HUGO RUIZ TO HEADLINE IN MEXICO WITH MINOR BELT AT STAKE

Press Release: On July 7th in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Hugo "Cuatito" Ruiz (30-1, 27 KOs) will face Jean Sampson (12-1, 7 KOs) of Nicaragua. The twelve-round fight will mark the third time the 25-year-old Ruiz has defended the WBA interim bantamweight belt he won from Francisco Arce in May of last year. [Ruiz is a third-tier titleholder because the WBA recognizes Anselmo Moreno as super champion and Koki Kameda as champion in the same weight class as Ruiz]. The 22-year-old Sampson is coming off a win over [badly faded] former two-time champion Rosendo Alvarez in May of this year. "I had an excellent training camp with my whole family, my trainer/father Heriberto Ruiz and my twin brothers, Edel and Heriberto Jr," said Ruiz. "I need to be in top shape because I am waiting for Koki Kameda to recuperate from his injury, so I can [fight him]." Manager Fernando Dominguez added that he cannot wait for his charge to face quality challengers like Nonito Donaire or Abner Mares, while Lewkowicz said he is proud of his young fighter. "Hugo gets better with every fight and will soon get the attention of a major American network because of his ability as a boxer and puncher."