The WBA Orders a Rematch between John Ruiz and Nikolai Valuev

Posted by Ramon Aranda on 07.24.2008

Ruiz: "I’m going to Germany to defeat the giant!"

The former two-time WBA heavyweight champ John "The Quietman" Ruiz will travel to Germany to face Nikolai Valuev in a rematch of their 2006 encounter for the interim WBA title on August 30th in Berlin.

After WBA champ Ruslan Chagaev injured himself once again, forcing the cancellation of his title defense against the 7-foot giant Valuev (48-1, 34 KOs), the WBA declared the belt vacant while Chagaev recovers. Meanwhile, Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs) who's ranked #2 by the WBA has earned his rematch with Valuev after losing by somewhat controversial majority decision. Valuev's co-promoter Sauerland Event recently won the purse bid of $2,006,500 to promote the fight with a 50/50 purse split going to the two fighters, beating out Universum Promotions by just $94,000.

The winner of the fight of course will be obligated to defend against Ruslan Chagaev once he returns from his injury – assuming he doesn't suffer yet another one.

"It was more of a robbery than a hometown decision", said Ruiz. "Boxing is the one sport where you can get robbed without a gun. Honestly, I love the German people. They have treated me very well. I'm happy about being able to return not only for a fight, but for my 3rd attempt at a world title."