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Golden Boy signs John Ruiz, says he’ll fight David Haye on April 3

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Former world heavyweight champion John Ruiz told The Times on Tuesday that he has signed a six-fight deal with Golden Boy Promotions in Los Angeles, and will fight current world heavyweight champ David Haye on April 3 in either England or Germany.

Ruiz was the mandatory challenger for Haye, and when negotiations stalled to stage a Haye fight against Vitali Klitschko, talks turned to Ruiz, who said he was also ‘looking for a promoter.’

Promoted by Golden Boy, Haye (23-1, 21 KOs) won the WBA heavyweight title in November with a majority decision over Nikolai Valuev, who has twice defeated Ruiz, who just turned 38 last week.

‘I love my chances,’ said Ruiz, who won the WBA belt back in 2001 by defeating Evander Holyfield. ‘I’d rather be fighting Haye than Valuev again. I have a better chance to get a decision. Haye’s a mover, a runner, so I have to cut off the ring and make him fight my fight. I’ve been in this division a long time, so I have the experience advantage and I’ll have the weight advantage. I honestly feel comfortable about this fight.’

-- Lance Pugmire

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