Ruiz fights for the title on Saturday

Chelsea’s favorite son, John Ruiz, will fight for the heavyweight championship of the world Saturday at MEN Arena in Manchester, England.

Ruiz’s opponent will be current WBA champion David Haye.

Ruiz will not only have to contend with Haye, but he’ll also have to deal with a crowd of 25,000 fans who will no doubt be rooting enthusiastically for Haye.

“I’m ready,” Ruiz told the Chelsea Record. “I’ve been working very hard in training camp and I feel I’m in the best shape of my career.”

Ruiz, 38, said he’s grateful to the many Chelsea residents who have sent along their best wishes to him.

“Chelsea people have always supported me,” said Ruiz. “From the Olympic boxing trials to all my pro fights, they’ve been behind me every step of the way. I hope to bring the championship belt back to Chelsea.”

City Council President Leo Robinson said the city is solidly behind Ruiz, who grew up here and graduated in 1990 from Chelsea High School where he played football and basketball.

“Sunday is my birthday and I’d like nothing more than to see our native son, John Ruiz, win the heavyweight championship of the world and bring the belt back to Chelsea,” said Robinson. “John has been a great ambassador for our city and this would be the crowning achievement to his superb boxing career.”

According to Ruiz’s publicist, Bob Trieger, the Ruiz-Haye fight will not be televised in the United States. It is being televised in England and other countries on the SkyTV network.

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