John \”The Quiet Man\” Ruiz Retires: \”Send in the Clowns.\”

As Judy Collins once sang, "Isn’t rich, isn’t queer, losing my timing this late in my career, but where are the clowns, they ought to be here, well, maybe next year." But for John Ruiz, there will be no next year as he announced his retirement after losing his

heavyweight title for the second time. An obviously emotionally drained Norman "Stoney" Stone made the announcement to the press assembled at the post-fight conference. "Stoney" scolded the media, saying, "You can only kick a guy so long. After the loss to Jones (Roy), you guys just had nothing good to say about Johnny. He never said anything bad about anyone of you. Well, he’s done." Ruiz would later confirm the retirement from his locker room. It is sad that Ruiz’ career had to end like this, but he will always be able to look at his WBA heavyweight title belt, and know that, as much as people didn’t appreciate his two reigns as a champion, he still accomplished a feat that most fighters never achieve. Ruiz was your classic overachiever, who beat some good fighters that were much better, and naturally gifted than he was. Johnny, you should look back at your career and be proud of the things you accomplished. You are the first Latino heavyweight champion in the history of this great sport. No one will ever be able to take that away from you. I’m sure that "The Quiet Man" will quietly disappear and hope that he lives a long and fruitful life. There’s my two cents fight fans.

Sergio Martinez can be reached at srg_mrtnz@yahoo.com