Pocket Rocket McCullough set for Cayman Islands Comeback by Kevin Taylor May 21st 2008

Wayne 'The Pocket Rocket' McCullough returns to the ring after nearly a three-year absence when he takes on rugged Juan Ruiz in a ten rounder in the Cayman Islands on June 20th. “People will probably say this is a comeback, but in truth I never retired,” stated the 37-year old McCullough, who captured a Silver Medal while representing Ireland in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. “I lost my last fight against Oscar Larios going for a world title. Most recently I was supposed to fight in Belfast last December, but my opponent, Kiko Martinez, didn't make weight, so the fight was called off and I just kept training and getting ready to fight when the right opportunity presented itself.” Promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism the 'Cayman Knockout' event will see McCullough take on the Californian Ruiz who boosts a record of 21-5. While waiting for his next challenge, McCullough has kept himself busy in his Las Vegas gym training young boxers such as welterweight Francisco Santana, and sparring to stay in shape for opportunities such as his upcoming bout with Ruiz in the Caymans and, hopefully with a victory, another opportunity at a World title. “I've sparred somewhere between 600 and 700 rounds in the gym in the past three years,” estimated McCullough who is self-trained and managed by wife, Cheryl “I have respect for the kid,” McCullough said of Ruiz, who is trained by Larry Goossen, brother of Wayne's promoter, Dan, and who put up a tremendous effort in a narrow and controversial loss to Bernabe Concepcion in an NABF Super Bantamweight Title fight back in February. “I remember watching him fight in Vegas. He's never been stopped. He's a durable guy, but he's never fought at a World Champion's level. I thank the kid for taking the fight against me. He's a tough guy and a World ranked fighter and that's what I want. I want to fight a guy who can challenge me. “I've never been to the Cayman Islands and I'm really looking forward to fighting there,” McCullough concluded. “But I'm not going there on holiday. I'm going for business.” “Wayne's right when he says this is a tough fight, but it's this type of challenge that will immediately catapult him into a World Championship bout with a victory,” Dan Goossen exclaimed. “To have an accomplished and popular world renowned boxer such as Wayne fighting in this beautiful Caribbean paradise gives the local Cayman fans the opportunity to see one of the hardest working fighters in our sport. I can assure you, Wayne and Ruiz will give every ounce of power they have inside them to win. It will be non-stop action!”

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