[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2913]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



     TRIBUTE TO JOHN RUIZ, THE FIRST HISPANIC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 6, 2001

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise to salute 
John Ruiz, who with his victory this past weekend, becomes the first 
Hispanic heavyweight boxing champion.
  The victory will be an inspiration to all Hispanic youth, and indeed 
to all Americans, that if you work hard, if you have tenacity, and 
persistence, and vision, there is nothing you cannot achieve. That is 
the American dream. The hope that some day, greatness will rise up in 
all of us. In the past several decades, several notable Hispanics have 
fought for the world heavyweight title, and despite their valor, have 
not achieved it; when one reviews the list, one sees how great this 
achievement is:


     1923--Luis ``The Wild Bull of the Pampas'' Firpo vs. Jack 
     Dempsey
     1968--Manuel Ramos vs. Joe Frazier
     1968--Oscar Bonevena vs. Joe Frazier
     1973--Joe ``King'' Roman vs. George Foreman
     1977--Alfredo Evangelista vs. Muhammad Ali
     1978--Alfredo Evangelista vs. Larry Holmes
     1979--Ossie Ocasio vs. Larry Holmes
     1983--Lucien Rodriquez vs. Larry Holmes


  John's win has special personal significance for me. As a former 
ball-player, both in school and semi-professionally, I recognize the 
special labors of our athletes, and the inspiration that athletics can 
play in our lives, particularly to minority youngsters. Athletics can 
be a motivating factor, something that gives us a sense of identity, 
something to work for. Athletics ultimately caused me to finish school, 
serve my country in the military, go to college, and become a community 
college trustee, Assembly Member, State Senator, and Member of 
Congress. It was not always easy, but I had role models, and I am 
pleased that John is a role model for today's youth.
  I would hope that Hispanic youth, indeed, all the youth of America, 
look at the achievement of John Ruiz and see they can reach equally 
great heights, whether it is in athletics, academics, or the world of 
business, science, public service, or the arts. America's youth need to 
know that we believe in them, and they should believe in themselves. 
Because God gives us all talents.
  In the short run, there is nothing so sweet as a victory, and nothing 
so stinging as a defeat. But what is ultimately important is good 
sportsmanship, good conduct, playing a worthy game, facing a worthy 
adversary. Living to fight another day. In that sense, both John Ruiz 
and Evander Holyfield are to be saluted and honored, for they fought 
with their hearts, they fought with their souls, they gave American an 
exhilarating match, one that demonstrated athletic artistry and great 
courage under fire. And they should raise their hands, together, in a 
clasp of goodwill, knowing they have fought the good fight, the noble 
fight. Their bruises will heal, but they will always share a 
brotherhood of having met in the ring, where champions are made, and 
courage tested.
  I am sure that John's community, where he got his start boxing, is 
very proud of his achievement. John's hometown, Chelsea, has one of the 
largest Hispanic populations in Greater Boston. It has been a Mecca for 
some of the all-time boxing greats. I would also like to salute John's 
family, his wife Sahara and their children John and Jocelyn on this 
achievement. And so I say, congratulations, God Bless.

                          ____________________