PHOENIX — June 25, 2014 — One of the most highly anticipated fights in recent Arizona boxing history has been canceled. Andrew Hernandez (6-0-1-1, 1KO), who was slated to fight the also undefeated Joey Ruelas (8-0-1, 3KO), has withdrawn from the fight, citing a broken hand. The card is still on, with undefeated Phoenix-based prospect Jose Benavidez, Jr. headlining and two-time Mexican Olympian Oscar Valdez in the co-main event bout. Undefeated prospect Trevor McCumby (15-0, 12KO) is also on the card.
“I was really looking forward to fighting Andrew and showing everybody who is really ‘The Fighting Pride of Phoenix,’ which is me,” said Ruelas. “I already knew this was going to happen from the gate when they told me he was going to fight me. I knew he was going to back down. I want to let all his fans know he ain’t ever going to fight me. He doesn’t have the balls to fight me.”
Iron Boy Promotions’ Roberto Vargas expressed regret at the development. “I know the fans were excited to see this bout. We got a lot of positive feedback from the community, and I hope when Andrew’s hand is healed, he’ll fight Joey. It’s what the fans want to see. Joey is ready. He was willing to go up in weight ten pounds to face Andrew.”
Joey Ruelas will remain on the card, and matchmakers will locate a replacement opponent. Jose Benavidez, Jr. and Oscar Valdez both remain at the top of the Unimas Solo Boxeo Tecate card.
Tickets for the event may be purchased at www.iron-boy.com or at the Celebrity Theatre Box Office and are priced at $65, $50 and $30. Doors open at 5 p.m. on July 26th, and first bell is at 6 p.m.
