Boxingtalk caught up with Light Heavyweight brawler Jesus "Chuy" Ruiz (19-4-17KO). Ruiz is coming off of an impressive first round knockout over Rodney Moore back on Nov 10th in Montebello California. Ruizs' most notable fight was against Paul Briggs (21-1) where he lost a very controversial decision. Jesus is ready to take 2007 by storm, and looks to position himself into a world title challenge in late 2007.
BT - Jesus talk about your last fight, you knocked this guy out in the first round.
JR - I trained hard for the fight, previous to the fight I had some issues with management but it's all behind me now. I was a little bit worried being off for 2 years, so I was nervous. I was
a little concerned with my conditioning, but once the bell rang I felt like I was 23 yrs old.
BT - Chuy were you surprised by how well you did being off for those 2 years ?
JR - Yes I was surprised.
BT - How important was that for you to look impressive being off for that long ?
JR - It was very important, the career for a boxer is too short and losing those two years puts a little pressure on me to do well.
BT - How important is it for you to look even more impressive in your next fight ?
JR - It's really, really important. A few short years ago I was ranked number 4 in the WBC. I called the WBC and explained that I was having an issue and had to go to arbitration. It's really
important, I would like to fight again in January or February.
BT - Many people that saw your fight against Paul Briggs thought you won that fight, talk about that fight Jesus.
JR - That was a mandatory fight and the winner would fight Roy Jones Jr, after the fight he told me 'congratulations'. He was a real gentleman, he told me that he didn't feel like he won the fight. He told me that if he won the world title that he would give me a title shot, but we all know that he lost to Tomasz Adamek (31-0) so now I want my opportunity with Adamek.
BT - When do you want to get back in there Chuy ?
JR - My last fight was Nov 10th, I was back in the gym on November 13th. My trainer was like 'wow, he's already back in the gym'? he was surprised.
BT - What is the biggest difference in you this time around ?
JR - You know what? I don't feel like I was ever out of boxing, I kept training and I kept looking for a fight but it was really hard with the arbitration. I think that now with my new body, and my new team, and experience I feel much better. I never drink or use drugs, I go to sleep early, I feel great. All of the people that know me ask me what I do to feel so well all of the time.
BT - Do you want some tune-up fights before calling out a Tomasz Adamek ?
JR - Yes I think 3 or 4 more fights before I am ready for Adamek. I think he fights excellent, he's really strong and intelligent in the ring. I think my style will be difficult for him, I think it's a way to beat him, but I think two or three more fights before I am ready.
BT - Do you have any closing thoughts for the fans Chuy ?
JR - Yes, I want to tell the Mexican fans that I am a Mexican warrior that they like to see, and I look forward to winning a world title.
M
Send questions and comments to: bradcooney1@bellsouth.net