Two-time World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz has one question for his mandatory contender, James “Lights Out” Toney: “Are you up to the challenge of fighting the best heavyweight in the world? Ruiz’ manager/head trainer Norman “Stoney” Stone said Ruiz-Toney is a done deal and the only remaining questions are the title fight’s exact date and site. “Both parties have signed,” Stone said.” John’s the man in the heavyweight title and Toney’s just another temporary obstacle.” Ruiz (41-5-1, 28 KOs) is the first and only Hispanic world heavyweight champion in professional boxing history.
“I am the best heavyweight in the world,” Ruiz added. “I’ve been calling for a heavyweight tournament, but none of the so-called world champs are willing to risk their belts against me. Others talk about being the best, but I am the best heavyweight today. Toney’s my mandatory and his time is coming. It won’t be a problem getting rid of him before I clean up the rest of the heavyweight division.
“Come fight time, I’m going to bust up Toney so bad he won’t be able to trash talk anymore. But I’m not going to hurt his ears. After he wakes up, I want him to hear the ring announcer say, ‘And still the WBA heavyweight champion of the world, John “The Quietman” Ruiz.’ I’m putting Toney’s lights out for good. I am the true King of the Heavyweights.”