Boxer John Ruiz retires (again)
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Two-time WBA heavyweight champion John Ruiz is leaving boxing after an 18-year career that included 30 knockouts and victories over three world champions, he said in a statement Monday.
The only heavyweight champion of Latino descent, Ruiz, 38, finishes his career with a record of 44-9-1. He fought in 12 championship bouts and defeated world champions Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker.
Ruiz lost to David Haye earlier this month. He was knocked down four times -- twice in the first round -- and the fight was ended by his trainer in the ninth round.
He retired once before, in 2005, only to come out of retirement 10 days later.
Ruiz plans to move his family from Las Vegas to his home in the Boston area, where he intends to open a boxing gym.
-- Chuck Schilken
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
