CNN series, “Pioneros: Latino Firsts,” will feature two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-8-1, 29 KOs) this Sunday live during its CNN Sunday Primetime program.

Ruiz, who is the WBA’s current “mandatory challenger,” is the first and only world heavyweight boxing champion of Hispanic heritage.

Born in the Boston area but raised for several years in Puerto Rico, he first captured the WBA title March 3, 2001, winning a decision against defending champion and living legend, Evander Holyfield, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

“I’m very proud of my heritage and honored to be part of this important series,” Ruiz said. “I’ve always believed in following dreams and that’s how I got to be world champion. To be the first Hispanic heavyweight champion of the world will always be very, very special to me and my family.”

CNN Newsroom anchor Don Lemon will conduct the interview, which will very much be a self-portrait of Ruiz, focusing on his life, discussing his accomplishments in the ring, and giving advice for other Americans about how to achieve one’s goals.

Sunday’s profile interview is scheduled to start at 10:40 PM/ET, 7:40 PM/PT. Content of the broadcast is subject to change with breaking news events.

During an eight-week period the “Pioneros: Latino Firsts” series sill give CNN’s audience an insider’s pass to some of the 21st century America’s most powerful and influential Latino achievers who have attained “first in field” status in some aspect of their professional endeavors.

Others selected to feature in the “Pioneros: Latino Firsts” series include Bill Richardson, Rita Moreno, Oscar Hijuelos and Nancy Lopez.

Go on line to www.johnthequietmanruiz.com for more information about John Ruiz.

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