Two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (41-7-1, 28 KOs) is disappointed that former WBO title-holder Serguei “White Wolf” Liakhovich (23-2, 14 KOs), rated No. 2 by the WBA, hasn’t signed a contract to fight him Saturday night in Chicago.
Ruiz’ legal advisor, attorney Anthony Cardinale, noted that the WBA No. 3 rated Ruiz and Liakhovich first learned about their Oct. 13th fight in mid-September, negotiations continued for weeks, and both fighters received the revised bout agreement on October 1.
“We’ve heard that they’re claiming there wasn’t enough time to fight me,” said Ruiz who signed his contract Oct. 3. “We both learned at the same time and I signed to fight him. If he doesn’t sign to fight me on Saturday, we will petition the WBA to drop him from the No. 2 spot and move me up to that position. I also plan on fighting Saturday in Chicago against Liakhovich, if he signs the contract or another suitable opponent if he doesn’t.”