Ex-heavyweight champion Ruiz says he’s retired

After making one final attempt to win the world heavyweight championship, John Ruiz decided it’s time to move on.

Ruiz, 38, a two-time former WBA heavyweight champ, announced his retirement Monday. He’ll move from Las Vegas to his native Boston, where he’ll run a gym and train young fighters.

“It wasn’t that hard a decision,” said Ruiz, the first Latino to be heavyweight champion. “I’ve had a great career but it’s time for me to turn the page and start a new chapter of my life.

“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 to box and build character.”

Ruiz was unable to wrest the WBA belt from Englishman David Haye on April 3 in Manchester, England. He was knocked down four times, twice in the first round, and Ruiz’s corner stopped the fight in the ninth. Ruiz is 44-9-1 with 30 knockouts.

“It’s sad that my final fight didn’t work out the way I wanted, but, hey, that’s boxing,” he said. “I’m proud of what I accomplished.”

During an 18-year professional career, Ruiz defeated three world champions — Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker. He fought in 12 championship bouts.

“I’m going to miss Las Vegas,” said Ruiz, who lived in Southern Nevada for nine years.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.