2-time world heavyweight champion John 'The Quietman' Ruiz, Ruiz rated high, still avoided "Team Ruiz"

LAS VEGAS– Former two-time world heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz used to be the Rodney Dangerfield of boxing as well as one of its most avoided fighters. Now, though, the new Ruiz has gained respect in many circles, particularly after his impressive win against 4-time world title challenger Jameel McCline, yet, John remains the opponent champions and top contenders alike least want to fight.

Top American contender Ruiz and European challenger Alexander Dimitrenko are the only heavyweights rated among the top six in the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation. Rated No. 2 and No. 3 by the WBA and WBC, respectively, and No. 6 by the IBF but, unlike Dimitrenko, Ruiz is also ranked in the top 10 by The Ring magazine.

“After so many years of not being respected,” Ruiz said, “it’s exciting to know and feel that I’m finally being recognized as one of the top heavyweights in the world. I’m glad. It’s been a long time coming. I’m ready to clean-up the heavyweight division and I’m willing to fight any of the reigning champs or other top contenders.

“I can’t wait for my next fight. I’m so much more confident fighting this time around, throwing more punches and combinations, just being more aggressive in the ring. I’m motivated more today than I ever was in the past. I changed my whole team and it’s really made a big difference, especially having Manny Siaca, Sr. as head trainer. I’ve learned so much from Manny. We’ve been working hard and it’s paying off.”

Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs) has fought himself back into position for another world title shot, coming off an impressive 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 new Samuel Peter, returning to the vintage days when “The Quietman” first won a world title with a 12-round decision against legendary Evander Holyfield in 2001.

The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights, defeating three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and McCline during his 15-year pro career.

Bob Trieger, Full Court Press

JOE CALZAGHE WINS DECISION OVER BERNARD HOPKINS

BERNARD HOPKINS VS. JOE CALZAGHE

HBO Sports presented Bernard Hopkins vs. Joe Calzaghe a light heavyweight fight live SATURDAY, APRIL 19(9:45 PM ET/6:45 PM PT) from The Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Six years after unsuccessfully seeking a matchup with Hopkins, Joe Calzaghe now (45-0, 32 KOs), from Newbridge, Wales, finally gets his wish. Known as "The Pride of Wales," the 35-year-old will be fighting at light heavyweight for the first time following a record-tying 21 consecutive world title defenses at super middleweight. In his most recent bout on Nov. 4, Calzaghe unified a host of world titles by taking the belts from Mikkel Kessler in front of a raucous home crowd at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. The Hopkins fight will be Calzaghe's first in the United States and only his third outside the United Kingdom, as well as his third HBO appearance.


Over the course of his 20-year career, Philadelphia's Bernard Hopkins now (48-5-1, 32 KOs) has established himself as one of the premier fighters of his era and one of the greatest middleweight champions of all time. After building a reputation on stellar performances against premium competition like Felix Trinidad and Oscar De La Hoya, Hopkins cemented his legacy with a stunning victory over reigning champion Antonio Tarver in June 2006 in his first fight at light heavyweight. Following a short retirement, Hopkins returned to the ring last July, scoring a convincing victory over former 154-pound champion Ronald "Winky" Wright in his second light heavyweight bout. This bout marks the 43-year-old Hopkins' 16th appearance on HBO.

Rodriguez & Hinkey ready to shine on “Diamonds in the Rough” pro boxing card

PAWTUCKET, Rhode Island – Pro boxing returns to Boston on May 17 when promoter Peter Manfredo, Sr., in association with Let’s Get It On Promotions, presents “Diamonds in the Rough” at Freeport (I.B.E.W.) Hall in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

Worcester (MA) middleweight prospect Edwin Rodriguez (4-0, 3 KOs) and super middleweight Derek Hinkey (4-1, 4 KOs) are in separate 6-round co-main events. The Dominican Republic-born Rodriguez, winner of the 2006 National Golden Gloves Championships and 2005 United States Championships, is a potential rising star. Hinkey, fighting out of McDermitt, Nevada, is a Native American fighter with a rich amateur career.

“We’re doing this to promote some young talent,” Manfredo said. “Rodriguez and Hinkey were top amateurs and they have good shots of going places in pro boxing. They’re a little rough around the edges – that’s why we named the show ‘Diamonds in the Rough” – and they’re learning as pros to get to the next level.”

Also scheduled to fight on the May 17 card are Whitman (MA) super middleweight Mark “The Italian Bazooka” DeLuca (3-0, 2 KOs), 2004 National Silver Gloves champion; Hinkey’s younger brother, heavyweight Tyler Hinkey (2-0-1, 2 KOs); Providence junior welterweight Jesus Caro, New England Golden Gloves champion; Brockton (MA) welterweight Alexandria Madgziak. Caro and Madgziak will be making their pro debuts. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $40.00 (general admission), $55.00 (reserved), $75.00 (ringside) and $100.00 (Golden Ringside), are on sale at Freeport Hall and Manfredo’s Gym. Call 401.723.1359 for additional information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

CONTACT: Bob Trieger, Full Court Press