Boxing’s Quietman Returns As WBA’s Top Heavyweight Contender

Two-time world heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (41-6-1, 28 KOs) is the World Boxing Association’s No. 1 contender according to its latest ratings. Ruiz had petitioned the WBA for an immediate rematch against Nicolay Valuev for the WBA heavyweight title, or No. 1 rating, after losing a controversial decision 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).”