Apr

18

David Haye Splits With Maloney; John Ruiz Rated High

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Cruiserweight world champion David ‘The Hayemaker’ Haye has amicably severed ties with promoter Frank Maloney, ending a successful two-year promotional relationship. Londoner Haye, 27, began his association with Maloney in early 2006, during his run as European cruiserweight champion. Aided by Maloney, Haye successfully negotiated three defences of the EBU title in 2006, including a WBC title eliminator. The link-up eventually culminated in Paris in November 2007 when Haye dethroned WBC and WBA world champion Jean-Marc Mormeck.

Maloney and Haye part company at a time when ‘The Hayemaker’ appears to be at the peak of his powers, both physically and promotionally. The WBA/WBC champion added the WBO version to his collection on March 8, 2008 when he dramatically knocked out domestic rival Enzo Maccarinelli in front of 20,000 fans at London’s O2 Arena.

Moving forwards, Haye is now perceived as the strongest hope for salvation of the faltering heavyweight division. Haye plans to make his first major heavyweight splash towards the end of the year and has targeted a world heavyweight title shot in 2009.

Ruiz rated high, still avoided

LAS VEGAS (April 17, 2008) – 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.

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