I have lost only one fight in the last 6 years. The bizarre and strange circumstances surrounding the Peter bout, including the possibility of criminal activity, will all be coming out when we appear before the Court of Sports Arbitration.
If Klitschko selects Rahman as his opponent, then Klitschko is facing the loser, not the winner. I have stopped Rahman not once, but twice, the last time winning the WBC Heavyweight Championship from him. What has Rahman done since I stopped him? He quit against Toney and then had a life and death against my sparring partner, Zuri Lawrence.
Styles make fights, and Klitschko's style is made to order for me. I stopped Vitali as an amature and I will stop Vladimir as a pro. I know how to rough him up. I will knock him out.
Talk is cheap; I'll put my money where my mouth is. As far as the purse, let us fight, winner take all. If you are not interested in another mis-match Vlad, have Shelly Finkel call my promoter, Dennis Rappaport. I'm prepared to fight you in the U.S., in Russia, in Germany, and even in your own living room. Let's get it on !!"
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Showing posts with label Oleg Maskaev. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oleg Maskaev. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Boxers, Promoters And Analysts Weigh In On Peter-Klitschko Championship Bout
‘THIS COULD BE THE MOST COMPELLING HEAVYWEIGHT MATCHUP IN YEARS.’ WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT SATURDAY’S SAMUEL PETER-VITALI KLITSCHKO FIGHT ON SHOWTIME 
It’s just talk, but there’s been plenty of it leading up to Saturday’s WBC Heavyweight Championship between Samuel Peter (30-1, 23 KOs) and Vitali Klitschko (35-2, 34 KOs). With just five days remaining till the bout, here is a sampling of what top fighters, promoters and analysts are saying about the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING fight, which will be shown on same-day tape delay from the O2 World Arena in Berlin, Germany, before the Antonio Tarver-Chad Dawson IBF Light Heavyweight Championship live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO – IBF/WBO Heavyweight Champion
"Vitali will make history on October 11th. On that day we will become the first two brothers ever to be heavyweight champions at the same time. We've been dreaming about it so much, for so long and on October 11th it will become a reality."
"Peter, just like other heavyweights, is able to punch hard and I think that Vitali knows this and will knock Peter out before anything else can happen."
"Vitali's last opponent, Danny Williams, was the same size and style as Peter and Vitali was exceptional against him. I expect the same from Vitali when he faces Peter."
STEVE ALBERT – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Announcer
"There is so much on the line for both fighters. Sam Peter has to beat Vitali Klitschko to get a rematch with Vitali's younger brother, Wladimir for a chance to prove he's the premier heavyweight in the world.
“After a four-plus-year layoff, Vitali Klitschko wants to resurrect his career and fulfill his dream of joining Wladimir as the only siblings in boxing history to hold world heavyweight titles simultaneously. Given the current state of the heavyweight division, Peter vs. Vladimir Klitschko could be the most compelling heavyweight matchup in years."
JAMES TONEY - Three-Time World Champion
“It means that we get rid of one of the Klitschko sisters who don’t deserve to be in this fight and it gets me closer to evening the score with the big ugly Samuel Peter.”
“I predict that Peter will win by KO. He is too strong and has learned too much fighting me to lose to a big sissy like Vitali Klitschko, who has been off for way too long.”
CHRIS BYRD – Two-Time World Heavyweight Champion
“It’s a huge fight for the heavyweight division and for boxing. We could potentially have brothers simultaneously holding pieces of the world heavyweight title, making them the most dominant brothers in the history of the sport. Who is going to beat them?”
“Now, normally, I would have to go with Vitali Klitschko in this fight. He’s taller, and more importantly, he is mentally tougher than Samuel Peter. He’s even more mentally tough than Wladimir. And don’t forget, he punches pretty impressively too.”
“However, I’ve got to go with the guy who has been active. The time off, the bad back… the time off is the biggest thing for Vladimir to overcome. Another concern is to go right into a title fight against one of the best out there after a long layoff.”
“Style wise, Vitali Klitschko has the edge by far with his height and reach. The Klitschkos are tough to beat. If Vitali uses his height and reach well, and if he can keep that going for as long as it lasts, Peter is going to have a tough time.”
“It should be a great fight either way.”
OLEG MASKAEV – Former WBC Heavyweight Champion
“I have been in ring with both Klitschko and Peter. I was in the ring against Klitschko as an amateur, and I fought Peter in March. … It’s a real interesting fight and certainly a significant one for the heavyweight division.”
“When it comes to Vitali, one of the biggest challenges is inactivity. I would like nothing better than to get back into the ring with Peter. Klitschko is more experienced, but Peter is active. The question is how Klitschko will come out of camp. If he can overcome the rust, then he will win.”
“Overall, as long as he can overcome the time off, I give the edge to Klitschko.”
AL BERNSTEIN - SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Announcer
“The heavyweight division is in need of compelling match-ups and fighters that will excite the fans. Because of his punching power, Samuel Peter remains a candidate to do that. His rivalry with the Klitschkos continues. The intrigue of Vitali now fighting Peter, after his brother had a strong match with him, adds spice to this match-up. We are all wondering if Vitali can perform up to his previous level after this long layoff. It all makes for a very interesting night of heavyweight boxing."
DINO DUVA – Samuel Peter’s Promoter
"The Samuel Peter-Vitali Klitschko fight is very significant for several reasons. This is the most crucial fight to determine if a true heavyweight title unification bout can take place in the foreseeable future.”
“If Peter wins, this unification is very possible, and will set up the biggest fight in the heavyweight division in a long time with a rematch against Wladimir Klitschko. If that happens, it will allow the heavyweight division to regain much of its lost prominence. And, If Klitschko wins, it will be very unique and historic, and will be the first time ever that two brothers are heavyweight champions at the same time."
"Because of the styles, this bout will not go the distance and will be a great brawl. I can see both fighters going down. The strongest fighter and the one with the most heart will survive."
STEVE FARHOOD – ShoBox Expert Analyst
“Peter-Klitschko is among the most intriguing fights of the year for three reasons: 1) It is critical to the present and future of the heavyweight division. 2) It is a battle of big punchers with very different styles, and 3) It is virtually impossible to predict what's going to happen.
“Both fighters have the ability to score one-punch knockouts, but Klitschko’s four-year layoff is the X-factor.”
“If Klitschko was active and in his prime, I'd pick him to win. But can he survive a long and draining fight? I'll go with Peter. Besides, if Vitali wins, he'll never fight his brother, greatly reducing the chances of a unified title.”
DAVID DINKINS JR. – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Executive Producer
“Samuel Peter has emerged as a force in the heavyweight division. His powerful punching ability and durable chin have always made him formidable. But now with his improved conditioning and defense, he can make a legitimate claim to being the world's No. 1 heavyweight.”
“If not derailed by injuries, Vitali Klitschko might have dominated the heavyweight division in the post-Lennox Lewis era alongside his brother, Wladimir. This comeback fight is his last chance to prove what might have been and an opportunity to rewrite his legacy.”
RAYMOND SMALTZ, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING producer
“For Vitali Klitschko, returning to the fight game for a heavyweight title shot after being away from the ring since December of 2004, would be an unprecedented accomplishment. But a victory would mark him down in the annals of athletic competition as one of the most remarkable comeback stories in our generation.”
“In the immortal words of the late comedian, Rodney Dangerfield, ‘Sam Peter gets no respect!’ But, if he is able to exact revenge against the man who's brother is the No. 1-ranked heavyweight in the world and defeated him in a unanimous decision four years ago, it will go a long way to soothing those old wounds and give Peter the kind of acceptance in the boxing community and around the world...that he so desperately seeks.”
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
It’s just talk, but there’s been plenty of it leading up to Saturday’s WBC Heavyweight Championship between Samuel Peter (30-1, 23 KOs) and Vitali Klitschko (35-2, 34 KOs). With just five days remaining till the bout, here is a sampling of what top fighters, promoters and analysts are saying about the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING fight, which will be shown on same-day tape delay from the O2 World Arena in Berlin, Germany, before the Antonio Tarver-Chad Dawson IBF Light Heavyweight Championship live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO – IBF/WBO Heavyweight Champion
"Vitali will make history on October 11th. On that day we will become the first two brothers ever to be heavyweight champions at the same time. We've been dreaming about it so much, for so long and on October 11th it will become a reality."
"Peter, just like other heavyweights, is able to punch hard and I think that Vitali knows this and will knock Peter out before anything else can happen."
"Vitali's last opponent, Danny Williams, was the same size and style as Peter and Vitali was exceptional against him. I expect the same from Vitali when he faces Peter."
STEVE ALBERT – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Announcer
"There is so much on the line for both fighters. Sam Peter has to beat Vitali Klitschko to get a rematch with Vitali's younger brother, Wladimir for a chance to prove he's the premier heavyweight in the world.
“After a four-plus-year layoff, Vitali Klitschko wants to resurrect his career and fulfill his dream of joining Wladimir as the only siblings in boxing history to hold world heavyweight titles simultaneously. Given the current state of the heavyweight division, Peter vs. Vladimir Klitschko could be the most compelling heavyweight matchup in years."
JAMES TONEY - Three-Time World Champion
“It means that we get rid of one of the Klitschko sisters who don’t deserve to be in this fight and it gets me closer to evening the score with the big ugly Samuel Peter.”
“I predict that Peter will win by KO. He is too strong and has learned too much fighting me to lose to a big sissy like Vitali Klitschko, who has been off for way too long.”
CHRIS BYRD – Two-Time World Heavyweight Champion
“It’s a huge fight for the heavyweight division and for boxing. We could potentially have brothers simultaneously holding pieces of the world heavyweight title, making them the most dominant brothers in the history of the sport. Who is going to beat them?”
“Now, normally, I would have to go with Vitali Klitschko in this fight. He’s taller, and more importantly, he is mentally tougher than Samuel Peter. He’s even more mentally tough than Wladimir. And don’t forget, he punches pretty impressively too.”
“However, I’ve got to go with the guy who has been active. The time off, the bad back… the time off is the biggest thing for Vladimir to overcome. Another concern is to go right into a title fight against one of the best out there after a long layoff.”
“Style wise, Vitali Klitschko has the edge by far with his height and reach. The Klitschkos are tough to beat. If Vitali uses his height and reach well, and if he can keep that going for as long as it lasts, Peter is going to have a tough time.”
“It should be a great fight either way.”
OLEG MASKAEV – Former WBC Heavyweight Champion
“I have been in ring with both Klitschko and Peter. I was in the ring against Klitschko as an amateur, and I fought Peter in March. … It’s a real interesting fight and certainly a significant one for the heavyweight division.”
“When it comes to Vitali, one of the biggest challenges is inactivity. I would like nothing better than to get back into the ring with Peter. Klitschko is more experienced, but Peter is active. The question is how Klitschko will come out of camp. If he can overcome the rust, then he will win.”
“Overall, as long as he can overcome the time off, I give the edge to Klitschko.”
AL BERNSTEIN - SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Announcer
“The heavyweight division is in need of compelling match-ups and fighters that will excite the fans. Because of his punching power, Samuel Peter remains a candidate to do that. His rivalry with the Klitschkos continues. The intrigue of Vitali now fighting Peter, after his brother had a strong match with him, adds spice to this match-up. We are all wondering if Vitali can perform up to his previous level after this long layoff. It all makes for a very interesting night of heavyweight boxing."
DINO DUVA – Samuel Peter’s Promoter
"The Samuel Peter-Vitali Klitschko fight is very significant for several reasons. This is the most crucial fight to determine if a true heavyweight title unification bout can take place in the foreseeable future.”
“If Peter wins, this unification is very possible, and will set up the biggest fight in the heavyweight division in a long time with a rematch against Wladimir Klitschko. If that happens, it will allow the heavyweight division to regain much of its lost prominence. And, If Klitschko wins, it will be very unique and historic, and will be the first time ever that two brothers are heavyweight champions at the same time."
"Because of the styles, this bout will not go the distance and will be a great brawl. I can see both fighters going down. The strongest fighter and the one with the most heart will survive."
STEVE FARHOOD – ShoBox Expert Analyst
“Peter-Klitschko is among the most intriguing fights of the year for three reasons: 1) It is critical to the present and future of the heavyweight division. 2) It is a battle of big punchers with very different styles, and 3) It is virtually impossible to predict what's going to happen.
“Both fighters have the ability to score one-punch knockouts, but Klitschko’s four-year layoff is the X-factor.”
“If Klitschko was active and in his prime, I'd pick him to win. But can he survive a long and draining fight? I'll go with Peter. Besides, if Vitali wins, he'll never fight his brother, greatly reducing the chances of a unified title.”
DAVID DINKINS JR. – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Executive Producer
“Samuel Peter has emerged as a force in the heavyweight division. His powerful punching ability and durable chin have always made him formidable. But now with his improved conditioning and defense, he can make a legitimate claim to being the world's No. 1 heavyweight.”
“If not derailed by injuries, Vitali Klitschko might have dominated the heavyweight division in the post-Lennox Lewis era alongside his brother, Wladimir. This comeback fight is his last chance to prove what might have been and an opportunity to rewrite his legacy.”
RAYMOND SMALTZ, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING producer
“For Vitali Klitschko, returning to the fight game for a heavyweight title shot after being away from the ring since December of 2004, would be an unprecedented accomplishment. But a victory would mark him down in the annals of athletic competition as one of the most remarkable comeback stories in our generation.”
“In the immortal words of the late comedian, Rodney Dangerfield, ‘Sam Peter gets no respect!’ But, if he is able to exact revenge against the man who's brother is the No. 1-ranked heavyweight in the world and defeated him in a unanimous decision four years ago, it will go a long way to soothing those old wounds and give Peter the kind of acceptance in the boxing community and around the world...that he so desperately seeks.”
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Coming out party for young lions Jason Estrada & Aaron Williams; ESPN2 Friday Night Fights, Rocky Marciano and Zak DeOssie to be honored
PROVIDENCE– CES stable-mates Jason “Big Six” Estrada and “Awesome” Aaron Williams are planning coming out parties Friday night (April 4) on the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights card, “Heavy Hitters,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), live from Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
2004 U.S. Olympian Estrada (11-1, 2 KOs) fights former NABO/NABA/WBC Continental Americas heavyweight champion Lance “Mount” Whitaker (32-4-1, 27 KOs) in the 10-round main even, while 21-year-old Williams (16-0-1, 11 KOs) also faces his stiffest test to date, ex-NABO cruiserweight title-holder Andre “Tombstone” Purlette (40-2, 35 KOs), in the 8-round co-feature.
The 6’ 8” Whitaker has beaten former world champions Oleg Maskaev and Al “Ice” Cole, as well as previously undefeated Robert Davis (22-0), and 2-time world title challenger Monte Barrett.
“I don’t care if he’s 6’ 8” because we’re not playing basketball,” the 27-year-old Estrada said. “(Mike) Tyson proved height doesn’t matter in heavyweight boxing. I have the kind of hand speed Whitaker’s never seen before. I fought a taller boxer in the amateurs - a 6-9 Cuban - and I beat him in Cuba. I’ll be putting pressure on him from the start. I’ll be going forward and he’ll be going backwards. I’m going to keep beating him to the punch. I’ll out-hustle him. I’m younger, stronger faster, quicker and more motivated. Fighting on ESPN2 in the main event is one more step I need to take. This is my moment. I’ve been waiting for this chance.”
Purlette may have more than twice as many knockouts as Williams has had pro fights, but the prodigy is far from intimidated. “I’ve known him a long time,” 9-time U.S. national amateur champion Williams noted. “We’ve sparred back in the day. He’s going to come to fight and it’s going to be a very interesting fight – youth versus a veteran. Fans are going to see a young, fast kid moving up in the cruiserweight ranks in Aaron Williams. Fighting on ESPN2 in the co-feature means a lot to me. Not only am I an ESPN-caliber fighter, I am also getting closer to being a main event fighter.”
The great Rocky Marciano will be posthumously inducted into the CES Ring of Honor in a special ceremony with his brother, Peter, accepting on behalf of the Marciano family. Marciano (49-0) fought 28 times in Providence, winning 24 by knockout.
Former Brown University football star, Super Bowl champion New York Giants linebacker/special team player Zak DeOssie, will also be honored.
Providence’s dangerous light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina (21-1-1, 15 KOs) takes on Quebec Boxing Council champion David Whittom (10-5-1, 6 KOs) in a 6-round bout. Also on the undercard is light heavyweight “Irish” Joey McCreedy (7-1, 5 KOs) versus “Hurricane” Henry Mayes (6-5-1, 4 KOs) in a 6-rounder, Russian super middleweight Andrey Nevsky (4-0, 3 KOs) against Fitzgerald Johnson (1-3, 1 KO), and flyweight Isander Beauchamp (4-0, 1 KO) tangles with pro debuting Rob Bell. Exciting Philadelphia super lightweight “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (10-0-1, 6 KOs) has been added to the card.
Tickets for “Heavy Hitters” are priced at $35.00 (ADA stage seating only), $40.00, $50.00, (Bronze), $75.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Twin River Event Center (100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI), or any TicketMaster location. Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.
(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Heavy Hitters.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)
2004 U.S. Olympian Estrada (11-1, 2 KOs) fights former NABO/NABA/WBC Continental Americas heavyweight champion Lance “Mount” Whitaker (32-4-1, 27 KOs) in the 10-round main even, while 21-year-old Williams (16-0-1, 11 KOs) also faces his stiffest test to date, ex-NABO cruiserweight title-holder Andre “Tombstone” Purlette (40-2, 35 KOs), in the 8-round co-feature.
The 6’ 8” Whitaker has beaten former world champions Oleg Maskaev and Al “Ice” Cole, as well as previously undefeated Robert Davis (22-0), and 2-time world title challenger Monte Barrett.
“I don’t care if he’s 6’ 8” because we’re not playing basketball,” the 27-year-old Estrada said. “(Mike) Tyson proved height doesn’t matter in heavyweight boxing. I have the kind of hand speed Whitaker’s never seen before. I fought a taller boxer in the amateurs - a 6-9 Cuban - and I beat him in Cuba. I’ll be putting pressure on him from the start. I’ll be going forward and he’ll be going backwards. I’m going to keep beating him to the punch. I’ll out-hustle him. I’m younger, stronger faster, quicker and more motivated. Fighting on ESPN2 in the main event is one more step I need to take. This is my moment. I’ve been waiting for this chance.”
Purlette may have more than twice as many knockouts as Williams has had pro fights, but the prodigy is far from intimidated. “I’ve known him a long time,” 9-time U.S. national amateur champion Williams noted. “We’ve sparred back in the day. He’s going to come to fight and it’s going to be a very interesting fight – youth versus a veteran. Fans are going to see a young, fast kid moving up in the cruiserweight ranks in Aaron Williams. Fighting on ESPN2 in the co-feature means a lot to me. Not only am I an ESPN-caliber fighter, I am also getting closer to being a main event fighter.”
The great Rocky Marciano will be posthumously inducted into the CES Ring of Honor in a special ceremony with his brother, Peter, accepting on behalf of the Marciano family. Marciano (49-0) fought 28 times in Providence, winning 24 by knockout.
Former Brown University football star, Super Bowl champion New York Giants linebacker/special team player Zak DeOssie, will also be honored.
Providence’s dangerous light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina (21-1-1, 15 KOs) takes on Quebec Boxing Council champion David Whittom (10-5-1, 6 KOs) in a 6-round bout. Also on the undercard is light heavyweight “Irish” Joey McCreedy (7-1, 5 KOs) versus “Hurricane” Henry Mayes (6-5-1, 4 KOs) in a 6-rounder, Russian super middleweight Andrey Nevsky (4-0, 3 KOs) against Fitzgerald Johnson (1-3, 1 KO), and flyweight Isander Beauchamp (4-0, 1 KO) tangles with pro debuting Rob Bell. Exciting Philadelphia super lightweight “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (10-0-1, 6 KOs) has been added to the card.
Tickets for “Heavy Hitters” are priced at $35.00 (ADA stage seating only), $40.00, $50.00, (Bronze), $75.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Twin River Event Center (100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI), or any TicketMaster location. Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.
(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Heavy Hitters.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)
Thursday, April 3, 2008
John 'The Qietman' Ruiz fighting his way back into another title shot; 2-time world heavyweight champion player again
LAS VEGAS– Fresh off of his dominating performance against four-time world title challenger Jameel “Big Time” McCline, two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs) has fought himself back into position for another world title shot.
A rejuvenated Ruiz won a lop-sided 12-round decision on March 8 in a near shutout performance (119-109, 118-110, 117-111) against McCline, who is his previous fight had three times floored Samuel Peter, the new WBC heavyweight champion after stopping Oleg Maskaev on the same card in Cancun. (Judge Julie Lederman, who scored 119-109 in favor of Ruiz, also had McCline losing 112-113 to Peter.)
The new Ruiz is similar to the vintage edition of the Puerto Rican/American who first won the world title in 2001 with a 12-round decision against legendary Evander Holyfield.
“I’m excited and looking forward to my next fight,” Ruiz said. “All of my hard training paid off. (Ruiz weighed-in against McCline at his lightest in five years, 233 lbs.) I’m much more confident fighting this time around. I’m more aggressive than I’ve been in years, throwing more punches and combinations. Everybody’s talking about Sam Peter being the best heavyweight since Lennox Lewis. McCline almost finished off Peter and look what I did to McCline. I’m back at the top of my game and I can beat anybody out there. I’m still in the game; I will be a title holder again and try to unify the titles.
“I’m encouraged by a lot of positive feedback I’ve gotten since the McCline fight. I’m motivated more today than I ever was in the past. I changed my whole crew, especially bringing in Manny Siaca, Sr. as head trainer, which has helped me achieve the position I’m in, back on the right track. I’ve been learning some new things with Manny. I feel like I’m almost starting over again. I’m so excited. Manny has trained 28 world champs and I’m going to be his 29th. What I’ve been through makes me want it more today. Working with Manny has been a great opportunity for me to learn and put it into my game. I’m mentally focused and I’ve been doing everything possible to be my best.”
Ruiz, who has fought in 10 world championship fights, has beaten three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – as well as top contenders Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and McCline during his 15-year pro career.
Ruiz-McCline was a WBC Qualifier with the winner promised the No. 3 spot in the next ratings. Ruiz is ranked No. 2 in the WBA and cracked the WBO ratings at No. 11.
“My fight against McCline showed I’m ready for anybody in the division,” Ruiz added. “If any of the true world champions want to show what they’re worth, let them prove it by fighting me, somebody who has never ducked an opponent and with more world title fight experience than anybody. I’m ready for any of the title-holders – (Wladimir) Klitschko, Peter, or the (Ruslan) Chagaev-(Nikolay) Valuev winner. I’m back in the gym already getting prepared for my next fight. I’m back!”
A rejuvenated Ruiz won a lop-sided 12-round decision on March 8 in a near shutout performance (119-109, 118-110, 117-111) against McCline, who is his previous fight had three times floored Samuel Peter, the new WBC heavyweight champion after stopping Oleg Maskaev on the same card in Cancun. (Judge Julie Lederman, who scored 119-109 in favor of Ruiz, also had McCline losing 112-113 to Peter.)
The new Ruiz is similar to the vintage edition of the Puerto Rican/American who first won the world title in 2001 with a 12-round decision against legendary Evander Holyfield.
“I’m excited and looking forward to my next fight,” Ruiz said. “All of my hard training paid off. (Ruiz weighed-in against McCline at his lightest in five years, 233 lbs.) I’m much more confident fighting this time around. I’m more aggressive than I’ve been in years, throwing more punches and combinations. Everybody’s talking about Sam Peter being the best heavyweight since Lennox Lewis. McCline almost finished off Peter and look what I did to McCline. I’m back at the top of my game and I can beat anybody out there. I’m still in the game; I will be a title holder again and try to unify the titles.
“I’m encouraged by a lot of positive feedback I’ve gotten since the McCline fight. I’m motivated more today than I ever was in the past. I changed my whole crew, especially bringing in Manny Siaca, Sr. as head trainer, which has helped me achieve the position I’m in, back on the right track. I’ve been learning some new things with Manny. I feel like I’m almost starting over again. I’m so excited. Manny has trained 28 world champs and I’m going to be his 29th. What I’ve been through makes me want it more today. Working with Manny has been a great opportunity for me to learn and put it into my game. I’m mentally focused and I’ve been doing everything possible to be my best.”
Ruiz, who has fought in 10 world championship fights, has beaten three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – as well as top contenders Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and McCline during his 15-year pro career.
Ruiz-McCline was a WBC Qualifier with the winner promised the No. 3 spot in the next ratings. Ruiz is ranked No. 2 in the WBA and cracked the WBO ratings at No. 11.
“My fight against McCline showed I’m ready for anybody in the division,” Ruiz added. “If any of the true world champions want to show what they’re worth, let them prove it by fighting me, somebody who has never ducked an opponent and with more world title fight experience than anybody. I’m ready for any of the title-holders – (Wladimir) Klitschko, Peter, or the (Ruslan) Chagaev-(Nikolay) Valuev winner. I’m back in the gym already getting prepared for my next fight. I’m back!”
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