Former two-time WBA world heavyweight champion John 'The Quiet Man' Ruiz today announced his retirement from professional boxing, following a recent world title defeat to Britain's David Haye. The 38-year-old Ruiz hangs up his gloves with a pro record of 44-9-1 (30 KO) and competed professionally since August 1992.
The 18-year American veteran fought many of the top heavyweights of his era, winning two world titles and upsetting many favoured fighters in the process.
Starting as a 184-pound cruiserweight, Ruiz eventually grew into the heavyweight division and established himself as a stalwart of the weight-class for the best part of a decade. He waged three wars with Evander Holyfield, winning his first WBA world title in the process, and also went on to score victories over ex-champ Hasim Rahman and erratic Pole Andrew Golota.
Towards the end of his career, Ruiz started to gain the respect and recogntion that eluded him through much of the noughties, as he continuously worked hard for victories over the likes of Golota, Kirk Johnson, Fres Oquendo and Jameel McCline. Nothing ground-breaking perhaps, but Ruiz was surving and excelling at a time when most of his heavyweight peers were simply getting fatter and slower. Even as he progressed into his late-30s, Ruiz remained active, fit, durable and in a position to score wins in competitive matches.
Ruiz was only stopped twice in his extensive career, and was a fighter renowned for his granite chin, high work-rate and fighting spirit. The Chelsea-native's last ring outing arrived in April, as he made Haye work hard for a ninth-round stoppage in defence of his WBA world heavyweight title. Ruiz courageously dragged himself off the floor four times, before the finish arrived in a dramatic ninth-round. With his dream of securing a third world title scuppered, Ruiz has now taken the decision to call it a day.
Final opponent Haye is pleased he got the chance to share ring duties with Ruiz before he signalled time on his proud ring career.
"Ruiz was undoubtedly one of the toughest and bravest men I've ever fought inside the ring, and he's never given anybody an easy night," praised Haye. "Ruiz would always be stood right in front of you, no matter what he was being hit with. He's an old-school warrior and can be extremely proud of what he's done in boxing. Not many people can say they've won the WBA world heavyweight title twice and have floored Evander Holyfield.
"John fought everybody in his era and came out with far more big wins than defeats. He never shirked a challenge and was nearly always there standing at the final bell. While other heavyweights often leave a lot to be desired, Ruiz kept working hard and stayed in shape for over a decade at the top level. He deserves massive credit for what he achieved in boxing."
IMAGES: ANDREW COULDRIDGE (ACTION IMAGES)