John “The Quietman” Ruiz Retires
The First and Only Heavyweight World Champion of Latino Heritage Calls it a Career

LAS VEGAS (Apr. 26, 2010) – After a professional career spanning 18 years, highlighted by becoming the first and only Heavyweight World Champion of Latino heritage, two-time world champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz today announced his retirement from the ring.

Ruiz (44-9-1, 30 KOs) defeated three world champions – Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – as well as top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Jameel McCline and Kirk Johnson. Six of John’s nine career losses were to world champions.

“I’ve had a great career but it’s time for me to turn the page and start a new chapter of my life,” Ruiz said. “It’s sad that my final fight didn’t work out the way I wanted, but, hey, that’s boxing. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished with two world titles, 12 championship fights, and being the first Latino Heavyweight Champion of the World. I fought anybody who got in the ring with me and never ducked anyone. Now, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family.

“I want to thank all of fans for staying in my corner through a long, up-and-down ride, as well as members of my family and team – my manager and legal advisor, Atty. Tony Cardinale, my brother, Eddie (cornerman), and Keith McGrath (strength-and conditioning coach) who’ve been with me so long. I also want to thank my trainer Miguel Diaz and (assistant) Richie Sandoval for teaching an old dog, new tricks, and my promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, the fairest promoter in boxing. (More)

RUIZ-HAYE WEIGH IN

David Haye  222 lbs.
John Ruiz 231 lbs.
Photo by: Al Stevenson
(More)

The Heavy Hitters” Press Conference
David Haye vs. John Ruiz
Manchester, England

David Haye…..

“I always plan to knockout my opponent. John Ruiz is a tough guy. He’s in the best shape of his life, no secret. As heavyweight champion, everybody’s coming for me. I’m expecting 12 tough rounds. I’ve trained for 12 tough rounds…or less. In shape, nobody in the world can go 12 rounds with me.”

“John Ruiz has been there before. I wasn’t going to give him too much verbal. He does his talking in the ring.”

“I plan not to let anybody get into the fight. I will establish what I want to do to negate his game plan. I don’t underestimate John Ruiz. When we signed to fight John Ruiz, I knew it was going to be a tough fight.”

“I’ve always punched hard. I believe I’m the hardest puncher, pound-for-pound, in the world. He (Ruiz) has been stopped only once, 14 years ago by one of the toughest punchers (David Tua). I look to make a statement, do something dramatic. He does 2-3 things in a fight that people hadn’t noticed. He’s very good at everything, not excellent in any area. He has all of the punches in the book and very effective. Others didn’t study and underestimated him. I won’t fall into that trap.”

“I believe I’m a born winner. I always think about winning.”

John Ruiz…..

“First, I want to thank the people of Manchester, especially for the great hospitality they’ve given me and my team. I’ve been here (England) before and I hope to keep my record (6-0 in England) going. This is a great opportunity for me, my team, family and friends. We’ll put it to works Saturday night.”

“I’ve heard it all before – they’re going to knock me out or put me six-feet under. I’ve heard it all. Boxing is a sport where you go out and fight.”

“Age is just a number. It all depends on how you feel, trained and determination to keep winning. I’ve always said that I don’t have the greatest talent. I take pride in my determination to fight and win. I have the support of my team and my life is as beautiful as ever. I’m complete – personal life and business. I’m on top of the world and here to prove it.”  

“He’s (Haye) fast, moves around a lot, and gives different angles. I have to be prepared to for, like corralling an animal. He’s quick. It’s going to be a tough fight, the only way I want to see it. He won the title, nobody gave it to him. Saturday is going to be another day.”

“I don’t need to say I will win the title. If I didn’t think so, I would go home today. That’s my personality. Every fight I go into to win but you have to prove it.”

“It (this fight) means a great deal to me --I put my life on the line, that’s what boxers do – for me, my team, family and fans who have been through it all. It’s been a tough road. I never took the easy way out and this is no exception. David Haye is a tough opponent.”(More)

JOHN RUIZ QUOTES FROM QUESTIONS ASKED AT TODAY’S MEDIA WORKOUT IN MANCHESTER

Regarding Haye’s win vs. Nicolai Valuev: “I was surprised he (David Haye) got a decision in Germany.  Luck was on his side. In congratulate him. H e did what he had to do and got the ewin.”

On Haye’s popularity in the US: “It’s still in the beginning. His name is spreading around. He needs to face somebody who’s been in the heavyweight division and that’s me. He still isn’t well known in the United States.”

On comparing Haye to Evander Holyfield: “Holyfield’s a legend. I can’t compare them today. Every fight is difficult because everybody comes to win. That’s what makes boxing special.”

On changes since he’s been had Miguel Diaz as his head trainer and criticisms: “We’re still here and hopefully this time around we’ll get a win. You’re seeing more of the Ruiz from the past – boxing and punching, not holding. How many guys can say they’ve fought and won the two world heavyweight championships.”

On winning the third world title with a victory against Haye and being mentioned with Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield. “It is going to work this time. No matter what they say, they can’t take it away from me.”

On Haye’s talking: “He can talk all he wants but he knows he’s in a tough fight.”

On an American winning the world heavyweight title: “I was born in the United States and my family is Puerto Rican. I’m a Puerto Rican-American.  I’ve accomplished a lot during my career. I am the first Hispanic World Heavyweight Champion, but I’m an American and I’m bringing the belt back home.”

On watching tapes of Haye: “I don’t focus on the other fighter, I focus on myself. He’s going to prepare himself and use the style he believes will win the fight.”

On his experience: “Experience plays an important part but so does youth. We’ll see what comes out on top. I have a new team -- trainers Miguel Diaz and Richie Sandoval, and a new promoter, Golden Boy -- but there are still some people who’ve been part of the team for a long time. I’m at peace, blessed with my family, and I’ve never been in tune with boxing like this during my career.”

On fighting in England: “I’ve fought here six times (6-0). These fans put favoritism behind them and root for a good fight. I’ve fought everybody in the world, never avoiding anybody, and I’m very proud of that.

 I’ve traveled the world and boxing has been a savior for me.”

John “The Quietman”Ruiz
Training Camp Notes

LAS VEGAS (Mar. 23, 2010) – Two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz has been working hard in his Las Vegas training camp since mid-January in preparation for his April 3 showdown against new WBA World Champion David “Hayemaker” Haye at MEN Arena in Manchester, England.

WBA No. 1 contender Ruiz (44-8-1, 30 KOs), the first and only heavyweight World Champion of Latino heritage, will be fighting in his 12th world title fight. In 2001, Ruiz dropped future Hall of Famer and defending WBA champ Evander Holyfield en route to a title win by 12-round decision in his history-making performance.

Ruiz captured the WBA crown for the second time on Dec. 13, 2003, easily winning a 12-round decision (118-110, 116-112, 115-114) against former World Champion Hasim Rahman for the WBA Interim title, which soon became the outright championship.

During this training camp, Ruiz has been sparring with fighters that resemble the quick, hard-punching Haye. “Everything has been great throughout training camp,” Ruiz reported. “This camp will be the longest I’ve ever trained for a fight. I took a little time-off after my last fight (Nov. 7 vs. Adnan Serin – WTKO7 – in Germany), started running and exercising right after that, and then I went right back into the gym. I’m going to be ready April 3rd for Haye.” (More)

British Fans of John Ruiz

Two-time world heavyweight champion John "The Quietman" Ruiz will have British fans supporting him April 3 in Manchester, England when he challegnes WBA world heavyweight champion David Haye.
 
Shown here is one of John's No. 1 fans in Great Britain, Neville Aspden, who reports than Ruiz' fans other there have made several Burnley Football Club jerseys with Ruiz #1 on the back to generate support for John's upcoming fight.Brunely is a soccer team in the Barclays Premier League.
 

PUBLICITY TOUR A KNOCKOUT
 
Photos By: Javier Quiroz/La Raza Newspaper/GBP
Last week (Jan. 27-31), 2-time WBA heavyweight champion John "The Quietman" Ruiz went on a publicity tour to promote his WBA title fight against champion David Haye on April 3 in Manchester, England. The tour focused on major Latino media outlets during stops in Chicago, New York City and Miami. John is back in Las vegas, where he has already started training camp.
 
"It was a very successful tour," Ruiz said. "We stopped in a lot of places in all three cities - newspapers, radio and TV -- and positive stories hit everywhere we went. We made the right move signing with Golden Boy Promotions. They did what they said they would do for me in the Latino market. Now, though, I'm getting into heavy training for this fight." (More)

John Ruiz Swings By Southie in Preparation for April Bout With David Haye in England

Two-time WBA Heavyweight champion and Massachusetts native John Ruiz is getting another title shot.
Ruiz will be taking on current WBA Heavyweight champion David Haye on April 3rd in Manchester, England. It was Haye who defeated Nikolay Valuev for the WBA strap back in November after Ruiz (the No. 1 contender) agreed to step aside and fight the winner.

"The Quiet Man" stopped by the South Boston Boxing Gym for a quick workout, but as I soon found out, he's not all that quiet once you get him going. And unlike some people, he has not lost faith in the Patriots, as we dished on everything from his upcoming fight to his first car. (More)

Haye to meet Ruiz in
Manchester in April

MANCHESTER, England (AP)—David Haye will make the first defense of the WBA world heavyweight against John Ruiz in Manchester on April 3.
The 29-year-old British fighter, also a former world cruiserweight champion, won the heavyweight crown from Russia’s Nikolai Valuev in November in Germany.
Haye will now face Ruiz, the WBA’s No. 1
contender and former champion, at Manchester’s MEN Arena.
The 38-year-old American fighter didn’t show up at Tuesday’s news conference to announce the fight. (More)

RUIZ ON PUBLICITY TOUR
 
Two-time world heavyweight champion John "The Quietman" Ruiz is on  a publicity tour this week in Chicago, New York Coty and Miami to promote his April 3 WBA title fight against champion David Haye in Manchester, England.

I Love Going Home

My 10-day trip back home was great. It was great to see so many members of my family, as well as dear friends and loyal fans.

Tuesday night, I was an invited part of “Muscle Team 2010,” which participated in an MDA fundraiser at the Fairmont Hotel.   I want to thank the MDA for inviting me. My wife, Maribel, and I had a wonderful time and I had a terrific “buddy,” David Corley. He will be in my corner for life. Thanks to his parents, too. I also want to send my appreciation to the staff at the Copley Square Hotel for third first-class treatment. I highly recommend staying there when visiting Boston.

The following day I had an open workout at the South Boston Boxing Club. I want to send a shout out to them for letting me train there. Special thanks to media people like Ron Borges, Omar Cabera, Andrea Ferrara and Joe Roche for taking time out of their busy schedules to be there.

I hadn’t been to The Roxy for years but I had a good time
there Friday night watching pro boxing. The fans were amazing and I’m grateful for all of their kind words. Promoter Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment & Sports) is a longtime friend. He and his CES staff were gracious hosts. And I got a chance to be with fighters I’ve always respected and like, especially Vinny Paz and Micky Ward.

I guess that old saying is true, “There’s No Place Like Home.”

This week I’m on a publicity
tour in Chicago, New York City and Miami for my 12th world title fight, April 3 in England against WBA heavyweight champion David Haye. I’m going to bring my title belt back home where it belong – to the United States to share with all of you great fans. (Read more blogs)

"The Quietman Returns to Boston

John "The Quietman" Ruiz returned to Boston this week for a media work at the South Boston Boxing Gym. Ruiz will be heading into training camp for his upcoming fight with David Haye.

Plenty of fight in John Ruiz
At 38, boxer is still swinging for fences

John Ruiz sat on the edge of the ring at the South Boston Boxing Club yesterday and smiled ruefully. Then he laughed. Why wouldn’t he consider the long struggle boxing has been?

Sometime in early April, Ruiz will fight for the heavyweight championship for the 13th time when he takes on World Boxing Association champ David Haye. That’s more times than Rocky Marciano fought for the title. More times than Jack Dempsey or Riddick Bowe or a whole lot of other champions like Ezzard Charles and Jersey Joe Walcott did.

Remarkable, really, that a kid from Chelsea can say that after starting boxing because his stepfather loved the sport so much. He took him to the Somerville Boxing Club to live out a dream through his boy. (More)

GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS SIGNS FORMER TWO – TIME HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION JOHN RUIZ

THE FIRST HISPANIC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION LOOKS FOR ANOTHER WORLD TITLE SHOT WITH GOLDEN BOY IN 2010

LOS ANGELES, January 12 – As the first and only Hispanic Heavyweight World Champion paves his way through the boxing history books, John Ruiz, has joined forces with Golden Boy Promotions to help guide his path.  The Puerto Rican descendant has accomplished a lot throughout his career, including appearances in 11 world title bouts in the last decade, but Ruiz has plenty more in store and believes 2010 will be his year. (More)

Response to writer Ron Borges by John Ruiz' manager/legal advisor, Tony Cardinale

Ron:

I read your article, we are somewhat on the same page, but your facts about King's efforts on John's behalf, biting his hand, etc., were, from my obviously biased point of view, a bit off.

King has done nothing whatsoever to keep John in contention since he jumped on the Valuev bandwagon in the fall of 2005. Since that time every  shot John has had was the result of work we did, with DKP working against us, from Chagaev on. Things may have been different if he did not join Valuev's opposition to our appeal to the WBA  following their 2d bout. We may have stayed put. (More)

John Ruiz celebrates win and waits for David Haye title fight

After knocking out Adnan Serin in Germany (Nov. 7), 2-time World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John "The Quietman" Ruiz returned home to Las Vegas, where he's shown in this photo celebrating in his game room smoking one of his favorite cigars, Padron Serie 1926 80th Anniversary. Ruiz, the first and only world heavyweight champion of Latino heritage, has a mandated WBA title fight against new champ David Haye next year. It will mark Ruiz' 12th world title fight.