Heavyweight contender John Ruiz (41-6-1, 28 KOs) is the  WBA's top-rated contender according to its latest ratings. Ruiz had petitioned the WBA for an immediate rematch against Nicolay Valuev for the WBA heavyweight title,  after losing  the title to him last December in Berlin.  "I want to thank the WBA for granting at least one part of our petition," Ruiz said. "If we couldn't get an immediate rematch, we asked that I be rated in the No. 1 position and next in line for a WBA title match against the winner of Valuev and (Owen) Beck (June 3)."  With Ruiz expected to purse the WBA title, a spot in an IBF eliminator has now opened up against Sultan Ibragimov. Ruiz could have taken that fight, but is now expected to pass, meaning the IBF should start from the top its list of contenders with Ray Austin.