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[Method]

I fought anybody who got in the ring with me and never ducked anyone. - Jawnny Luiz

Never ducked anyone, but clinched EVERYONE!

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt...le&id=27248

John "The Quiet Man" Ruiz Announces His Retirement

LAS VEGAS (Apr. 26, 2010) – After a professional career spanning 18 years, highlighted by becoming the first and only Heavyweight World Champion of Latino heritage, two-time world champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz today announced his retirement from the ring.

Ruiz (44-9-1, 30 KOs) defeated three world champions – Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – as well as top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Jameel McCline and Kirk Johnson. Six of John’s nine career losses were to world champions.

“I’ve had a great career but it’s time for me to turn the page and start a new chapter of my life,” Ruiz said. “It’s sad that my final fight didn’t work out the way I wanted, but, hey, that’s boxing. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished with two world titles, 12 championship fights, and being the first Latino Heavyweight Champion of the World. I fought anybody who got in the ring with me and never ducked anyone. Now, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family.

“I want to thank all of fans for staying in my corner through a long, up-and-down ride, as well as members of my family and team – my manager and legal advisor, Atty. Tony Cardinale, my brother, Eddie (cornerman), and Keith McGrath (strength-and conditioning coach) who’ve been with me so long. I also want to thank my trainer Miguel Diaz and (assistant) Richie Sandoval for teaching an old dog, new tricks, and my promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, the fairest promoter in boxing.

“I was proud to be the WBA champion twice and have the opportunity to fight 12 times for the WBA championship, the oldest and most respected organization in boxing. I’d particularly like to thank WBA President Gilberto Mendoza.”

Ruiz plans to move from Las Vegas back home to the Boston area this year and open a boxing gym in the inner city. “With my experiences in boxing,” he explained, “I want to go home and open a gym where kids will have a place to go, keeping them off of the streets, so they can learn how to box and build character. Someday, I’d like to see one of them go on to represent the United States in the Olympics. I want them to have the same opportunity to see the world that I had as an amateur. I’ve always tried to be involved in community and charity work in the past and now I’ll have more time to work with kids.

“Maybe, someday I’ll get into training, but right now I just want to spend time with my wife, Maribelle, and my children. I wasn’t around as much as I would have liked for my two oldest children, John and Jocelyn, because I was away training or fighting. Now, I’ll be around for them and my 3-year-old son, Joaquin, as he grows up. I’m going back to my roots in Massachusetts, where a lot of my family and friends live, and look forward to helping young boxers avoid some of the bad things that I experienced in the sport but help them to experience the good times, too. Boxing is brutal but also beautiful. As I look back, I’m happy about my career, and my future is very bright.”

[enigma1969]

Never ducked anyone, but clinched EVERYONE!

This should be a cause of extreme celebration.

Still.

I will say this for John Ruiz.

I was not a fan of his style of fighting ( who was?!) but he got more out of his talents than more naturally talented fighters than himself.

He did achieve more as a Heavyweight than David Tua, Andrew Golota, Ike Ibeabuchi ever did combine. None of them claim a heavyweight title. Each of them wasted their prime years because of a lack of focus, will and desire.

Says a lot about John Ruiz's self-belief and ability to maintain focused on his craft of being an professional prizefighter.

This post has been edited by enigma1969: Apr 26 2010, 07:44 PM

[The Ollie Reed F...]

This should be a cause of extreme celebration.

Still.

I will say this for John Ruiz.

I was not a fan of his style of fighting ( who was?!) but he got more out of his talents than more naturally talented fighters than himself.

He did achieve more as a Heavyweight than David Tua, Andrew Golota, Ike Ibeabuchi ever did combine. None of them claim a heavyweight title. Each of them wasted their prime years because of a lack of focus, will and desire.

Says a lot about John Ruiz's self-belief and ability to maintain focused on his craft of being an professional prizefighter.

Well considering Ike went to jail that wouldn't be hard. Golota was insane and probably should be in jail as well and Tua due to woeful mismanagement never had as many opportunities as Ruiz, because if he had he would've won a belt as well.

[enigma1969]

Well considering Ike went to jail that wouldn't be hard. Golota was insane and probably should be in jail as well and Tua due to woeful mismanagement never had as many opportunities as Ruiz, because if he had he would've won a belt as well.

Ike made his choice ... so did Golota ... and you blame Tua's people for him gaining so much weight?! No those fighters made their own choices and the aftermath of those actions rest on them.

I am not saying he was a better fighter. He was just more of a professional. Doing his best and continuing to stay active and work hard.