Gutierrez Says No to Ruelas Rematch

Lightweight Mauro Gutierrez of Mexico has turned down an offer of $17,000 from promoter Dan Goossen to fight Rafael Ruelas of Reseda on the undercard of the Terry Norris-Brett Lally bout at the San Diego Sports Arena Saturday night.

Ruelas, who was knocked out by Gutierrez July 30 in Reseda, was given a special waiver for a rematch with Gutierrez (45-15) by the California State Athletic Commission.

California laws governing boxing say that once a fighter is knocked out he can not fight for 45 days. But Steve English, the California Athletic Commission’s assistant executive director, ruled that Ruelas’ second-round knockout came was “an extreme situation.” Ruelas, who was 27-0 and a heavy favorite, was knocked down by two Gutierrez left hooks, but he misjudged referee Chuck Hassett’s count and stood up too late to beat the 10 count.

Ruelas he will have to complete the required 45-day suspension. Under English’s ruling, Ruelas was cleared to fight only Gutierrez.

Goossen said Gutierrez made $3,000 for the June 30 bout.

“He’ll never get a chance to make this kind of money again,” Goossen said.