Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Headlines

John Ruiz helps WBA KO drugs

LAS VEGAS (June 3, 2008) – Former 2-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz, currently the WBA’s No. 2 rated contender, left today for Venezuela

Boxing in benefit exhibition vs. Gilberto Jesus Mendoza in Venezuela

LAS VEGAS (June 3, 2008) – Former 2-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz, currently the WBA’s No. 2 rated contender, left today for Venezuela to participate in this week’s 18th annual WBA – KO to Drugs Festival.

The WBA’s international festival will he highlighted by Saturday night’s professional boxing show at the Olympic Center in San Juan de los Morros, Venezuela. During the show, Ruiz will engage in a three-round (2 minutes per round) benefit exhibition against Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, Vice President of the World Boxing Association. For each blow Mendoza’s lands against Ruiz, $100 will be donated to a charitable foundation that will be announced this week.

“It will be a pleasure to box with no less the first Latin American heavyweight champion, John Ruiz,” Mendoza said. “John represents the spirit of our festival because as a Latin American, he achieved what seemed to only be reserved for Americans or Europeans.”

Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights and defeated three world heavyweight champions — Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – as well as top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.

“I’m excited about returning to Venezuela, especially for such a great cause and one I’ve always supported,” Ruiz remarked. “The last time I was there it was for an awards ceremony. Venezuela is a beautiful country and the people there are very friendly. I’m honored to be invited and I’d like to thank the WBA and the Mendoza family for selecting me to help promote its anti-drug program. I have spoken to kids for years about the perils of drugs, encouraging them to stay away from all illegal drugs, and to follow their dreams. It’s about surrounding yourself with good people and making wise decisions in life.”

For more information about John Ruiz go to his My Space at “johnquietmanruiz.”

-JR-

CONTACT: Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, 978.664.4482, [email protected]

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Featured 2

By: Sean Crose If anyone knows a thing or two about high level championship boxing, it’s one Lennox Lewis, the former undisputed heavyweight champion...

Featured 2

By: Sean Crose The WBC’s junior lightweight title was on the line Saturday night at the Turning Stone Casino in New York when defending...

Featured 2

By: Sean Crose People can laugh all they want, but the truth is UFC star Conor McGregor technically IS a professional boxer. He lost...