Fighting Hard to Forget : Ruelas Determined to Regain Form After Garcia’s Death

His right hand has mended and his psyche continues to heal. Now, it’s time for Gabriel Ruelas to fight.

If only it was that simple.

Ruelas (43-3 with 23 knockouts), former World Boxing Council super-featherweight champion, will face James Crayton in a 10-round lightweight main event tonight at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio.

For Ruelas, 26, who grew up in Sylmar and rose to prominence as a stable member of Ten Goose Boxing in North Hollywood, the bout is the latest on the comeback trail. It is his fourth since the horrific evening in Las Vegas almost two years ago when he successfully defended his title with a 11th-round technical knockout of Jimmy Garcia.

Moments after the bout, Ruelas learned that Garcia had collapsed as a result of his blows. Garcia died within days, leaving Ruelas despondent and questioning his career choice.

Ruelas returned to the ring seven months later, only to lose his title to Azumah Nelson in a sixth-round knockout at Indio.

Appearing uncharacteristically awkward against Nelson, Ruelas claimed he had seen Garcia’s ghost in the ring. He later recanted, saying he was suffering from flu. Regardless, it was clear he was not the same fighter.

“It was all very hard when it happened, believe me,” Ruelas said. “I asked myself, ‘How did this happen?’ I don’t wish for that to happen to anyone.”

Ruelas rebounded with victories over Julio Herrera and Angelo Nunez, and is ranked second by the WBC. Another title fight could come soon for Ruelas, whose scheduled matchup in December against Manny Castillo at Indio was canceled when Ruelas broke a finger while training.

After a period of mourning and psychotherapy, and a meeting with Garcia’s mother, Ruelas says the desire to fight has returned.

He is trying to focus on the future, which looks promising. Financially comfortable, Ruelas said he intends to retire by age 30. This week, he learned that his wife, Leslie, is pregnant with the couple’s second child.

Yet, Ruelas still finds himself answering questions about death, particularly in the weeks leading up to a fight.

“Believe it or not, I get people saying, ‘Hey, are you the guy who killed that guy?’ ” Ruelas said. “Those things upset me because they have no respect. I was in a restaurant and a guy asked me for an autograph. He said, ‘I want your autograph because you’re the one who killed that guy.’ ”

Ruelas reluctantly obliged by signing. Privately, he wishes people would let the issue rest along with Garcia. But he realizes they probably never will.

“Certain things go along with certain people throughout their career,” said Joe Goossen, Ruelas’ trainer. “Even if it’s no longer an issue.”

Said Ruelas: “I think I’m doing fine. I know I’ve said that before, but I think what’s helped has been time. I’ve learned that it’s just part of my life that I have to accept.”

Ruelas initially was scheduled to fight former International Boxing Federation champion Troy Dorsey, but Dorsey pulled out this week because of flu.

Crayton, 27, of Las Vegas, is fresh off a close 10-round loss to John John Molina. He is 20-6 with 13 KOs.

The fight will be telecast live nationally on Fox Sports Network and on a tape-delay basis in Southern California.

First bell is at 5 p.m., with the main event tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Fight Night

Tonight’s boxing at Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio

* Gabriel Ruelas (43-3, 23 KOs) vs. James Crayton (20-6, 13 KOs), 10-round lightweight

* Victor Rabanales (42-14-2, 24 KOs) vs. Marius Frias (9-4-3, 2 KOs), 10-round bantamweight

* Alex Gonzales (8-0, 4 KOs) vs. Paul Jones (3-5, 2 KOs), six-round light-heavyweight

* Lance Whitaker (5-0, 5 KOs) vs. Orlando LaValle (1-1), four-round heavyweight

* Antonio Diaz (11-2, 7 KOs) vs. Steve Von Schert (9-6-1, 2 KOs), six-round, junior-welterweight

* Paea Wolfgramm (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Raymond Hayes (2-2, 2 KOs), four-round heavyweight

* Mia St. John (pro debut) vs. Amilda Perez (2-2-1), four-round women’s featherweight

* Jose Vicenteno (9-3, 2 KOs) vs. Dario Diaz (4-4-1, 2 KOs), eight-round bantamweight

* Marco Antonio Fernandez (11-4, 7 KOs) vs. Robert Para (13-4-1, 6 KOs), eight-round featherweight

Tickets: $20 to $100. Information: 619-342-5000, 800-827-2946.