RUIZ STILL THE WBA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD?
“Toney tests positive for steroids”
By Moncayo Blackbull

May 11, 2005 - John Ruiz defended his WBA heavyweight title on April 30 at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden against James Toney. Ruiz would impress the fans as he abandoned his patented style of punch and grab and resorted to more boxing and movement but in the end he would not impress the judges enough to win, losing his title.

It was reported by writer Wallace Mathews in Newsday that Toney has tested dirty, positive for steroids. The fight will surely be declared a no-contest bout. Therefore, the WBA should rightfully reinstate Ruiz as the Heavyweight Champion. Ruiz deserves this, the Latino community deserves this, after all Toney did not dethrone the champ on a fair and square basis.

Hopefully the WBA organization will not play games and require the champ to fight and win his crown once again.

Meanwhile Toney who is known to flap his lips in non stop fashion, never having anything good to say about anyone all of a sudden has become mute. The diarrhea of the mouth seems to have stopped, well at least momentarily until Toney is advised as to what to say. Can you imagine Toney having to say what he’s told instead of just rambling? Can’t wait…

I’m sure we will get the Fernando Vargas defense, “I was unaware, I was taking vitamins, and someone else prepared my food for me.” The denials and excuses should be saved for the New York Boxing Commission for they have to decide on what penalties to impose against Toney.
As far as the WBA is concerned the fact remains “Dirty is Dirty” and you should not take away a champions title under false pretenses.