Former champion John Ruiz retires from boxing

Former champion John Ruiz retires from boxing

Published Apr. 26, 2010 4:51 p.m. ET

Former heavyweight champion John Ruiz is retiring.

The 38-year-old boxer said in a statement Monday he's leaving after an 18-year career. He was the WBA champ two times and finished with a record of 44-9-1, including 30 knockouts.

Ruiz was knocked down four times in a loss to David Haye this month. He hit the canvas twice in the first round, and his trainer ended the fight in the ninth.

Ruiz defeated three world champions - Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker. He fought in 12 championship bouts and became the first Latino heavyweight champion.

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He plans to move his family from Las Vegas to his home in the Boston area and open a boxing gym in the city.

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