WILL THE LATIN BOXING population STAND AND BE PROUD…

Or will they be let down once again?  When it comes to the heavyweight division the Latino community is quite transparent.  John Ruiz would very much like to change that.  “Saturday, March 3, I will beat Holyfield to become the first Latino Heavyweight Champion.”  Said Ruiz.  And as quite as it’s kept, the Latino boxing community would love nothing more.  The last Latino fighter who seemed to have a legitimate chance at a world title was 6’7” Jorge Luis Gonzalez.  In 1995 an undefeated Gonzalez would step into the ring against Riddick Bowe.  The Latino community was geared up and ready for a Latin heavyweight champion only to be let down by a cowering Gonzalez.  Ruiz has shown he is no coward and comes to fight.  One thing guaranteed you will not see Ruiz buckle and crouch in the corner while Evander Holyfield beats on him.

Evander Holyfield says, “I am not going to make a prediction but I know I am going to knock him out.  To try and predict a round would only put more pressure on myself and I don’t need that.  John Ruiz is a good fighter but good fighters get knock out, too.  This is my year to win all my fights by knockout.”  Holyfield has one thing in his favor and that is he has a history of performing better in rematches.  Holyfield will turn 39 in October and you would have to think his better years of boxing are behind him.  Can he beat Ruiz and move forward to one last big payday against Tyson or Lewis? 

Ruiz can win this and will win this fight if he enters the ring fearless.  Fighters have a tendency to lose a fight before it ever starts because they become afraid of their opponent.  Ala Mike Tyson, remember Michael Spinks vs. Tyson.  Ruiz has fought Holyfield once and believes and as many that he won the fight.  Fear is not a factor.  Holyfield will have to fight and fight hard to beat Ruiz.  “Holyfield will not surprise me this time.  I expect the best from him.  I think he will come out swinging and try to knock me out.  That will work to my advantage because what I do best is counter punch.” Said Ruiz

Latino’s across the world get ready, whether you are from Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico or South America your Latin heavyweight champion is coming.  On Saturday, March 3, 2001, John Ruiz will fight with all his corazon and defeat Evander Holyfield and become the WBA heavyweight champion of the world.  Be proud.

-Blackbull-