Leo Ruiz has had August 23 circled on his calendar for the final couple of weeks.
That date might be his coming-out get together. Not solely will boxing followers get to know him, however Ruiz will attempt to ship a message to the junior middleweight division.
Ruiz will face Raul Garcia in a 10-round bout Wednesday evening on the Whitesands (often known as the ProBox TV) Occasions Heart in Plant Metropolis, Florida (ProBox TV, 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT).
The bout between Ruiz and Garcia is a compelling conflict of unbeaten junior middleweight prospects.
The 24-year-old Ruiz (12-0, 8 knockouts), who’s initially from Zacatecas, Mexico and now resides in San Bernardino, California, final fought on April 15, knocking out Esau Herrera de la Cruz within the fifth spherical. In his earlier combat on January 28, Ruiz defeated gatekeeper Cameron Krael by unanimous determination.
Ruiz acquired the decision to face Garcia a couple of weeks in the past. Ruiz is assured he can benefit from this chance.
“I used to be scheduled to combat this previous Saturday (in his hometown of San Bernardino),” Ruiz instructed The Ring Sunday evening. “I took this combat when it was offered to me. I used to be already within the fitness center coaching. I wasn’t engaged on something specifically.
“It’s time for me to step up and I do know I’ve a tricky man in entrance of me. That is the chance that may open doorways for me. I wish to make a reputation for myself within the sport and a win would try this on Wednesday.”
One benefit Ruiz has is that he’s educated on the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in close by Riverside. Ruiz has sparred with the likes of former world unified junior welterweight titleholder Jose Ramirez and unbeaten junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado.
Ruiz has sparred fighters with completely different types, together with former world middleweight title challenger Esquiva Falcao.
Having coach Robert Garcia in his nook has been a constructive, as Ruiz digests something and every thing Garcia instructs, particularly bettering his skill-set. Ruiz has seen the enhancements within the fitness center and believes he can nonetheless turn out to be a greater total fighter.
“I’m all the time within the fitness center and I spar towards completely different fighters,” stated Ruiz. “I spar completely different types. It has undoubtedly helped out loads.
“Robert finds the suitable phrases to inspire you and his directions are straight-forward. He pushes you to work more durable. He has helped me loads and I’ve undoubtedly improved as a fighter.”
A win would put Ruiz ready to be one of many prime prospects at 154 kilos. Garcia (13-0-1, 11 KOs), who resides within the Dominican Republic, stopped Angel Yomar Mateo Arias in his final bout on June 25. Garcia fought on a ShoBox card on April 7, combating to a split-decision draw towards Robert Terry.
Ruiz is assured he has the instruments to make a press release on the expense of Garcia.
“A win would imply loads to me. I’ve been underneath the radar for some time and it’s time for me to place my identify on the market.
“I haven’t had that a lot tv time. I had one combat on ESPN (September 2020). I need folks to see what I’m all about and what I’m able to. I need folks to see the actual Leo Ruiz.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has coated boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He could be reached at [email protected]
Comply with @FSalazarBoxing
