LONDON (9 December) – Pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford has vowed to make a statement against John Molina as he looks to be crowned the 2016 ‘Fighter of the Year’.

29-year-old Crawford clashes with the teak tough Molina this Saturday night, exclusively live on BoxNation, at the CenturyLink Center in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska.

The undefeated WBC and WBO light-welterweight world champion has enjoyed a fruitful year and is ready to end it with a bang as he looks to continue from where he left off following wins over Viktor Postol and Henry Lundy.

“I will do what I do best and that’s to make a statement in the ring just as I did in the summer against Viktor Postol,” said Crawford.

“I unified the belts and became the lineal champion by dominating and beating a fellow undefeated champion in Postol. That’s when boxing is at its greatest – when the best fight each other and risk it all,” he said.

Molina will be no easy pickings as his unanimous points win over Russian assassin Ruslan Provodnikov proved in the summer.

The slick Crawford, however, feels a victory this weekend will propel him into the number one spot to be named the best fighter of 2016.

“Do I think I should be the fighter of the year? I do,” said Crawford.

“A win on Saturday will give me three televised world championship victories in three different cities. I beat Hank Lundy at Madison Square Garden. No one put the dents into Hank Lundy that I did. I stopped him in the fifth round.

“In the Postol fight, I went to Las Vegas and scored several knockdowns against an undefeated champion trained by Freddie Roach and unified the titles. Now I’m back in Omaha against a number one contender in Molina,” he said.

Having been in tough wars before, including a thriller against Argentine knockout artist Lucas Matthysse, 33-year-old Molina knows he will need to dig deep if he is to overcome a man regarded as one of boxing’s finest talents.

“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for me and the fans are going to see a great fight. I got into this game to fight the best and Terence Crawford is one of the best,” Molina said.

“It was a great training camp. We did all our homework and we are prepared. Hank Lundy was an enormous help as a sparring partner. It will be important to take Terence into deep water.

“It will be a great crowd because Terence Crawford fans are fans of boxing. But we will disrupt their enthusiasm by upsetting the apple cart,” he said.

Earlier in the day BoxNation will also be exclusively live from New Zealand as undefeated heavyweights Joseph Parker and Andy Ruiz battle it out for the vacant WBO world title.

BoxNation will be live on air from 8am this Saturday as it brings subscribers the enthralling showdown to see who will be the new face of heavyweight boxing, before turning attentions to Crawford and Molina later that night.

Crawford v Molina / Parker v Ruiz is exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/Online & App) this Saturday. Buy now at boxnation.com.

– ENDS –
About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Khan vs Canelo.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

Available on selected internet-connected Freeview products only, subject to coverage. Visit freeview.co.uk/availability.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

MEDF0RD, Mass. (October 27 2015) – More than 125 amateur boxers – ranging from open class to novice, masters and Junior Olympians – have already registered to compete in the upcoming 130th annual USA Boxing New England Championships which will be hosted by Quietman Sports Gym at two Massachusetts venues.

Quietman Sports Gym in Medford (MA) is owned and operated by two-time world heavyweight boxing champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz, the first and only world heavyweight champion of Hispanic heritage.

The quarterfinals will be held Saturday, November 7, followed by the following Saturday’s (Nov. 14) semifinals, both at Chelsea High School. Semifinal winners will qualify for the championship finals scheduled, Saturday, Nov. 28 at Plymouth Memorial Hall. Winners in each weight class will advance to the USA National Championships. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. ET with the first match scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. ET.

“Hurry up and get your tickets for this great event,” Ruiz said. “Former world champion Tony DeMarco will be a special guest among others.”

Tickets are priced at $55.00 (ringside), $22.00 (reserved seats) and $12.00 (general admission) are available by going to www.quietmansportsgym.com (click on New England Championship page) or at the door.

Leading open boxers who’ve registered to compete include James Perella (BP Boxing), Amanda Pavone (Peter Welch’s Gym), Xavier Vega (Canal St. Gym), Elijah Peixoto (Big Six Boxing Academy), Johnny Rosa (Lawrence Boxing), Christopher Davis-Fogg (Uppercuts Boxing Club), Owen Minor (Camp Get Right) and Ashleigh Moore (Nonantum). Boxers may register by going to www.quietmansportsgym.com prior to the October 31 deadline.

During the past 50 years, USA Boxing New England champions have included world champions such as Brockton (MA) middleweight “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler (1973) and Providence (RI) welterweight Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade (2005-2006), as well as U.S. Olympians Andrade and Providence super heavyweight Jason “Big Six” Estrada (2001-2002-2003), and Providence middleweight/heavyweight Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (2000 & 2004), Worcester (MA) middleweight Edwin Rodriguez (2008), and Framingham (MA) welterweight Danny “Bhoy” O’Connor.

Event sponsorship and program advertising opportunities are available by visiting www.QuietmanSportsGym.com or calling 781.396.6700.

QUIETMAN SPORTS GYM INFORMATION:

Website: www.QuietmanSportsGym.com
Telephone: 781.396.6700
Twitter & Instagram: @QuietmanSportsGym
Facebook: www.Facebook.com.QuietmanSportsGym
CONTACT:
Bob Trieger, Full Court PRESS, bobtfcp@hotmail.com, 978.590.0470, @FightPublicist

ABOUT QUIETMAN SPORTS GYM: Owned and operated by two-time World Boxing Association (“WBA”) heavyweight boxing champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz, Quietman Sports Gym is located inside of Gold’s Gym in Medford (4000 Mystic Valley Parkway), a Boston suburb located only a few miles from where Ruiz grew up in Chelsea and trained in Somerville.

Quietman Sports Gym is a full-contact, sanctioned USA Boxing gym, featuring a boxing ring and mixed-martial-arts cage, as well as a full array of modern training equipment. The multi-fighting gym offers boxing and full-contact combat fighting classes, personal and semi-private instruction, self-defense classes, and white collar boxing in a clean, safe environment.

ABOUT USA BOXING NEW ENGLAND: The New England Association, Inc., the Local Boxing Committee (LBC), is the governing body of amateur boxing in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island under the authority of United States Amateur Boxing, Inc. (USA Boxing), Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act.
The objectives of the New England Association are to foster, develop, promote, and coordinate recreational and competitive amateur boxing opportunities for all member athletes and supportive participants and to supervise such other amateur boxing matters that may properly come within its purview. The Association is a charitable, federal tax-exempt organization under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions, bequests, and gifts are deductible for federal income, estate, and gift tax purposes under sections 170(c) (2) and 2055(a) (2) of the Code.

MEDF0RD, Mass. (October 5, 2015) – Quietman Sports Gym, owned and operated by two-time world heavyweight boxing champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz, is hosting the 130th annual USA Boxing New England Championships next month at two Massachusetts venues.

The quarterfinals and semifinals will be held, respectively, November 7 & 14, at Chelsea High School with the championship finals scheduled for Nov. 28 at Plymouth Memorial Hall. Winners in each weight class will advance to the USA National Championships

“This is a great opportunity for amateur boxers,” Ruiz said. “This tournament has great tradition and will feature great matches. It’s an honor and pleasure for Quietman Sports Gym to serve as host of this year’s event. We’re also proud to help raise funds for two great cause: Family Aid Boston (benefiting homeless families) and Chelsea High School High School Scholarship Fund.”

A Chelsea High School graduate, Ruiz is the only world heavyweight champion of Latino heritage.

During the past 50 years, USA Boxing New England champions have included world (pro) champions such as Brockton (MA) middleweight “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler (1973) and Providence (RI) welterweight Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade (2005-2006), as well as U.S. Olympians Andrade and Providence super heavyweight Jason “Big Six” Estrada (2001-2002-2003), plus Providence middleweight/heavyweight Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (2000 & 2004), Worcester (MA) middleweight Edwin Rodriguez (2008), and Framingham (MA) welterweight Danny “Bhoy” O’Connor.

Event sponsorship and program advertising opportunities are available by visiting www.QuietmanSportsGym.com or calling 781.396.6700.

QUIETMAN SPORTS GYM INFORMATION:

Website: www.QuietmanSportsGym.com
Telephone: 781.396.6700
Twitter & Instagram: @QuietmanSportsGym
Facebook: www.Facebook.com.QuietmanSportsGym
CONTACT:
Bob Trieger, Full Court PRESS, bobtfcp@hotmail.com, 978.590.0470, @FightPublicist

ABOUT QUIETMAN SPORTS GYM: Owned and operated by two-time World Boxing Association (“WBA”) heavyweight boxing champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz, Quietman Sports Gym is located inside of Gold’s Gym in Medford (4000 Mystic Valley Parkway), a Boston suburb located only a few miles from where Ruiz grew up in Chelsea and trained in Somerville.

Quietman Sports Gym is a full-contact, sanctioned USA Boxing gym, featuring a boxing ring and mixed-martial-arts cage, as well as a full array of modern training equipment. The multi-fighting gym offers boxing and full-contact combat fighting classes, personal and semi-private instruction, self-defense classes, and white collar boxing in a clean, safe environment.

ABOUT USA BOXING NEW ENGLAND: The New England Association, Inc., the Local Boxing Committee (LBC), is the governing body of amateur boxing in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island under the authority of United States Amateur Boxing, Inc. (USA Boxing), Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act.
The objectives of the New England Association are to foster, develop, promote, and coordinate recreational and competitive amateur boxing opportunities for all member athletes and supportive participants and to supervise such other amateur boxing matters that may properly come within its purview. The Association is a charitable, federal tax-exempt organization under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions, bequests, and gifts are deductible for federal income, estate, and gift tax purposes under sections 170(c) (2) and 2055(a) (2) of the Code.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Oct. 22, 2014) – After spending the majority of his young life training inside a gym or boxing in a ring, Peter “The Pride of Providence” Manfredo, Jr. is enjoying life outside the ring for the first time on a daily basis with his family, as he prepares for his upcoming induction into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF).

Members of the Class of 2014 will be inducted at the 10TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner on Saturday night, November 8 in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.

The new CBHOF inductees also includes former two-time World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz, referee Michael Ortega, International Boxing Federation president Daryl Peoples, trainer Paul Cichon and the late boxing judge William Hutt.

Manfredo (40-7, 21 KOs) starred in the inaugural season of NBC’s reality television show, The Contender. The two-time world title challenger was born and raised in Providence and he now lives in Dayville, Connecticut. A beloved fan-friendly fighter, he was unbeaten in 11 professional fights held in Connecticut.

“I never imagined when I first turned pro that I’d be recognized like I am today,” Manfredo said. “I’m very excited, humbled and honored to be inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.”

He learned to box when he was seven and compiled a 154-30 amateur boxing record, spanning a decade in which he dominated his weight class in New England and competed on the same level with elite opponents at national tournaments.

His most notable victims were Frankie Randall, Alfonso Gomez, Grady Brewer, Angel Hernandez, Matt Vanda, Daniel Edouard, Walid Smichet and David Banks.

Six of his career losses were to world champions – Joe Calzaghe, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Jeff Lacy, Sakio Bika and Sergio Mora (twice) – and the other to Gomez, a two-time world title challenger.

Manfredo initially retired in 2011 after his WBC middleweight title fight loss to Chavez, but he started a comeback one year later, winning all three additional fights before he hung up his gloves for good Nov. 23, 2013, punctuated by an eight-round technical knockout of Rich Gingras.

“I came out of retirement because I needed more money for my family,” Manfredo explained. “My wife wasn’t working at that time. It was like people had to do during The Great Depression.

“I knew it was time to finally retire after my last fight. Not many fighters know when to retire. Guys I was sparring with, 10 or 12 years earlier, it wouldn’t have taken me nearly as long to get to them. And in the Gingras fight, it took me eight rounds to get him out, but I would have gotten rid of him in one or two rounds in my prime. Financially-speaking, today my wife is working and she’s going to school to be a nurse. I fought for my family but they need me there now for things like my son’s football and basketball games and dance recitals for my (two) daughters.”

Today, the 33-year-old Manfredo is a construction worker. He left the ring for good with all of his faculties’ intact, great memories, and, more importantly, the rest of his life to enjoy his family, unlike during his boxing career when he was often 3000 miles away at training camp in California.

“I’m a laborer and that’s good for me because it’s physical,” Manfredo concluded. “I have a big smile every morning when I bite into my muffin, something I couldn’t eat when I was fighting because I had to watch my weight.”

There’s no turning back now for Peter Manfredo Jr.

Tickets for the CBHOF 10th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, are on sale now by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun (1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails at 6 p.m. ET, followed by dinner.

Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 10th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, or past CBHOF inductees. Like CBHOF on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CTBHOF.
ABOUT CBHOF: The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (July 6, 2014) – Former two-time World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz and Peter “The Pride of Providence” Manfredo, Jr. lead a six-member Class of 2014 into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF).

New members will be inducted at the 10TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner on Saturday night, November 8 in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.

The new CBHOF inductees also includes referee Michael Ortega, International Boxing Federation president Daryl Peoples, trainer Paul Cichon and the late boxing judge William Hutt.

“I’m ecstatic about our 10th annual Class of Inductees,” CBHOF president and Class of 2011 inductee Glenn Feldman said. “The board once again did a great job selecting these six men to be honored in November.”

Ruiz (44-9-1, 30 KOs), a Massachusetts native now living in New Hampshire, is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He fought three times in Connecticut, including his 2001 WBA title defense with Evander Holyfield that ended in a draw.

Manfredo (40-7, 21 KOs) starred in the inaugural season of NBC’s reality television show, The Contender. The two-time world title challenger was born and raised in Providence and he now lives in Dayville, Connecticut. Eleven of his 47 professional fights were held in Connecticut.

Ortega, the son of 2006 CBHOF inductee Gasper Ortega, has been a world class referee since 1996. He has officiated such notable fights at Paulie Malignaggi vs. Zab Judah, Johnathon Banks vs. Seth Mitchell, Arthur Abramah vs. Robert Stieglitz, Chad Dawson vs. Glen Johnson and Carl Froch vs. Jermain Taylor.

Peoples has been a highly respected IBF official since 1995. In 2010, the IBF Board of Directors elected him as its President and Chief Executive Officer, a position that he still holds today.

Cichon is director of boxing for the Manchester Ring of Champions Society. A veteran boxing trainer for more than 16 years, he was chief second for four-time national amateur champion Matt Remillard and guided him undefeated through his first 23 pro fights. He has also trained two-time Junior Olympics heavyweight champion Miguel Ayala. Cichon was the 2011 CBHOF Contributor to Boxing Award recipient.

Hutt not only was considered one of the finest officials to ever judge a boxing match in Connecticut, but he also spent a lot of his free time helping to promote the sport he loved. He was a mainstay in Connecticut amateur and professional boxing. He judged fights all over the world including fights featuring Larry Holmes, Prince Naseem Hamed, James Toney, Julio Cesar Chavez, Bernard Hopkins, Chris Byrd and a pair of CBHOF past inductees, Micky Ward and Vinny Paz. The CBHOF official’s award is named after Hutt, who passed away in 2001 at the age of 49.

Tickets for the CBHOF 10th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, are on sale now by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun (1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails at 6 p.m. ET, followed by dinner.

Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 10th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, or past CBHOF inductees.

ABOUT CBHOF: The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

MEDFORD, Mass. (April 04, 2014) – Promoter John “The Quietman” Ruiz, former two-time World Boxing Association heavyweight champion, has announced the postponement of the new American Fighting Championship’s (AFO) inaugural Pro-Am mixed-martial-arts show that was scheduled on Saturday night, April 26 at Tyngsboro Sports Center in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts.

AFO’s launching of “The Battle Series: AFO Redemption” amateur tournament, which will feature some of New England’s top fighters in various weight classes, was to highlighted the Apr. 26th show.

The postponement was due to a variety of reasons, primarily the late addition of a major sponsor willing to make a substantial financial investment in the show and tournament, as well as providing a custom made trophy to be awarded to the gym producing the most winners in the tournament.

“We didn’t want to rush and promote our first show just for the sake of doing it,” Ruiz explained. “We just ran out of time. We had a lot of fighters contact us to fight in our tournament, but the new sponsor wants more gyms competing against each other to establish bragging rights to go along with a sizable cash award and trophy. It’s very important for all us associated with AFO to make sure our first show is of high quality, featuring entertaining, competitive fights. We couldn’t insure that for April 26th and had to make a difficult decision to postpone that event.”

Another reason for the delay in the new AFO’s inaugural event is a USO trip to Afghanistan that Ruiz is involved in that which was originally supposed to happen in February but was recently rescheduled to happen later this month. Ruiz committed himself to the trip and he would have been away for the final few weeks of preparation for the Apr. 26 show.

“It’s a good news, bad news situation,” Ruiz continued. “We are disappointed having to postpone our first show, but we have a title sponsor behind us and that’s going to help a lot. We apologize for any inconveniences this postponement is for fighters, trainers and fans alike. Our staff will have sufficient time to recruit fighters for the tournament, as well as further develop relationships with MMA gyms and fighters throughout New England. We are looking at several venues and television options for this summer and will make a formal announcement about the exact date when everything has been finalized.”

For more information about the AFO and Quietman Sports Gym, please visit www.afomma.com, www.quietmansports.com, www.facebook.com/QuietmanSports or www.facebook.com/afomma.com.

MEDFORD, Mass. (March 4, 2014) – Promoter John “The Quietman” Ruiz, former two-time World Boxing Association heavyweight champion, announced today that the new American Fighting Championship (AFO) will promote a Pro-Am mixed-martial-arts show Saturday night, April 26 at Tyngsboro Sports Center in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts.

The new AFO’s inaugural event under Ruiz’ ownership tentatively calls for professional fights, in addition to the launching of “The Battleground Series: Redemption” amateur tournament, which will feature some of New England’s top fighters in various weight classes.

All participating fighters in the tournament will receive commemorative items. Each weight-division winner will be awarded a world-class championship belt (see below), while a traveling trophy will be presented to the gym producing the most champions.

(belt designed and created by Johnny Masis)

“Not only do I want fighters to be recognized,” Ruiz explained, “I also want MMA gym wars for bragging rights. I think that’s missing in MMA. I was a pro boxer but fighting is fighting. I wanted to create a tournament to determine who the best fighters and gym is in New England. I want to promote my gym (Quietman Sports Gym) and its fighters, of course, but AFO shows will also promote participating all MMA fighters and gyms in New England so the public knows which gyms have the best fighters. We’re all very excited and looking forward to launching the new AFO with this tournament.”

Pro and amateur MMA fighters interested in fighting on the Apr. 26 AFO show should sign-up by registering as soon as possible at www.afomma.com.

“The Battleground Series: Redemption” tournament competition will continue on a monthly basis, in a one-loss elimination format, with divisional champions eventually crowned.

Full details about the Apr. 26 show will soon be announced, including fight match-ups, ticket information, times, etc.

Please contact Deb Cronin at 617.680.2648 with inquiries regarding the new AFO sponsorships and/or advertising opportunities. For more information about the AFO and Quietman Sports Gym, please visit www.afomma.com, www.quietmansports.com, www.facebook.com/QuietmanSports or www.facebook.com/afomma.com.

MEDFORD, Mass. (October 7, 2013) – As he prepares to officially launch the new American Fighting Organization (AFO), two-time World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz has become New England’s newest combat sports promoter.

AFO will promote amateur and professional mixed martial arts and boxing events, as well as promote MMA fighters and boxers, starting in January with an amateur MMA tournament in various weight classes to determine the best in New England.

“We are going to put on the best shows in New England,” Ruiz promised. “I’m investing a lot of money to promote events and fighters, in addition to putting on great MMA and boxing shows for fans.”

Ruiz, under Quietman Sports, purchased AFO, its website and debt, which was recently paid off (see pictures below).

“I’d been talking about promoting and this opportunity came out of nowhere,” Ruiz continued. “AFO was structured as one of the oldest MMA promotional companies in New England. It was also in place and that was better for us than starting out from scratch. AFO’s reputation within the industry may not have been the best but we’ve paid off its debts and are now prepared to make the new AFO the best combat sports promotional company in New England.

“Fighters are fighters. At my gym (Quietman Sports Gym in Medford, MA) we teach MMA and boxing. It has a nice ring and cage, too. Since I retired as a boxer, I’ve always felt like I would get into promoting boxing, and AFO will be boxing and MMA. I want to bring more class to both sports. Our shows will offer better competition and more entertaining fights, in both MMA and boxing in New England.”

Ruiz said that he is looking throughout New England for a venue that can become the new AFO home and waiting to hear back from prospective television networks interested in airing AFO shows.

The new AFO’s first event, tentatively scheduled for early next year, will be a N.E. amateur MMA tournament, which will also feature a few pro fights. AFO plans to promote 12 shows in 2014, insuring at least four fights next year for AFO fighters. A specially designed AFO title belt will be awarded to each tournament winner, as well as a trophy to the gym producing the most champions. Ruiz also set a goal for promoting his first boxing event, possibly a Pro-Am, or even a boxing-MMA hybrid, outdoors next summer.

“We’re going to make all of our shows true events with music, lights and grand entrances for every fighter,” Ruiz concluded. “I was the first (and only) Latino who became World Heavyweight Boxing Champion. I want to create more ethnic diversity to get all types of people involved in combat sports. This is the perfect time to launch the new AFO because it’s also Hispanic Heritage Month. In time, we will be signing pro boxers and MMA fighters. Right from the start we will treat amateurs like unpaid pros, so that they’ll want to sign with AFO when they turn pro.

“I will be a fighter’s promoter, guaranteeing them that they will be treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve for all of the hard work and sacrifices they put into their craft. I know what they’re going through. I learned the hard way and AFO fighters will benefit from my experiences in and out of the ring. I can’t wait for our first AFO show.”

Please contact Jackie Ruiz at 617.979.6376 with inquiries regarding the new AFO sponsorships and/or advertising opportunities, For more information about the AFO or Quietman Sports, visit www.afomma.com, www.quietmansports.com, www.facebook.com/QuietmanSports or www.facebook.com/afomma.com.

BOSTON, MA (November 19, 2012) – TD Garden announced today the main event for ‘TD Garden Night at the Fights’ on Friday, December 14, 2012 at 7:00PM is Danny O’Connor vs. Derek Silveira in a 10-round match at a catch weight of 145 pounds. Also competing in professional matches are undefeated junior lightweight Ryan Kielczewski of Quincy and Portland-trained middleweight Russell Lamour. Five amateur matchups showcasing USA Boxing New England All-Stars will round out the evening. A memorabilia show presented by Saugus-based SportsWorld will accompany the event and ticket holders will have the opportunity to pre-purchase access to a limited pre-event autograph signing featuring local boxing legends and World Champions Micky Ward, Tony DeMarco, Vinny Pazienza, Marlon Starling, and John Ruiz. Tickets for TD Garden Night at the Fights ($37.50 and $47.50) and VIP autograph event ($50, available to all ticket holders) are on sale now at the TD Garden Box Office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Framingham’s light welterweight Danny ‘Bhoy’ O’Connor is looking for his 20th victory in the 10-round main event. He is a two-time national amateur champ and has a 19-1 professional record with seven KOs. O’Connor is ranked 15th in the world by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and 22nd in the World Boxing Council (WBC) rankings.

“Fighting at the TD Garden in front of all my fans is a dream that I have had since I put on the gloves,” said Danny O’Connor. “Derek is a solid fighter, but also a cocky guy with lots to say. That talking isn’t going to help him when it’s just he and I between the ropes.” In the past year, O’Connor commenced training under the tutelage of hall of fame trainer Ronnie Shields who claims O’Connor ‘is the most improved fighter in boxing’.

Both boxers are coming into this fight fresh off knockouts wins. Salem’s Derek Silveira retained his New England welterweight title when he knocked down William Correa in the sixth round of a bout on November 10.

“When the call came, I did not hesitate, I know I can beat him,” said Derek Silveira. “We’re both good boxers, but I think I’m the bigger puncher, the stronger man and just as fast. I honestly see nothing in Danny O’Connor that scares me.”

Quincy’s ‘Polish Prince’, junior lightweight Ryan Kielczewski will compete in front of his hometown crowd in an 8-round bout. Kielczewski won a silver medal in the 2008 national Golden Gloves tournament and will look to continue his undefeated streak, currently at 14-0. Russell Lamour, ‘The Haitian Sensation’ of Portland, Maine, will round out the professional matches in a 4-round middleweight bout. USA Boxing New England All-Stars and world-class prospects will make up the additional five amateur matched bouts. Remaining professional match opponents and amateur talent will be announced at a later date.

Boston’s boxing heritage runs deep. The first event held at the Boston Garden on November 17, 1928 was a ‘Boxing Carnival’ featuring a non-championship bout between featherweights Dick ‘Honeyboy’ Finnegan of Dorchester and Andre Routis of France. New England has a long and proud tradition of producing world champion boxers as well. Local boxing legends and World Champions Micky Ward, Tony DeMarco, Vinny Pazienza, Marlon Starling, and John Ruiz will be on hand to meet with fans and sign autographs at a VIP autograph event from 4-6PM. These limited tickets are available for pre-purchase by ‘TD Garden Night at the Fights’ ticketholders

Tickets for ‘TD Garden Night at the Fights’ are on sale at the TD Garden Box Office and Ticketmaster outlets. Event tickets are $37.50 and $47.50 and there is a separate, limited admission ticket to the VIP autograph event for $50, available to all ticket holders.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former two-time Heavyweight champion, John Ruiz announced his retirement.

“I’ve had a great career but it’s time for me to turn the page and start a new chapter of my life,” Ruiz said in a statement. “It’s sad that my final fight didn’t work out the way I wanted, but, hey, that’s boxing. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished with two world titles, 12 championship fights, and being the first Latino heavyweight champion of the world. I fought anybody who got in the ring with me and never ducked anyone. Now, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family.”

“With my experiences in boxing I want to go home and open a gym where kids will have a place to go, keeping them off of the streets, so they can learn how to box and build character,” Ruiz said. “Someday, I’d like to see one of them go on to represent the United States in the Olympics. I want them to have the same opportunity to see the world that I had as an amateur. I’ve always tried to be involved in community and charity work in the past and now I’ll have more time to work with kids.

“Maybe, someday I’ll get into training, but right now I just want to spend time with my wife, Maribelle, and my children. I wasn’t around as much as I would have liked for my two oldest children, John and Jocelyn, because I was away training or fighting. Now, I’ll be around for them and my 3-year-old son, Joaquin, as he grows up,” he said.

“I’m going back to my roots in Massachusetts, where a lot of my family and friends live, and look forward to helping young boxers avoid some of the bad things that I experienced in the sport but help them to experience the good times, too. Boxing is brutal but also beautiful. As I look back, I’m happy about my career, and my future is very bright.”

“I want to thank all of my fans for staying in my corner through a long, up-and-down ride, as well as members of my family and team — my manager and legal advisor, attorney Tony Cardinale, my brother [and cornerman], Eddie, and [strength coach] Keith McGrath, who’ve been with me so long,” Ruiz said. “I also want to thank my trainer Miguel Diaz and [assistant] Richie Sandoval for teaching an old dog new tricks, and my promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, the fairest promoter in boxing.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former WBA Heavyweight champion John Ruiz has signed a promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions and should pave the way for a mandatory title shot with currant champio David Haye in the spring.

Ruiz, whose contract with Don King expired, is due to challenge England’s David Haye for a version of the heavyweight title, probably on April 3 in London. Golden Boy also promotes Haye.

“I’m excited to become a member of the Golden Boy Promotions family and know that I have a great future ahead of me. I’m going to continue to make history and break records one fight at a time, starting with David Haye this spring,” said Ruiz, who became the first Hispanic heavyweight titleholder when he outpointed Evander Holyfield for a belt in 2001. “I know Golden Boy will help get me back to the top of the heavyweight division and to secure my place in the boxing history books.”

“John Ruiz is a very skilled and talented heavyweight and we are very excited to add him to our elite stable of fighters,” Golden Boy president Oscar De La Hoya said. “He has proven time and time again that he has what it takes to battle with the top guys in the division and will continue to do so in 2010 and beyond.”

“I saw him fight in Germany and everyone had told me how boring he was,”Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer said. “But I thought it was an entertaining fight. Ruiz was the first Hispanic heavyweight champion and we are very involved in the Hispanic marketplace and we think John Ruiz hasn’t been properly exposed in that market. We want to increase his profile in the Hispanic market. That’s really the idea.

“He’s been more fan friendly in his recent fights and I think his new trainer, Miguel Diaz, is part of that.”

With Ruiz due to face Haye, Schaefer said that also played into the decision to sign him, because whatever happens in the fight, Golden Boy will have the winner under contract.

“That certainly didn’t hurt,” Schaefer said. “I’d be lying if I would say something different. But I discussed this with Adam Booth, David Haye’s manager and trainer. I informed him before we signed Ruiz and he was OK with it. Numerous promoters were after Ruiz after it became known he was no longer under contract with Don King. Frank Warren from England pursued him. If Hayemaker [Haye’s company] and Golden Boy were doing the Ruiz fight together it made sense for us to also work with Ruiz.”