THE SHOWDOWN / BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE DE LA HOYA-RUELAS FIGHT : RAFAEL RUELAS : Gabriel Is Glad to Be Just a Lounge Act

Gabriel Ruelas, a boxing star in his own right, said he doesn’t mind giving up center stage to brother Rafael on Saturday night.

Dan Goossen, the fighters’ manager, initially did not want Gabe to fight on the card, figuring correctly that the World Boxing Council junior-lightweight champion would get lost in the hype of the main event.

But Goossen said Caesars Palace wanted both Ruelas brothers on the card and, in the end, money talked.

So, Gabe will defend his title against No. 8 contender Jimmy Garcia.

Does he mind not being in the spotlight?

“I’m glad,” Gabe said. “Even if I didn’t have a fight, I’d be up here (in Big Bear) anyway. I have a son and a wife, but I’d still be up here. Since we were kids, we’ve just been so close. I’m glad I’m fighting on this card.”

The fight has allowed Gabe to train side by side with Rafael, who is preparing for the biggest fight of his life, against Oscar De La Hoya. The brothers have shared the same fight card more than 20 times.

As usual--actually, he has no choice in this case--Gabriel will fight before Rafael.

Gabe plans to take care of his business against Garcia, then pull up a ringside seat for the big show. “I’ll be nervous because I’m always nervous, not because he’s fighting Oscar De La Hoya,” Gabe said.