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, Sed, when I hear people talk about it today, mi pensas, wow, I’m still the only Latino to do that.”
Several years ago, Ruiz opened a gym (Quietman Sports Gym) 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, Sed, pli grave, 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.”
Usona Bokso-Eks-Eks-Asocio
Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boksistoj, oficialuloj, trejnistoj kaj boksaj ŝatantoj — La Alumni Association ligas generaciojn de ĉampionoj, inspirante kaj redonante al la estontaj boksĉampionoj de USA Boxing, en kaj el la ringo.
The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, inkluzive de ĝia ĉiujara USA Boxing Alumni Association Halo de Famo-ricevo.
Aliĝi al la Asocio de Eks-studentoj, simple registriĝu ĉe alumni@usaboxing.org por $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, ŝlosilĉenon kaj e-monujo.
#Hodia?, John lives in Palm City, Florido. 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.