Toney is Ruiz’ Mandatory.

The World Boxing Association has notified Team Ruiz that James “Lights Out” Toney (68-4-2, 43 KOs) is the mandatory contender for WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (41-5-1, 28 KOs). Realizing that Ruiz owed a mandatory defense, Team Ruiz

had inquired about the WBA’s mandatory contender, and its official ruling for Toney was dated January 20, 2005. Ruiz’ promoter, Don King Productions, was ordered by the WBA to commence negotiations with Toney’s promoter, Goosen Tutor, in order to reach an agreement to stage the bout. If an agreement is not reached within twenty days of the order (February 9, 2005), Ruiz-Toney will go to purse bid and all bonafide promoters will be notified of the process.