 foot three. Both fighters will come into the match with the 78 inch reach. Of course in any professional match, experience is a huge plus. John “The Quiet Man” Ruiz has plenty of ring knowledge, a great veteran status, and the knowhow, to stump, and quiet the mouth of the heavyweight division in David Haye. Ruiz poses more of a tactical fighter than a slugger. In contrast, David Haye is shown that he can slug, box, and toy with the recent opposition. Besides the age difference (Haye 29, Ruiz 38) it appears John Ruiz has everything working in his favor. While most would disagree, these facts would look good on paper. However, paper is one thing and the outcome is another. I would definitely put my money on David Haye to outwork the former champion, landing several hard shots when the chance permits.
As far as John Ruiz’s outcry goes, his position seems justified, by his hard work, sometimes professional demeanor, and skill. While it’s easy for me to stand back and make all the speculation, it appears John Ruiz’s intentions are anything but lackluster. His feuding with the WBA earned him the title shot he apparently deserves. David Haye is even stated that John Ruiz is a formidable presence in the heavyweight division. In the eyes of the public, this is huge statement coming from David Haye; who most feel is the mouth of the heavyweight division.
Ultimately, when all is said and done, we have to look at the positive aspect of this match. That is, it is not going to include the Klitschko brothers, or Nikolay Valuev. While the Klitschko brothers are supreme fighters, they create a bad atmosphere for the heavyweight division. In contrast, for once we may see a contest, in which both fighters in Haye and Ruiz are evenly matched. And not some fighter over six-foot seven constantly landing jabs all night while most observers fall asleep while drinking beer.
More importantly, you got to hand this match to David Haye. The younger fighter is hungry, and ultimately wants his shot at the Klitschko’s. While this is another story altogether, it helps fuel the fire in David Haye. John Ruiz is “The Quiet Man,” however, if he does win the WBA heavyweight title, something tells me “The Quiet Man” may upgrade his nickname.