John Ruiz's status as a free agent fighter has come to an end, as the veteran ex-titlist has come to an agreement with Golden Boy Promotions.
"I'm excited to become a member of the Golden Boy Promotions family and know that I have a great future ahead of me," said Ruiz. "I'm going to continue to make history and break records one fight at a time, starting with David Haye this spring. 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."
Ruiz (44-8-1, 30 KO) faces WBA titlist Haye (23-1, 21 KO), likely on April 3 in London.
"John Ruiz is a very skilled and talented heavyweight and we are very excited to add him to our elite stable of fighters," said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "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 suppose some will wonder why Golden Boy would sign the 38-year-old Ruiz, whose best days are almost surely behind him, but it makes plenty of sense. Golden Boy has some stake in Haye, too, and should Ruiz score the upset this spring, that means they have the WBA heavyweight titlist in their stable. And no matter what you think of Ruiz, he's never backed down from anyone, and would surely be willing to make a fight with either of the Klitschkos should he beat Ruiz, which means that Golden Boy would have a titlist and a guy willing to make the biggest money fights there are in the heavyweight division.
If he loses, then they have a solid veteran heavyweight on their roster. Golden Boy's heavyweight ranks are really thin, and Ruiz does nothing to hurt the company in any way.