By Mike Nosky

Former WBA heavyweight titlist John ‘The Quietman’ Ruiz left for Venezuela on Tuesday to participate in a charity boxing event at the 18th annual WBA – KO To Drugs Festival, according to a press release.

The highlight of the event is Saturday night’s pro boxing card at the Olympic Center in San Juan de los Morros, although fans of Ruiz would say the highlight will be him whacking his opponent in the charity event, the WBA’s Vice President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza.

Actually, it will be up to Ruiz to get hit in the bout as $100 will be donated to a charitable foundation for each blow that Mendoza lands against Ruiz during the three round bout (two minutes per round).

“It will be a pleasure to box with no less the first Latin American heavyweight champion, John Ruiz,” Mendoza said in the release. “John represents the spirit of our festival because as a Latin American, he achieved what seemed to only be reserved for Americans or Europeans.”

“I’m excited about returning to Venezuela, especially for such a great cause and one I’ve always supported,” Ruiz, who is rated #2 in the WBA. “The last time I was there it was for an awards ceremony. Venezuela is a beautiful country and the people there are very friendly. I’m honored to be invited and I’d like to thank the WBA and the Mendoza family for selecting me to help promote its anti-drug program. I have spoken to kids for years about the perils of drugs, encouraging them to stay away from all illegal drugs, and to follow their dreams. It’s about surrounding yourself with good people and making wise decisions in life.”