Ginny Fuchs steps on the scale before the Matchroom Boxing card at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Photo credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom.
After a long amateur career, Ginny Fuchs expected to race to the top at the professional level.
Challenging interim WBC 115-pound titleholder Adelaida Ruz in just her fourth bout checks that box.
However, the fourteen month wait to get here since fight number three has not been as expected.
“I was frustrated, waiting and seeing to get a fight,” Fuchs admitted during the final pre-fight press conference. “People saw me in Team Combat League, saw my action and wanted to see me at that higher level. The fact that (Matchroom) called me was a blessing.”
Ruiz-Fuchs opens a five-fight DAZN broadcast this Saturday from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Headlining the show is the Diego Pacheco-Maciej Sulecki super middleweight crossover clash.
Fuchs (3-0, 1 KO) knew it would be a tough road when she turned pro at age 34. It came after a brilliant amateur run that included an appearance for Team USA in the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Still, the Houston-bred southpaw carries a high skill set, charisma for days and has friends in high places. Her best friend is Mikaela Mayer (19-2, 5 KOs), on whose undercard she made her pro debut in April 2022. At the time, Mayer was the undefeated IBF/WBO junior lightweight titleholder and a regular fixture on Top Rank’s ESPN boxing series.
Fuchs and Mayer also shared the stage on an October 2022 all-female bill in London. Mayer dropped a controversial decision to Alycia Baumgardner in their RING Championship bout, while Fuchs remained undefeated.
The road to success has been met with various delays since that time.
Fuchs landed on the undercard of Regis Prograis’ homecoming last June in New Orleans. She won an eight-round decision and hoped the regional showcase would open the door to her first big break as a pro.
It did, in a way, but with a major detour.
“The last time we spoke I said for my next fight I want a title shot,” Fuchs said, addressing Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn.
That call finally came more than a year later.
“I stayed ready and stayed busy in Team Combat League,” Fuchs noted. “When (Matchroom) called me for this fight, we agreed it was for the (interim) WBC belt. So, I’m here to take it and I’m ready.”
The most difficult test in the career of the 36-year-old Fuchs also comes on the road.
Los Angeles’ Ruiz (16-0-1, 8 KOs) was born and raised minutes from Saturday’s host venue. The 35-year-old Mexican-American will enjoy the hometown advantage for her first title defense and has been much more active. She was coming off an eight-round victory just five weeks ago, following a three-fight 2023 campaign.
Fuchs wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I’m happy to be with a top fighter,” insisted Fuchs. “I don’t think she will be able to handle my speed and footwork. But I’m ready to be in the ring with her on Saturday night and for both of us to show our skills.
