Hugo Ruiz Wants Santa Cruz, WBC 122 Lb. Title Shot

By Jake Donovan

With a clear path to the title, Hugo Ruiz now has his sights set on its current claimant—or a pending vacancy in the event he doesn’t land his desired match.

Efforts to get Ruiz to the title stage have produced bittersweet results. The hard-hitting contender from Mexico was in line to face Nonito Donaire in a title eliminator, only for the former champion and his promoter Top Rank to head in a different direction.

Their withdrawal from the ordered fight allowed Ruiz to move into the mandatory challenger position by default. From there, the mission has been to land a showdown with unbeaten 122 lb. titlist Leo Santa Cruz.

He may have to instead settle for a consolation prize in a vacant title fight. Santa Cruz is rumored to be heading towards a long-awaited showdown with Abner Mares, with such a fight taking place at the featherweight limit. It would mark the second straight bout above the 122 lb. limit for Santa Cruz, who would likely have to relinquish the title he’s held since Aug. ’13.

If that’s what it takes for Ruiz to land a title fight, then so be it.

“I want to fight Santa Cruz or whoever has the title,” Ruiz (35-2, 31KOs), states, reiterating his priority. “To me the name is not important, I am ranked number one (by the World Boxing Council, whom recognizes Santa Cruz as its champion), and I'm here on merit. I think I've earned the opportunity and I am training hard to take advantage when the opportunity arises.

“For now, I'm the official challenger; it’s a matter of time before my promoters Promociones del Pueblo and Sampson Boxing Promotions announce my next expected fight date.”

Ruiz has won four straight since a controversial 12-round split decision loss to then-bantamweight titlist Koki Kameda. Each of his last two fights ended inside of a round, having fought less than five full minutes since Sept. ’13.

In the event that Santa Cruz vacates, the WBC will order a fight between its two top-rated contenders. Ruiz is the mandatory, while Qui Xiao Jun is the number-two contender on the strength of a 6th round knockout of Silvester Lopez this past February at home in China.

The lone appeal in such a fight—other than a belt being at stake—would be Jun attempting to become just the second fighter ever from China to win a major title. Still, Ruiz would rather earn his first title against a top fighter—or more specifically hopes that such a top fighter is equally as willing to take on all comers.

“To be the WBC champion means everything to me, but it wouldn’t be the same if Santa Cruz vacates the championships throne,” Ruiz admits. “It is said that Leo is looking invade featherweight. I'm excited to become the new champion and I’m ready to face Santa Cruz or whoever has the title when my time comes.”

Santa Cruz will have to decide within the next few weeks whether he wants to remain champion—in which case he will have to face Ruiz—or if a showdown with Mares is worth giving up the title. He has not made a mandatory defense since winning the title after knocking out Victor Terrazas in three rounds following his reign as bantamweight titlist.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox