PUERTO RICO HERALD: Ruiz Steals Trindad’s Thunder

May 13, 2005
Copyright © 2005 PUERTO RICO HERALD. All Rights Reserved.

Heavyweight John Ruiz stole the spotlight out from under three-time world champion Felix "Tito" Trinidad this week.

Trinidad (42-1, 35 KO) meets former undisputed 154-pound champion Ronald "Winky" Wright (48-3, 25 KO) Saturday in Las Vegas for what is expected to be one of the best fights of 2005, seconded only by the Corrales-Castillo slugfest last week.

Yet on the day of Trinidad’s pre-fight press conference, all talk was about fellow Puerto Rican and former WBA heavyweight belt-holder. Turnabout was fair play for Ruiz after the WBA officially announced that Ruiz gets his belt back following a positive drug test from his opponent, James Toney.

Toney defeated Ruiz April 30 by unanimous decision in New York, sending Ruiz into a two-week temporary retirement. Ruiz snapped out of his gloom earlier this week to recant and just in time. Two days later, that news was followed by the week’s most unexpected spin: Toney’s 90-day suspension and $10,000 fine for alleged steroid (nandrolone) use.

"The WBA rule couldn’t be clearer. You test positive, you lose your title," said Ruiz’s manager, Norman "Stoney" Stone. "We told the [New York State Athletic] Commission a month ago about Toney’s rages and asked them to make sure he got a drug test. We were right."

According to the WBA rules, the fight was declared a "no contest."

"All I've ever heard was how bad Johnny Ruiz was for boxing," Stone said of his charge, who is thoroughly criticized for his plodding style. "Who's bad for boxing now? Toney's always talking about being a man. Well, he should be a man and admit what he did instead of making excuses. He can't talk trash about us anymore. Toney said he only fears God; he should fear the New York State Athletic Commission, too.

"Toney shot his mouth off, talking a lot of BS and degrading Johnny. But who's going to have the last laugh? I believe everybody in his corner should be responsible, including Dan Goossen. They can make up all of the 'the dog ate my homework' excuses they want, but Toney flunked his test and they should own up to it."

Toney, who denied the charges, is now unlikely to make Don King’s July 23 fight card, which is supposed to feature two heavyweight bouts. Stone, however, said he didn’t really care who Toney fought now that Ruiz had his title back.

"He can fight Byrd if he wants, that’s his business," said Stone. "Johnny could fight Byrd if he wants to as well, but I don’t think he’ll be ready in time for July 23. He just had surgery on his nose and he’s going to need some time to recover."

While Ruiz sits pretty and contemplates his next move, Trinidad is pulling out all the stops against Wright, who has moved up to middleweight (160 pounds) for this fight. It’s a non-title bout, but will still be one of the most watched boxing matches of the year.

Wright has not lost a match in more than five years and twice defeated "Sugar" Shane Mosley to become the undisputed 154-pound champion. Trinidad once reigned at 154 before moving up to 160 in 2001. He came out of a two-year retirement last year, defeating Ricardo Mayorga en route to this match.

"Trinidad will be severely tested [versus Wright], and it all depends on what Trinidad really has," said light heavyweight Antonio Tarver in his pre-fight predictions. "Trinidad is in there looking for that devastating knockout."

Indeed, many say this will be a test of the knockout artist (Trinidad) versus the stylist (Wright). Stone said that if the fight goes the distance, Trinidad runs the risk of losing a decision.

"I favor Winky to win this fight by decision," said Tarver. "If Trinidad is to win this fight, he’ll have to win it by knockout."

Trinidad, however, wasn’t worried about the details and had only trash-talk for Wright during the pre-fight press conference. His father/trainer Felix Trinidad Sr., said his son completed 260 rounds of sparring for the bout.

"It is going to be a great fight. But like I have always said, I am here to win. I am prepared for whatever Winky brings to the table. But Saturday night you will see another great victory for Tito Trinidad," Trinidad told the media. "I am telling you face to face and I am telling you seriously, you still have time to walk away from this fight. Because I am ready to punish you. I hope your corner will not allow me to hit you a lot. You are going to get out of the ring hurt. I am here to win and nothing else. Thanks to Don King for putting this card together and I am sure he will still do the same in the future. I am willing to fight anyone in the future."

Wright, meanwhile, spoke with his own confidence.

"I thank Tito for giving me the opportunity Saturday night. Tito is coming to win and I am coming to win. He is going to try to knock my head off and I am going to try to knock his head off. I know I will be the winner come Saturday night," Wright said.

PUERTO RICO HERALD Ruiz Steals Trindad’s Thunder By Gabrielle Paese

PUERTO RICO HERALD

Ruiz Steals Trindad’s Thunder

By Gabrielle Paese