Ruiz is confirmed as WBA champion
NEW YORK, United States -- John Ruiz has been confirmed as the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion.
The Puerto Rican-American became the interim champion when he beat Hasim Rahman last December and the title was confirmed on Wednesday because Roy Jones Jr will concentrate on his WBC light heavyweight crown.
The winner of the Ruiz-Rahman fight would be given the heavyweight title if Jones refused to defend it against him.
Ruiz (39-5-1, 27KOs), who lost to Jones last March, will defend his title against Fres Oquendo on April 17. The venue is still to be decided.
The 32-year-old won the WBA belt for the first time when he beat Evander Holyfield in 2001.
