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As two-time world heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (41-6-1, 28 KOs) awaits a purse bid for his mandated World Boxing Association title eliminator against No. 2 rated challenger Ruslan “White Tyson” Chagaev (21-0-1, 17 KOs), the No. 1 ranked Ruiz formally announced he has signed a managerial contract with German Wilfried Sauerland.
“We wanted somebody who would back us up and always look out for our best interest not their own,” Ruiz explained. “(Don) King (Ruiz’ promoter) offered us a deal that was less than half of what I should make on this fight. We’re letting it go to purse bid. I’ve always felt that I was in the background with King. He’s always been more willing to work with others than me. I’m tired of that and it’s time to move forward.
“Sauerland is a big-time promoter in Europe. We wanted to be more worldwide and signing with him helps us expand to Europe. All of the (world heavyweight) champions are from Europe or Russia and being with Sauerland we have more of a chance getting in the ring with them. I’ve always loved fighting in Europe. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve had a lot of success (6-1, 5 KOs) fighting them, going back to when I was fighting a lot in England earlier in my career. My last fight over there (vs. Valuev) was a gift, but this fight is going to be different.”
In addition to manager Sauerland, the new Team Ruiz also includes head trainer Manny Siaca, Sr. “I now have a German manager and Puerto Rican trainer,” Ruiz added. “We’ve gone global.”
The winner of Ruiz-Chagaev will be the No. 1 mandatory contender for WBA heavyweight champion Nicolay Valuev, who last December in Berlin won a controversial 12-decision and title belt from Ruiz.
