Alexander v Cross among bouts March 7 at Ogden's Golden Spike Exhibit Hall

 

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On Feb. 21, 2025, light heavyweight boxer Demetrius Alexander, (above) who fights out of Salt Lake City, fought on the inaugural pro boxing Rival Series card, which is part of Ogden-based All Heart Promotions. 

That night, Alexander scored a four-round decision against a tricky, unorthodox opponent, Slava Mayzus. It took Alexander a couple of rounds to figure out Mayzus, but he finished the second half of the bout strongly.

This Saturday night, at Rival Series IV, at Ogden's Golden Spike Exhibit Hall, 1000 N., 1200 West, Ogden, Utah, Alexander returns to the ring in an intriguing local bout. He faces Shon Cross, of Sandy, in a four-round tussle. Cross, a trainer and gym owner, launched his pro boxing career in 2025. He's fought twice on Rival Series cards, winning his pro debut and losing via decision in his last fight.

"Training has been going great," Alexander told Utah Fight Game. "With my opponent not wanting to cut weight I've been able to train and stay healthy the entire camp."

Alexander's head coach for training is Joe Bish at Die Standing gym. "Typically, I'm training six to seven times a week, sparring, strength and conditioning, swimming, as well as incorporating time for recovery," added Alexander.

Utah Fight Game notes that Cross has shown a good jab and resiliency in his two bouts. Alexander says he's prepared to challenge Cross. "My opponent is taller and wants to keep the distance so I'm looking to take away his jab and close the gap," he said.

It's been more than a year since Alexander fought. (More on the reason why below) He is eager to be more active. I always told myself I'd like to get to 10 fights and see where it goes from here. This is fight number 7 (Alexander is 3-3) and I'm feeling in a good place so we will see what the rest of 2026 has in store," Alexander said.

Another bout matches local Isaiah Velazco against Kaeo Meyer. Velazco, a super welterweight, scored an impressive pro debut KO win. Meyer is 0-2.

Also, experienced Ogden super featherweight Isaiah Rodriguez, 3-3, fights Cruz Guadalupe Carbajal. He is 0-6 but lost a majority decision in a Rival Series card last year.

Undefeated local boxer Bobby Tabile, 3-0, faces a tough test when he fights the aforementioned Mayzus, 1-2-1, who as reported gave Alexander a tough bout last year. It will be a middleweight four rounder.

In a featherweight bout, Samuel Flores makes his pro debut against Shane Bridges, 1-6.

Jason DeCarlo of All Heart Promotions serves as matchmaker for the Rival Series cards. "I feel like these are the best matches we've had yet. I'm looking forward to the show."

DeCarlo points to a super lightweight bout between Dillan Nguyen, 2-0, and pro debuting Ricky Mamone as a potential "fight of the night." ... "Bobby and Slava will be a great fight too," DeCarlo added.

Other bouts on the card include super lightweights Emmanuel Aldair Gonzalez Secion, 1-0, versus Zaden Clark, making his pro debut. And super lightweight John Castro, 1-0, fights debuting Sergio Mamone. Both Castro and Gonzalez Secion scored wins last year on previous Rival Series cards.

AND BACK TO ALEXANDER

The reason Demetrius Alexander has not boxed since the premiere Rival Series card is because he has become a father. He and his wife Taylor have a son who just turned eight months old.

"Being a dad is amazing. I genuinely enjoy being a dad and when I get to look back with my son when he's older I'll get to tell him about my glory days a bit!" Alexander said.

Saturday night doors open at 6 p.m. The boxing matches start at 7 p.m. at the Golden Spike Exhibit Hall. Advance tickets are $85 for VIP, $95 at gate. Tables for eight are $1,000. Tickets can be obtained from boxers or from All Heart Gym,1968 N 2000 West, Farr West, UT, 84404. E-mail is allheartboxingshows@gmail.com.

-- Doug Gibson

Talking about the boxing movie Rocky

 

By Doug Gibson

Over the first weekend of 2026, I watched a Rocky marathon on AMC. It brought back pleasant memories of the franchise, which I've enjoyed nearly 50 years. This post will focus mostly on Rocky, the (deserved) Best Picture Oscar winner in 1977. But most of the rest of the films are good. Rocky 2 is a bit derivative, but fun. Rocky 3 is rollicking fun, a combination of the old Saturday morning thrillers and comic books. Rocky 4 is delightful Cold War kitsch; the final half is mostly a series of montage music videos, so very '80s. The less said about Rocky 5 the better, but the much later entry Rocky Balboa is surprisingly good. A scene where Rocky reproves -- with love -- his self-pitying son is among the best in the series. The Creed series is great too, and it's not over yet.

But let's get back to the original, Rocky. I'm amazed at how compelling, well acted and atmospheric it is; shot low-budget in the streets of Philadelphia, its biggest strength is the humility, empathy, and kindness of its protagonist, ham-n-egger boxer Rocky Balboa, (Sylvester Stallone) a lonely athlete who shelved his dreams of fistic fame to be a reluctant "thumb-breaker" for a loan shark. Rocky doesn't like who he is, but he treats other kindly; in fact, he goes out of his way to do so. He effects a tough-guy persona, but it's not him.

Here's some examples:

Early in the film, Rocky kindly attempts to mentor a young teen neighborhood girl drifting into street life. He cares about her future and in his unique street-syntac way tries to counsel her. She disses him in the end. It's poignant that as Rocky walks away he only has criticism for himself, not the girl.

Rocky makes daily visits to chat with a shy, wallflower-type woman named Adrian (Talia Shire), who works at a pet store. Her self worth is very low and she lacks the courage to mostly respond to him. Yet, Rocky, in his earnest, clumsy way, is attracted to her, and senses she likes him. As Rocky leaves, Adrian's enthusiastic final goodbye provides a hint of future romance.

Rocky's graciousness extends to his surprise invitation to meet boxing champ Apollo Creed's promoter. He's deferential and humble, asking the secretary for the invitation card back (scrapbook?). The sequence where he works to sell himself as a sparring partner for Creed to a bemused Miles Jergens is powerful. It underscores Rocky's yearning to be more than he is. His initial "no" upon learning the offer is to box Creed for the championship reveals his humble, practical side. At that point in time he knows he'd be slaughtered by the champ.

That leads to the best scene in Rocky, where gym owner and trainer Mickey offers his services to prepare Rocky for the title fight. Until then, Mickey (Burgess Meredith) has been harsh to Rocky, taking away his locker at the gym, and generally being short-tempered with him. But one never senses Mickey hates Rocky; his anger is tinged with disappointment. When Rocky presses him, Mickey erupts. He yells at Rocky, telling him he threw away his potential to become a "legbreaker" for a cheap crook. Rocky's reply is classic in its simplicity: "It's a living." Mickey replies, "It's a waste of life."

Back to the scene. We learn that Mickey's life has been discouraging too. He sees in training Rocky a chance to have his shot. Mickey's humble request brings out repressed resentment from Rocky. In the superb scene, Rocky rebuffs Mickey. As Mickey continues, Rocky, back to Mickey, loses his temper. Rocky's pent-up rant spills out for a long time, continuing as a defeated Mickey leaves his studio apartment and walks the street. The climax of the scene again reveals Rocky's humanity. He follows Mickey down the block and catches him. Mickey flinches for a split second but Rocky puts his arm around him. The audience can't hear but you know he's accepting his help.

Some other scenes include Rocky gently letting Adrian know what a pretty woman she is on their Thanksgiving date. Another is Rocky in the gym, seeing Adrian's jealous but cowardly brother Paulie (Burt Young). Paulie had earlier caused drunken havoc at Adrian's home, threatening Rocky. Rocky had easily repelled him. But it was an ugly scene. At the gym Rocky's forgiving nature again reveals itself, allowing Mickey to earn $3,000 by arranging to have his work place an ad on his entrance robe for the big fight.

More scenes: In the opening club fight, Rocky, in the corner between rounds, takes time to assure a bet-happy bum he can KO his opponent in the next round. In another, Rocky, working for the loan shark, disobeys his boss and does not break the thumbs of a debt-ridden bet loser who hasn't paid. Finally, I like the quiet dignity of Rocky, alone in the arena the day before the fight, telling condescending promoter Jergens that his trunk's colors are wrong on the poster. Jergens feels it's no big deal, telling Rocky he'll "put on a good show."

By the way, my favorite two seconds in the big fight is a camera cut away to Jergens in Round 2. He is puffing on a cigar in Row 1, eyes fixed, with an understated shocked look on his face that the club-fighting underdog has Creed on the ropes and is tagging him right on the chin. 

One more thing: The ensuing bout between Rocky and Creed (Carl Weathers), while over the top, is quite realistic. You can imagine a real fight like that. As the franchise went on, Rocky's ensuing fights became absurd, unrealistic slugfests.

Also, Stallone's Rocky hides his embarrassment at "cheap shots" from insulting TV sports journalists by being blustery and witty at the end of a TV interview. The night before the bout, he confesses to Adrian going the distance is more important than winning. If he does that, he'll know he wasn't just another bum from the neighborhood.

Here's two paragraphs for boxing nerds like me: Rocky calls himself a club fighter to Jergens, and it's true that the opening fight in the film is a club card. Rocky nets less than $40 for the win. But was Rocky always a club fighter? I say no. His record is listed as 44 wins and 20 losses. That is the record of a good journeyman heavyweight. When they choose Rocky as an opponent, although unmentioned, Jergens and Creed are perusing a record book of decent to great heavyweights. Rocky's in there. I think Rocky was until very recently a working, main-bout heavyweight, winning more than not but losing the bouts against contenders and top prospects. To sum up, I think he's given up his career dreams to work for a loan shark but still loves the sport enough to fight in the clubs. That underscores Mickey's irritation at him early in film.

So why am I ruminating such poppycock? Because I think an excellent prequel series on Rocky Balboa could be a streamer series or movie. We could see Rocky as a young prospect, his early hopes and then the ensuing discouragement of losing to top heavies of the previous decade: Sonny Listen, Floyd Patterson, Jerry Quarry, Oscar Bonavena, Jimmy Ellis, even Joe Frazier? I heard a Rocky prequel might be in works, but I doubt they'd take this appoach.

A lively night of amateur boxing at Foley's gym

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On October 25th in Ogden, Utah, Foley's gym hosted an amateur fight card. The gym was packed and fans enjoyed 23 bouts, two bouts were walkovers. There are many locations in Utah that host great amateur cards. However, Utah Fight Game was there so here is a list of winners: (Above are photos of the 170-pound bout between Austin Gussie (Foley's gym) and Luis Torres (Fight City. Below are photos of a bout between 180-pounders Luciano Salazar (Foley's gym) and Scott Roberts (Fullmer's). Gussie has a white shirt and Salazar has red trunks).

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So on with the results:

147 pounds: Ben Zimmerman (Die Standing) decisioned AJ Karali (Louis Boxing)

90 pounds: Joseph Gomez (Gomez KO Boxing) won via walkover

70 pounds: Marcelo Renteria (Razor's Edge) won via walkover

125 pounds: Johnny Gonzalez (Foley's gym) decisioned Korban Green (Southern Utah Boxing)

110 pounds: Eli Preciado (FADN Boxing) decisioned Gasper Gerrero (DEORUM)

135 pounds: Jourdan Gonzalez (Razor's Edge) decisioned David Gonzalez (Foley's gym)

130 pounds: Ryan Cervantes (Deorum) decisioned Christopher Nova (City Center)

162 pounds: Brendan Rochet (Foley's gym) defeated Aaron Lugo (Independent)

112 pounds: Giovani Lopez (Deorum) decisioned Miguel Baristain (Los Gallitos)

135 pounds: Parker Preator (Foley's gym) decisioned Alexi Jimenez (Roots Boxing)

100 pounds: Julian Garcia (Boxfit) defeated Jayden Mirada (Palafox)

180 pounds: Luciano Salazar (Foley's gym) decisioned Scott Roberts (Fullmer's')

180 pounds: Alan Revolorio (Razor's Edge) defeated Alfonso Chavez (Tafoya's)

170 pounds: Austin Gussie (Foley's gym) decisioned Luis Torres (Fight City)

135 pounds: Eli Tinney (Legends Cache Valley) defeated Dujon Sharrer (Foley's gym)

130 pounds: Salvador Rosales (City Center) defeated defeated Dylan Benites (Deorum)0

125 pounds: Alan Gallegos (Deorum) defeated Damien Murdock (Foley's gym). (NOTE: UTAH FIGHT GAME considered this bout "the fight of the night.")

145 pounds: (women's bout) Abby Ferrell (Legends) defeated Dawson Harvey (Legends Cache Valley)

155 pounds: Cesar Garcia (Palafox) defeated Ben Gill (Foley's gym)

155 pounds: Dylan Endo (Fight City) defeated Jordan Weiler (Foley's gym)

110 pounds: Emmanuel Soria (Palafox) defeated Edgar Praciado (FADN Boxing)

185 pounds: Abe Maldonado (Foley's gym) decisioned Cameron Jeppson (Legends Cache Valley)

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Utah Fight Game missed the final three bouts: 135 pounds: Daniel Star (Gomez KO Boxing) versus Luis Fernando Rios (Fight City); 147 pounds: Juan Maya (Los Gallitos) versus Andrew Christiansen (Gomez KO Boxing); and 170 pounds: Tristan Pinot (Fight City) versus Tristan Carreon (Legends). We will add those results when obtained. We have reached out to the promotion.

Dave Foley hosted and matched the card to a full house. USA Boxing Utah officiated. Pat Nielsen was the announcer. Names of boxers are as listed on card below.

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Avelos, Tabile, Gutierrez among winners at Ogden boxing card

 

It was a good night for pro boxing in Ogden, Utah, on Friday September 26 as five of six bouts at Rival Series 3 (All Heart Promotions) were competitive fights that went the distance. 

It wasn't the main event, but it can be argued that a bout the large crowd at The Golden Spike Event Center enjoyed the most was a four-round junior middleweight fight between Northern Utahns -- and former amateur rivals -- Bobby Tabile and Eligio Hernandez Jr. (In the photo above Tabile is seen landing a right hand). To use a cliche, the fight was a war, particularly in the second and fourth rounds.

Tabile, 2-0, took a unanimous decision over his rival, 1-2. However, both fighters landed a lot of leather and had their moments. After Tabile took the first round, Hernandez rebounded to win the second. As mentioned, both fighters scored well but the difference was Tabile's punches were straighter, often landing in between Hernandez's more wider shots. Tabile, who had cruised through his first two fights, passed a tough test tonight, beating a fighter whose gone the distance in all his fights. Hernandez looked much improved from an earlier decision win this year over Jacob Diaz. Scores were 40-36, and 39-37 twice. Utah Fight Game scored it 39-37 for the winner. A six-round rematch woud be interesting. (More photos of fight are below)

AVELOS DEFEATS ANTONIO CERVANTES

Speaking of six round fights, the two co-mains were slated for that distance. In the main bout, Carson City, Nev., lightweight Christian Avelos (see above at left) scored a narrow unanimous decision over Northern Utah boxer Dyllon Antonio Cervantes. It was a match between the boxer (Avelos) and the aggresive, moving forward, slugging Antonio Cervantes.

It was a close fight with Antonio Cervantes wearing down Avelos and stunning him with a left hook in the sixth round. However, there were too many instances of the boxer Avelos, who had an excellent left jab, counterpunching strongly, landing several punches in a row. The three judges scored the bout 58-56. Utah Fight Game scored it 58-57 for the winner, now 4-3-2. Antonio Cervantes falls to 4-7-1.

HEAVYWEIGHTS LE'I AND BLASKO FIGHT TO A DRAW

In the photo above, heavweights Bishop Le'i (ar right) and Jacob Blasko react to learning they've fought a six round draw. It was an entertaining scrap. One judge scored it 58-56 Blasko; another 59-55 Le'i, and the third with a 57-57 tally. Le'i (3-0-1) and Blasko (2-2-1) fought four years ago, with Le'i scoring a 4th round TKO.

Blasko scored often but Le'i used body shots to his advantage early and later scored shots upstairs too. We mean no disrespect to Mr. Blasko, who fought well, but Utah Fight Game scored the bout 60-55 for Le'i, who seemed to have a slight edge throughout. (More photos below).

MAURO GUTIERREZ SCORES SECOND STRAIGHT WIN

Logan junior lightweight Mauro Gutierrez is proving too tough for debut fighters. Gutierrez (seen above at left) scored a unanimous four-round decision over Rene Mendoza. Gutierrez, who scored a narrower win over debuting Jesus Saldano in June, dominated a game Mendoza the entire fight, scoring a knockdown in round three. Gutierrez, 2-1, was just too experienced, with strong ring generalship. The judges scored the bout 40-35, as did Utah Fight Game.

IN OTHER BOUTS ...

Light heavyweight -- and local trainer -- Shon Cross, 1-1, lost a unanimous decision to Daniel Castro, 3-1, who had not fought for eight years. Castro looked slightly out of shape, but he was aggressive early and constantly landed hard body shots to Cross, whose aggression was not often effective. Castro tired the last two rounds. Utah Fight Game had Castro winning a close bout 39-38. The judges scored it 40-36 twice, and 39-37 for the winner.

The opening bout ended quickly as debuting superwelterweight John Castro stopped Jacob Diaz, 0-5, in the first round. Castro got Diaz in the corner and repeatedly landed left uppercuts until the bout was stopped. Diaz has fought on the three Rival Series cards this year. He's a personable, fit athlete. However, this is his second straight early loss and he might benefit from taking a rest to recuperate and possibly come back to the ring next year.

Attending the fight card was undefeated pro bantamweight Aaron Maximus Garcia, 8-0. The Payson, Utah boxer, a former National Golden Gloves champion, was interviewed by ring announcer Destiny McCubbin. The card was streamed online. Charles Presnell, of The Fight Chatter podcast and Substack page, provided, along with others, commentary.

-- Doug Gibson, at ringside.

Le'i, Cross and Tabile among boxers at Rival Series card in Ogden on Sept. 26

 

On Sept. 26, Friday night in Ogden, Utah, at The Golden Spike Event Center, in Ogden's Weber County Fairgrounds. Six pro bouts are scheduled in Rival Series 3, from Weber County's All Hearts Promotions, Monica DeCarlo promoter, Jason DeCarlo matchmaker.

The location is 1000 N, 1200 West. Gates open at 6 p.m. Fights begin at 7 p.m.

The main event, a six-rounder, matches two Northern Utah heavyweights, Bishop Le'i, 3-0-1 against Jacob Blasko, 2-2.

The co-main event, also six rounds, matches Salt Lake City lightweight Dyllon Cervantes Alvarado, 4-6-1 against Christian Avalos, 3-3, from Carson City, Nevada. Cervantes Alvarado fought on the first Rival Series card in February, winning a decision.

In a four-round middleweight bout, debuting John Castro meets Jacob Diaz, 0-4. This will be Diaz's third Rival series bout.

Super featherweight Mauro Angel Gutierrez, 1-1, meets debuting Rene Mendoza in a four-round fight. Angel Gutierrez fought on both Rival series this year, losing a decision to Isiah Rodriguez and winning a decision over Jesus Saldano.

In a four-rounder, middleweight Bobby Tabile, 2-0, meets Eligio Hernandez Jr., 1-1. This is Tabile's third Rival Series fight and Hernandez Jr.'s second with Rival Series. They both have fought the aforementioned Jacob Diaz. Hernandez Jr. won a decision and Tabile won by second round TKO. 

In another four-rounder, Salt Lake City boxing trainer Shon Cross (seen in the photo above in his winning fight in June with Rival Series with Erik Lopez) looks to go 2-0 against Daniel Castro, 2-1. They are light heavyweights.

Tickets can be obtained at the gate but also by contacting All Heart gym at 1968 West 2000 North, Farr West, Utah. The promotion also has a Facebook page. Also, tickets can be purchased by contacting boxers. All Heart can be reached at (801) 389-3700 and via email at allheartboxingshows@gmail.com.

There will also be a stream of the card. Former pro boxer Charles Presnell, of The Fight Chatter, which includes a Substack page, a YouTube video page, and a podcast, will be providing color commentary.

"I am very excited and a little nervous for this opportunity. It is new for me, however, I am always looking for ways to grow," Presnell said.

Presnell, who lives in Brigham City, regularly attends boxing and MMA cards, including every Rival Series card.

"The two color commentators I admire most Ferdie Pacheco and George Foreman. I always enjoyed their ability to mix in knowledge and experiences into the action going on in the ring," he said.

-- Doug Gibson

Tabile, Ruiz, Cross among victors on Ogden boxing card

 

On a surprisingly chilly summer night in Ogden, Utah, a healthy crowd at the Gold Spike Exhibition Hall saw six professional boxing matches on Saturday, June 21.

The main bout matched Bobby Tabile, 2-0 against 0-4 Jacob Diaz. Middleweight Tabile pressured Diaz from the outside, forcing him to the ropes and frequently landing left and right hooks. Diaz tried to keep Tabile off him with a jab but was overwhelmed. The referee stopped the bout at 2:04 of round two. There were no knockdowns.

Charles Presnell, of the Fight Chatter Substack, also covering the fights, suggested to this reporter that a Tabile match with veteran middleweight Christian Aguirre would be an action fight, give the aggressive styles of both. Something to think about if Tabile wins his next couple of bouts.

In another middleweight bout, Julian Ruiz, moved to 2-0 with a second round TKO over debuting William Wirthlin. Ruiz (seen in top photo at left against Wirthlin) overpowered his game opponent, who despite not being knocked down, was defenseless when the fight ended midway through round two.

Two featherweight prospects fought a competitive opening bout, with Mauro Angel Gutierrez, 1-1, winning a unanimous decision over Ogden's Jesus Saldana, making his debut.

After an even first round, Gutierrez (seen at right against Saldana in the above photo) swept rounds two and three, keeping Saldana off balance with feints and side to side movement. Gutierrez scored several body shots, particularly during the third round. Saldana rallied the final 90 seconds of round four. Scores were 40-36 (twice) for Gutierrez, and 39-37 for the unanimous decision. Utah Fight Game scored the bout 40-38 for Gutierrez.

Super welterweight Isaiah Velazco, who trains and spars with Ruiz, floored Dakota Highpine three times enroute to scoring a second-round TKO (2:26). Velazco, 1-0, counterpunched very well against the aggressive Highpine, 0-2.

A sloppy but entertaining slugfest resulted in debuting Emmanuel Aldair Gonzales scoring a majority decision over Cruz Carbajal, 0-5. This was a back-and forth even match with good moments for both boxers. Gonzales received 40-36 nods from two judges with another calling the bout 38-38, which matches Utah Fight Game's tally.

Shon Cross, 33, trainer at Factum gym, made his pro debut as a cruiserweight, winning a four round decision over Erik Lopez, 0-2. Cross fought a cautious but effective bout, narrowly winning round one with just his jab. Cross (seen in the photo above, at right, greeting Lopez prior to bout) gradually upped his offense against his wild-swinging opponent, adding right crosses and body shots to his tiring opponent. Cross nearly stopped Lopez, who was battered into the ropes at the end of round three. Lopez, to his credit, lasted the distance, even landing a solid right at the end of the bout. The tallies were 40-36 twice and one call of 39-37. Utah Fight Game scored the bout 40-35 for Cross.

A scheduled heavyweight bout between Bishop Le'i (3-0-1) and Trevor Kotara, 4-4-1, was a late scratch.

The All Heart Promotions team, promoter Monica DeCarlo, and matchmaker Jason DeCarlo, plan another card in Ogden in November.

-- Doug Gibson

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In other fight news, Jarome Hatch, a Texas MMA and bareknuckle fighter with Utah ties, scored a stoppage win on June 21 in Nashville, Tenn., over Cody East, previously No. 1 contender. It was voted Fight of the Night.

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According to former pro boxer and trainer Tim Carroll, there will be a 12-bout Fullmer amateur card Saturday, June 28, at 10960 South Park Road, South Jordan, UT 84095. The bouts start at 7 p.m. What's very interesting is Carroll, who is also a standup comedian, will entertain the crowd, along with other comedians. The comedy sets will take place between bouts with a top comedian honored at end of night. The above address is where the Fullmer Legacy Center is located. 

And on Saturday, July 5, at Crossfit gym in Clearfield, boxing trainer Pablo Padilla's birthday will be celebrated. There are lots of activities planned. All information is on flyer below.

Ruiz, Saldana among pros competing in Ogden boxing card June 21

 

Nearly three years ago, Salt Lake City's Julian Ruiz made his professional boxing debut a successful one. Middleweight Ruiz, (in above photo at left) scored a win over Najeeh Belcher. 

Ruiz has enjoyed a professional career in MMA, fighting on Professional Fighters League and Fierce Fighting Championship cards, compiling a pro record of 4-2, with a long amateur tenure.

But he's returning to the boxing ring Saturday June 21, in Ogden. At the Golden Spike Event Center, 1000 N, 1200 West, Ogden, Utah. Gates open at 6 p.m. Fights start at 7 p.m. Ruiz meets debuting William Wirthlin. There are eight bouts scheduled, all featuring prospects and scheduled for four rounds. It's the second fight card from All Heart Promotions. Promoter is Monica DeCarlo. Matchmaker is Jason DeCarlo.

As he returns to boxing, Ruiz told Utah Fight Game there are key differences between boxing and MMA. It can be tougher to throw boxing-quality punches in an MMA bout, he says. "What I mean by that is they get tired and don’t know how to set things up. Some can throw hard and are good punchers. But boxing is a lot more than that. Huge difference, two different sports. I always say you can train boxing getting ready for an MMA fight. But you can’t train MMA getting ready for a boxing match," adds Ruiz.

"There a lot more muscles and body parts involved. That’s why I like to take (boxing) matches because it sharpens your hands which are the most vital weapons you can have in MMA. "(There's)a lot of grappling, kicking, weight lifting. 

"The strength and conditioning is completely different. The timing is slightly different. The pace is not the same. MMA training camp is a lot more brutal, and makes the boxing seem like an active rest to be honest," adds Ruiz.

Also fighting on the card Saturday is Ogden's Jesus Saldana. The super-featherweight makes his pro debut against Mauro Angel Gutierrez, 0-1. Gutierrez lost a competitive decision earlier this year to Ogden's Isaiah Rodriquez, who is also fighting on the June 21 card.

Saldana (in photo below)  has been an amateur fighter for more than a decade. Utah Fight Game asked him if he has a long-term boxing goal, which he enthusiastically answered with a yes.

Saldana, who jusggles a career in real estate with the "sweet science," saw his opponent's fight earlier this year and with his trainers has a game plan he intends to follow. 

"My training schedule consists of a lot of running, 5-6 miles daily, and lots of sparring with the best boxers from Ogden to Salt Lake City. My love for boxing started 13 years ago when I first stepped foot inside a boxing gym (Marshall White). Some of my favorite boxers include Marvin Hagler, Manny Pacquiao, Julio Cesar Chavez and Erik Morales," said Saldana.

TRAINING

Ruiz is training hard for the bout. "Right now I have Gary Gomez and Sione Pouha as my head coaches. And I train with both pretty much every day, so I’ve been training twice a day. But I work and get help from others, guys that are close friends, even like family to me. Jalel Lopez, Joe Bish and Aaron Garcia have been helping me a lot."

Ruiz' main sparring partner is Isaiah "Chais" Velazco -- also fighting on the card -- but he also spars with boxers Jon Bryant and Aaron Garcia Jr.

"I got so much love for each one of these guys and I look up to each one of them, on top of that they know there stuff. That’s why this is an opportunity to really level up and elevate my game!" Ruiz adds. 

As for his opponent Wirthlin, Ruiz has trained with him in past and says he respects him.

OTHERS ON CARD

There are some intriguing matchups on the Ogden card. Shon Cross, trainer at Factum gym, makes his pro debut at age 33 in a light heavyweight bout. He meets Erik Lopez, 0-1. Also, an interesting heavyweight bout matches Bishop Le'i (3-0-1) versus Trevor Kotara, 4-4-1. 

Isaiah Velazco, debut, meets Dakota Highpine, 0-1, super welterweights; Emmanuel Aldair Gonzales Secion, debut, meet Cruz Guadalupe Carbajal, 0-4, super lightweights; Middleweight Bobby Tabile, 1-0, -- who won on an earlier card this year from All Heart Promotions, fights Jacob Diaz, 0-3. 

As mentioned, featherweight Ogden pro boxer Isaiah Rodriguez, 3-3, also fights Saturday. He meets Jeremiah Lozano, 0-3.

"We are ready for war. Training hard to make the fight easy," Rodriguez said.

Ruiz has shown lots of talent in the cage and ring. He's optimistic about a boxing future.

"I do see myself building my record and having a big super-fight down the road. And I would love to be back on for November (All Heart Promotions card), I already have an opponent in mind. But I have to play it by ear and just see how everything goes!"

Tickets can be bought on fight day or earlier by contacting boxers on card or visiting All Heart Boxing gym, 1968 N. 2000 West, in Farr City, Utah. The boxing event is titled Rival Series II.

-- Doug Gibson