FATHER time is almost catching up with Heriberto Ruiz. He isn?t getting any younger at 33 years old, and may soon be at the twilight of his career. However, in his storied 16-year career, he still lacks something that all boxers long for?a world title.
Ruiz?who has failed in his only world title attempt against Mexican star Rafael Marquez almost seven years ago?wants a taste of that coveted world title and believes that a victory over Filipino Rey ?Boom-Boom? Bautista this Saturday night in the main event of ?Pinoy Pride 6?Grudge Rematch? at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino would earn him another crack at it.
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?If everything comes well and if he beats Boom-Boom,? said Ruiz?s manager Fernando Dominguez, in the press conference yesterday at Mooon Caf?, of the Mexican veteran?s chances of another world title shot. ?This is a very important fight for him. He came here to fight and win the fight. He knows that next will be a chance for a world title. He dedicates this fight to the Filipinos.?
Record
Ruiz is the only other fighter aside from Daniel Ponce De Leon that has dented the impressive record of the 24-year-old Bautista. Ruiz defeated the heavy-handed Filipino in 2008 via a convincing eight-round unanimous decision at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Ruiz is dead serious in his upcoming heated rematch with Bautista and plans to repeat his feat, over two years ago.
?The first fight was a great fight. This is another great fight. I?m ready for this fight,? said Ruiz in his native tongue, which was translated by his manager. ?I don?t like to make predictions. We?ll see on top of the ring. I think I?m going to knock him out.?
Training hard
Ruiz came to hostile territory prepared. He has been training for this rematch, for the vacant International Boxing Federation International featherweight strap, for three months under the guidance of his father and trainer Heriberto Siulok Ruiz in his hometown of Los Mochis, which Domiguez said is home to some of the best fighters in Mexico.
Another Mexican, 24-year-old Juan Carlos Gallegos, also flew halfway across the world to Cebu City to trade leathers with another hot Filipino prospect, Jason Pagara.
Gallegos and the 19-year-old Pagara will figure in a 10-round fight in the main supporting bout.
Both Mexicans will demonstrate their talent in front of the Cebuano boxing fans in a public workout at 5 p.m. at the Parkmall today.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on June 08, 2011.
