Former Heavyweight Boxing Champ John Ruiz Returns To South Boston
Two-time world heavyweight champion John “The Quietman†Ruiz returns home October 15 to replace boxing equipment recently stolen from the South Boston Boxing Club.
Ruiz, the first and only world heavyweight champion of Latino heritage, was recently profiled on CNN.
He is speaking this weekend at the University of Kansas (“An Evening of US Latino and Latin American Boxing History) and next week will be a special guest at the American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians (“AAPRPâ€) annual convention and awards night at Mohegan Sun.
“My brother, Eddie, helps train kids at the South Boxing Boxing Club,†John explained. “He called me last month and told me all of their boxing equipment had been stolen. I offered to donate equipment but, when I accepted an invitation to attend the AAPRP convention, I decided to visit the South Boston Boxing Club to donate the equipment, in person, and meet the kids there.
“I know how much the South Boston Boxing Club does to help kids and I want to bring awareness to the important things they and boxing clubs all over are doing. If I can help these kids in some small way like this, it’s the very least I can do because that’s how I got started, and I’ll never forget where I come from.
“I’m going to drive up for the day from Mohegun Sun with my wife, Maribel. I’ll also be able see some family members and friends. I’m really looking forward to this.â€
Ruiz, who was born in Methuen (MA) and raised in Chelsea (MA), is the WBA mandatory challenger. He hopes to be fighting for the WBA title again early next year against the winner of the November 7th Nicolai Valuev-David Haye championship match.
At the South Boston Boxing Club (Oct. 15 between 2-4 PM/ET), Ruiz put on a light, open workout, formerly present the boxing equipment, and have a meet & greet where he will sign autographs and pose for pictures with club members and the public.
Go on line to www.johnthequietmanruiz.com for more information about John Ruiz.