 Ruiz has won 39 of his 44 fights, 27 of them by knockout |
John Ruiz has been officially confirmed as the new WBA heavyweight champion, after Roy Jones confirmed he would concentrate on another division. Ruiz took the title for the first time after beating Evander Holyfield in 2001 but lost to Jones last March.
He was made interim champion after Jones refused to fight him again.
Ruiz will defend his new title against Fres Oquendo, also from Puerto Rico, on April 17, while Jones may face Antonio Tarver in the WBC light heavyweights.
Ruiz became the WBA's interim champion by beating American Hasim Rahman last December.
"I'm proud of not having interim next to my name," Ruiz said after his elevation.
"As proud as I am to be the first Latino heavyweight champion, I'm equally proud to be the first two-time Latino heavyweight champion."
MMIX
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