Former Heavyweight Champ Ruiz Opens Boxing Gym

Two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz is enjoying retirement by spending time with his family in Las Vegas, but he is also staying involved in boxing in terms of the opening of his boxing gym in the Boston area, as well as starting a consulting agency, “Quietman Sports,” along with his longtime attorney and advisor, Boston Attorney Anthony M. Cardinale.

The 39-year-old Ruiz, who retired from the ring a year ago, had a 44-9-1 (30 KOs) career record and fought in 12 world title fights. In late May, Ruiz is opening a multi-fight gym – boxing, MMA and wrestling – named “Quietman Sports Gym,,” inside of Gold’s Gym in Medford (4000 Mystic Valley Parkway), which is a suburb of Boston only a few miles from where Ruiz grew-up in Chelsea.

“I’m enjoying life with my family in Las Vegas but it was time for the next chapter of my life,” Ruiz explained. “Boxing has been a big part of my life since I was a teenager. I want to pass along what I’ve learned through my experiences to young boxers. I’ll be spending a lot more time in Boston.

“I’m opening my gym to give kids a place to go, just like I had at the Somerville Boxing Club, where they can learn how box and stay off the streets. There are so many bad temptations for kids today and many of them really need a place to go. When I’m not in town my brother, Eddie, will be in charge of my gym.

“I’m also going to be an advisor so young fighters don’t go through a lot of what I had to go through coming up. Whether they need advice about who they should have as a promoter, manager or trainer, or what to look out for in the bad side of boxing, I’ll be available to them as a consultant.

“Our services will range from preparing a boxer to fight to negotiating contracts. If they have questions about contracts or other legal issues, Tony is one of the best in the business. During our 14 years and 12 world title fights together, we have seen and dealt with every good and bad aspect of the business.”