Former Heavyweight Boxing Champ John Ruiz Returns To Boston

Two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz has returned to his roots in Boston for what will most likely be the last visit before his 12th world title fight, against new WBA title-holder David “Hayemaker” Haye, sometime in April or May.

An official announcement of the date and venue for Haye-Ruiz will reportedly be made very soon. Ruiz (44-8-1, 30 KOs), who recently inked a deal with Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, is the WBA No. 1 contender as well as the first and only world heavyweight champion of Latino heritage.

Ruiz’ 10-day stay in Boston, which borders the city of Chelsea where John was raised, includes a guest appearance Tuesday night at the Muscle Team 2010 fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, open workout for the public and media Wednesday (4-6 PM/ET) at the South Boston Boxing Club, and invitation to attend Friday night’s “Boston Pop” pro boxing card at The Roxy in Boston’s famed Theater District from promoter Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc.).

“I always love going home to see my family, friends and fans,” Ruiz said. “No matter where I may live or train, I’m a big Boston sports fan and follow all of the local teams. Boston is where it all started for me and this will probably be my last opportunity to be there before I go into deep training for my title fight against Haye. I’m going to bring the WBA belt back to the United States where it belongs and I promise to showcase it once again in Boston.

“I’m really looking forward to the MDA fundraiser because it’s for such a good cause. If my being there helps just one sick child, it’s certainly something I’ll enjoy. My open workout will give fans and the media a chance to watch me train in the gym – hit the mitts, speed and heavy bags, shadow box, jump rope, etc. I enjoy supporting local shows and fighters, so it’s going to be fun attending the CES show at The Roxy, where I fought a long time ago (three times in 1996).”