John Ruiz sighting in New York City

He looks so…naked without his pal, his cheerleader, his right-hand man, Stoney. But there was John Ruiz at the MSG Theater on Thursday evening, looking quite comfortable with the training wheels off the bike.

The excitable one split off from team Ruiz a few months ago, and I suppose it will take a spell longer to get used to seeing Ruiz solo. But with his very cute fiancé sitting next to him, attired in some very sharp threads, the chill and amiable Ruiz filled me in on what comes next, and how it feels to be alone, without Stone.

A rematch with gargantuan Nic Valuev is tops on Ruiz’s to-do list. His attorney Tony Cardinale may be close to securing a second bout with the Yeti-ish Valuev, who defeated the Quiet Man in a controversial December match.

Ruiz said he’s doing OK without Stone, and is enjoying being the focal point for a change. Stone was a lightning rod for criticism, the fighter said, and some of his heat rubbed off on the heavyweight. Also, many people are entranced by Stone’s press conference meltdowns, and, Ruiz said, perhaps applause and regard that would be bestowed on him were being misdirected towards the fiery handler. “Plus, I was afraid of his health,” Ruiz said. “I didn’t want him having a stroke or something. So his health was a factor.”

Word is that Stone may be looking to get back in the game as a manager. Stone, call me and fill me in. The number should still be on one of the 17 messages I’ve left on your machine…

Shane Mosley was in the house. He said he was hoping to do a Vargas rematch in the near future…

Usually the Neanderthals in the audience hoot and drool at the round card gals. Not so Thursday. The round card girls were all severely chaste looking Irish step dancers. There was no whistling or catcalls at the Theater…

Matthew Macklin didn’t get a chance to make a splash in NYC because his opponent was too heavy. C’mon now…we’re not talking a Gatti/Gamache scenario here. Chris Troupe supposedly gained lots of weight after the weigh-in, as I understand it, so Macklin’s trainer pulled him. Perhaps Macklin is thinking of a match with John Duddy down the line and didn’t want to let Team Duddy get a close look? Easy for me to say from press row, but I think pulling out was a mistake…Macklin, if you’re out there, email and set me straight if I’m misguided…