According to a Don King Productions press release, ex-WBA heavyweight champion John Ruiz will face Otis Tisdale, 26-18-1 on the big Juan Diaz vs. Julio Diaz show in Chicago on Saturday. Ruiz, 41-7-1, signed to face Sergei Lyakhovich, but Lyakhovich declined, saying he had a letter from the WBA ordering an elimination bout against Nikoli Valuev and therefore he didn't want to risk that opportunity to face Ruiz for short money. However, the WBA convention wrapped up with no announcement concerning the heavyweight division, so it remains to be seen what will happen to to Lyakhovich. source: dkp press releaseÂ
