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John Ruiz’ Manager Norman
Stone Retires
Colorful boxing manager Norman “Stoney” Stone today
announced his retirement from his Massachusetts home. Stone
had been two-time world heavyweight champion John “The
Quietman” Ruiz’ manager and cutman for the past 20 years
dating back to Ruiz’ amateur days.
“I’m done,” Stone said. “I’m tired of boxing and last week’s
bad decision was the last straw (Ruiz lost a controversial
12-round majority decision to Nicolay Valuev in Berlin for
the WBA title). I’m going to relax with my family and spend
a lot of time with my two little grandchildren. I’ll always
support Johnny. Even in retirement I’ll be covering his
back. I’m sorry if my actions sometimes upset people, but I
always had John’s best interests at heart. It was a great
ride.”
The Boxing Writers Association of America selected Stone,
54, as Co-Manager of the Year in 2002. A Vietnam War
veteran, Stoney also served as Ruiz’ head trainer for four
fights.
“I’m sorry to see him go,” Ruiz commented. “We’ve been
together for 20 years and it was an up-and-down, roller
coaster ride. It’s going to be tough moving on without him.”
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