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John Ruíz is named "Latino Fighter of
the Year" for the year 2001.
 February
19, 2002 -- The first Latino world heavyweight champion, John
“The Quietman” Ruíz, was named Latino Fighter of the Year for 2001
by the World Boxing Association (WBA) at their annual convention in
Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday.
“It’s a great honor because there are so many great Latino fighters in
the world,” Ruíz (37-4-1, 27 KOs) said after winning the award. “For
me to be named Latino Fighter of the Year by the WBA is unbelievable. I
want to thank the WBA for not overlooking me.”
Ruíz captured the WBA title with a unanimous 12-round decision over the
legendary Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield on March 3, 2001, at
Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Ruíz retained his crown on Dec. 15 after Ruíz
vs. Holyfield III ended in a draw at Foxwoods Resort Casino in
Mashantucket, Conn.
Ruíz’s longtime manager, Norman “Stoney” Stone also picked up the
WBA award for Manager of the Year for 2001.
“I don’t get Manager of the Year without John Ruíz,” Stone said.
“Fighters make managers, but this is the greatest honor.”
Stone mortgaged his home on three separate occasions to fund Ruíz’s
dream of becoming world heavyweight champion. He has served as the Chelsea
fighter’s manager since 1989 when Ruíz was a 175-pound amateur.
Ruíz, promoted by Don King, is currently in San Juan to accept the award
for Puerto Rican Fighter of the Year from The Puerto Rico Boxing
Commission. Stone will join Ruíz at the formal ceremony where the award
will be
presented on Thursday.
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