John Ruiz Retires

   After 18-years of boxing, two-time world heavyweight champion John "The Quietman" Ruiz announced his retirement from the ring.  Ruiz (44-9-1, 30 KOs) defeated three world champions – Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker while 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.”


   The former champ now will head to Boston from Las Vegas where he would soon open up a boxing gym.

The Rivals: Hopkins vs. Jones Jr., Ruiz vs. Haye

   The battle of the 40s finally concluded as Bernard Hopkins finally avenged his 1993 loss to Roy Jones Jr. in what the experts say as an "ugly and odd" fight in Las Vegas, Nevada.

  The two of their generations best boxer slugged it out in full 12 rounds in which "The Executioner" won with a unanimous victory. Two judges scored it 117-110 and the other one with a 118-109, all for Hopkins.

   Hopkins, 45 (51-5-1, 32 KO), started early with too much offense that kept Jones' defense busy until the final two rounds where Jones, 41 (54-7, 40 KO) got the upper hand despite having an early cut in the right eye.


   After the bout, the two were rushed in a local hospital where, according to reports, were advised by their friends to retire from the sport.


  But with the win, Hopkins still plans to fight English Heavyweight Champion David Haye who defeated another aging former champion, John Ruiz via TKO in 2:01 of the 9th round held at Manchester, England.


  Ruiz, a 2-time champion, dropped in the first 30-seconds of the fight and to the end of it, an two more on to the 5th and 6th round. Until in the 9th round where Ruiz's corner saw that Haye was too much powerful and faster than their fighter. Enough reasons for them to stop the fight and avoid more damages to the already beaten and bloodied Ruiz.


   Haye, 29, improved his record to 24-1 with 22 KOs while retaining his belt. Ruiz, 38, dropped to 44-9-1-1 NC, with 30 KOs.