BOXING: TRUAX FORCED TO WITHDRAW FROM QUILLIN REMATCH
Caleb Truax and Peter Quillin during the first meeting which ended in a no contest. Truax has been forced to withdraw from the rematch set to take place on August 31st at the Armory. Photo by Rich Peterson/13twentythree/MN Fight News
Caleb Truax (30-4-2, 19 KO’s) announced today that he is withdrawing from his August 31st match against Peter Quillin due to a right Achilles tear. Truax, 35, and Quillin, 36, saw the first meeting between the two cut short last April at the Armory when a clash of heads caused a deep gash over the right eye of Truax which forced the unfortunate ending in the second round.
The August 31st rematch between Truax and Quillin (34-1-1, 23 KO’s) would have been the second attempt at determining the number one contender for the IBF super middleweight title currently held by Caleb Plant. The injury not only leaves doubt as to whether Truax and Quillin will meet again in the future, but the location of the injury also leaves uncertainty on Truax’s future in the ring.
Celso Ramirez of Minneapolis is a local to watch on the 16 fight card which includes a super welterweight world title out between Erislandy Lara and Ramon Alvarez. PBC and Warriors Boxing confirmed with MN Fight News that they are working on filling the vacant spot with a new co-feature.
Dr. Paul Schaefer of Health Partners’ Stillwater Medical Group recently diagnosed Truax with a “high-grade, partial-thickness tear of the Achilles tendon on his right ankle.”
Truax initially sustained the Achilles injury in March, which was about a month before the first fight with Quillin took place and the nature of the high-grade tear presented surgery and non-operative management as options. Truax elected for the latter option, starting with six weeks in a boot, then he transitioned to physical therapy and was progressing. But as his workouts intensified, he was concerned about the strength of his Achilles tendon before a scheduled sparring session.
“In my judgement, he will not be properly rehabbed and conditioned in time for the scheduled match,” Dr. Schaefer says. “I am concerned he would put his personal safety at risk engaging in this fight.”
Truax has largely avoided serious injuries throughout his career but he has had leg injuries hold him back in the past from performing at his peak such as was the case in his 2014 fight against Ossie Duran.
“I’ve been training hard every day, and I’ve always prided myself on pushing through any injuries,” Truax says. “But I know my body, and I know when enough is enough.
“I’m disappointed because this was a huge opportunity to take a big step toward regaining my IBF super middleweight title,” he adds. “I’m disappointed for all my fans because I wanted to put on a great show for them at The Armory. But I didn’t want to go into this fight, not being able to perform at a level that people are used to seeing from me and also performing at a level so I can defeat a world-class fighter like Peter Quillin.”
Truax is currently weighing his options, which includes surgery, but he wanted to inform all parties of this update as soon as possible.
“This was an unexpected setback in a highly-anticipated bout for Caleb,” promoter Tony Grygelko says. “But Caleb’s health and well-being is our top priority, above all else.”
Quillin described the disappointing fight news as a major blow towards himself and his team. It is still possible that Quillin keeps the co-featured slot if an opponent can be found on short notice.