By Rick Reeno
Contrary to other published reports, Heriberto Ruiz (40-7, 23KOs) will face Mauricio Martinez (35-8, 23KOs) on March 20 in Casino Rama in Toronto, Canada. Ruiz was penciled in as the opponent for WBO bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa on February 21 in Cebu. International matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz advised BoxingScene.com of the Ruiz-Martinez deal.
Ruiz upset Rey Bautista back in November, winning an eight round decision. Martinez is regarded as a tough veteran. Ironically Penalosa knocked him out in 2006. The following year, he redeemed himself on the losing end of a close split decision to William Gonzalez. Less than a month ago, Gonzalez was on the losing end of a majority decision war with IBF bantamweight champ Joseph Agbeko.
