From the projects to owning boxing’s ultimate crown
“I’m very proud to have accomplished that,” he continued, “but my main goal was to provide for my family and I always maintained that goal. Most fighters don’t succeed, but at the end of the day, that’s what pushed me. I don’t really think about being the only Latino to win the world heavyweight title, bet, when I hear people talk about it today, Aš manau, wow, I’m still the only Latino to do that.”
Several years ago, Ruiz opened a gym (Quietman Sportas Sporto salė) in Medford, MA, not too far from where he grew up in Chelsea and trained in Somerville. It has been a registered club member by USA Boxing since 2012, bet, dar svarbiau, it’s Ruiz’ way of giving back to amateur boxing.
“I felt there was a need to help more kids and give them an opportunity to get out of the house and do something productive and fun,” Ruiz commented. “They all have a chance to work on self confidence and one could possibly become world champion. I feel obligated to help kids because I remember years ago when I was in the same position. They need guidance. If I didn’t have all the support I did growing up, I wouldn’t have turned out the way I did. I want to help kids understand how to accomplishment their goals.”
JAV bokso absolventų asociacija
Sukurta tam, kad kovotų visą gyvenimą, abipusiai naudingi „USA Boxing“ ir jos absolventų santykiai, –boksininkai, pareigūnų, treneriai ir bokso sirgaliai — Alumnų asociacija sujungia čempionų kartas, įkvepia ir grąžina būsimus „USA Boxing“ bokso čempionus, ir iš žiedo.
JAV bokso absolventų asociacija gali dalyvauti visi, kurie mėgsta boksą ir nori palaikyti ryšį su mėgėjų boksu. Nariams suteikiama galimybė dalyvauti įvairiuose specialiuose renginiuose, kuriuos rengia Alumni asociacija, įskaitant kasmetinį JAV bokso alumnų asociacijos šlovės muziejaus priėmimą.
Prisijungti prie Alumni asociacijos, paprasčiausiai užsiregistruokite alumni@usaboxing.org dėl $40.00 per metus nario mokestis. Nauji nariai gaus marškinėlius, raktų pakabukas ir elektroninė piniginė.
Šiandien, John lives in Palm City, Floridos. He’s a correctional officer for the Martin County Sheriff Department. “Winning the world title twice as a pro was awesome,” Ruiz concluded, “but I definitely enjoyed the amateurs more than the pros, even though I would have loved to have represented the USA in the Olympics. USA Boxing opened up my mind to different things, taking me off the streets of Chelsea to made me feel……special.”
John Ruiz has always preached, “Follow Your Dreams!” and he’s still doing that today.