John Ruiz becomes heavyweight champion again

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Ruiz becomes heavyweight champion again!

February 25, 2003 -- Heavyweight boxer, John Ruiz (39-5-1, 27 KOs), was informed today that once again he is World Boxing Association heavyweight champion.

Renjo Bagnariol, WBA Championships Committee Chairman, sent a fax today to Ruiz’ attorney, Anthony Cardinale, stating that as of February 20, 2003, Roy Jones, Jr. confirmed relinquishing his WBA heavyweight championship belt and John Ruiz’ title has been changed from Interim to WBA heavyweight champion.

“I’m happy not having Interim next to my name,” Ruiz said from his Las Vegas home. “As proud as I am to be the first Latino heavyweight champion of the world, I’m equally proud to be the first two-time Latino heavyweight champion of the world.”

Ruiz, who was born in Massachusetts but parents are from Puerto Rico, became the WBA interim champion when he beat Hasim Rahman by unanimous decision on Dec. 13, 2003.