Norman “Stoney” Stone, the manager and trainer of WBA heavyweight
titlist John Ruiz said that the long-discussed bout between Ruiz and
James Toney has been formally agreed to, although the title fight’s
exact date and site have not been set. “Both parties have signed,”
Stone said. “John’s the man in the heavyweight title and Toney’s just
another temporary obstacle.”
“I’ve been calling for a heavyweight
tournament," said Ruiz, "but none of the so-called world champs are
willing to risk their belts against me. Others talk about being the
best, but I am the best heavyweight today.
Toney’s my mandatory and his
time is coming. It won’t be a problem getting rid of him before I clean
up the rest of the heavyweight division. Come fight time, I’m going to
bust up Toney so bad he won’t be able to trash talk anymore. But I’m
not going to hurt his ears. After he wakes up, I want him to hear the
ring announcer say, ‘And still the WBA heavyweight champion of the
world, John ‘The Quietman’ Ruiz. I’m putting Toney’s lights out for
good.