John Ruiz has set his sights on making history when he challenges David Haye for the WBA world heavyweight title in Manchester on Saturday night.
Victory over Briton Haye would see Ruiz join legends Muhammad Ali
and Evander Holyfield in seizing the crown for a third time.
and Evander Holyfield in seizing the crown for a third time. "To be included alongside names like Ali and Holyfield would be a dream come true," American Ruiz said.
"I'll give it everything I can, let's see how the chips fall."
Haye claimed the heavyweight title by beating giant Russian Nikolay Valuev on a majority points decision last November in Nuremberg. And Ruiz, who lost on points to Valuev in 2005 and 2008, believes Haye was fortunate to sway the judges.
"I was surprised he got a decision out there [Germany], Ruiz told BBC Sport.
"I tried three times to get a decision out in Germany but luck was with him, and I bless him and congratulate him, and this time he knows that he will have a fight on his hands come Saturday.
"He did what he needed to do he got the win and if I knew that was the kind of style you needed to use I would have done the same kind of style."
Ruiz, with eight losses, 30 knockouts and one draw in a 54-fight career, claims his opponent is a relative unknown amongst the American boxing public.
"He is still in the beginning stages I mean his name is spreading around but he still has to face someone who has been in the heavyweight division and that is me," said Ruiz, who last fought in November, beating Adnan Serin inside seven rounds.
"When people ask me who I'm fighting and I tell them they still don't know who he is. But sometimes I like to be not known than known and maybe he feels the same way."
Londoner Haye, who has lost once in 24 fights, has described Ruiz as an "ugly type of fighter that drags people down".
However Ruiz, nicknamed the 'The Quiet Man', says he plans to adjust his style for Saturday's MEN Arena bout.
"You are definitely going to see something more of the old-style Ruiz where I used to box and punch, not like recently when I was leaning in too much and came into the hold situation.
"It will definitely play a big role in the fight, with David Haye being the smaller guy and me leaning in on him it could count as a plus. I've got to play it by ear when I step into that ring."
Source: news.bbc.co.uk
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