JOHN RUIZ A TRUE WARRIOR

(INSIDE BOXING) The WBA has a new heavyweight champion in John Ruiz. The first ever Latino heavyweight champion, Ruiz put on an awesome display of power, tenacity and most of all courage in defeating a valiant but aged Evander Holyfield.

Sporting two black eyes, numerous cuts, bruises and swelling from head to toe Ruiz looked to be the loser. But the man who was not given much of a chance against Holyfield would not be denied his place in boxing history.    

Having been GIVEN the decision over Ruiz in their first fight (a disgrace to boxing fans world wide) Holyfield was supposed to dispatch of Ruiz and prepare for either Mike Tyson or Lennox Lewis, who currently holds both the WBC and IBF versions of the heavyweight title.

The alleged boxing experts who believed Holyfield’s assertion that he was not adequately prepared for the first match made Ruiz a decided underdog. Quite astonishing considering the belief of some that Holyfield should have retired after the “gift” given him by the judges following the first bout. 

The role of underdog may have been just the inspiration needed by Ruiz to lay claim to the WBA version of the heavyweight title. He made no predictions. He made no derogatory remarks about Holyfield. He just went about the business of training to become the first Latino champion in heavyweight history.

Ever the warrior, Evander Holyfield gave one heck of an effort against Ruiz but on this night a new warrior in the heavyweight division would emerge. John Ruiz was not given this title he earned every bit of it.

There will be a brief period of rest and then back into the gym Ruiz must go. The opportunity to make big bucks looms directly ahead. While Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson are in a negotiation squabble over money, Ruiz now becomes a viable alternative for both.

Should Ruiz take on Tyson or Lewis? The answer is simple.

“Iron” Mike Tyson is the draw in the heavyweight division. Ruiz vs Tyson is much more appealing than Ruiz vs Lewis. The heavyweight division is ripe with young talent that immediately poses a problem for Ruiz. There is no need to fool around with any of them although there will surely be at least one that will challenge him.  

The position John Ruiz now holds allows him to dictate his opponent in at least his next upcoming bout. He should make that fight his most lucrative payday ever.

What better opponent than the man who just unveiled the softer, gentler side of himself recently on ESPN’s “Up Close”, Mike Tyson.  

If one is truly to believe Tyson does not actually want to “eat the children” of anyone or “tear their heart out” then John Ruiz stands a very good chance of eliminating Tyson from the heavyweight picture.  

John Ruiz showed the ability to withstand everything the aged but valiant Holyfield had to offer. But a hurt Evander Holyfield is in no way comparable to a hurt Mike Tyson. Say what you will of Tyson but when hurt, tired or simply frustrated he is still one of the most dangerous fighters in the world. 

The first Latino heavyweight champion in the history of boxing has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. The next move John Ruiz makes does not necessarily have to do with proving he is the best out there. Actually it should have nothing to do with his status in the heavyweight division. He should look at this as an economic opportunity he will possibly never, ever have again.

John Ruiz, enjoy the title “Heavyweight Champion of the World”. Make appearances across the country in Latino communities. Your people deserve to see your face and shake your hand. History will never forget you and neither will your people. You have established yourself as a true warrior.

Then set about the business of securing your financial future. Set about the business of negotiating a fight between you and Mike Tyson. Public sentiment will be with you. You would be labeled the underdog but that is just the way you like it. For the time being you call the shots. Do not waste the opportunity. 

Lennox Lewis will probably come calling but that is not the revenue generating bout you are looking for. Mike Tyson needs you and you surely can use Mike Tyson.

The time to be selfish has arrived. Take advantage of it…while it lasts.

Boy Wonder