In St. Cloud Area School District 742 where dreams are super-sized, a ten-year-old prodigy and fifth grader named Jonas Ruiz has emerged as a champion. Fifth generation of a family of boxers and with an unyielding passion for the sport, Ruiz has trained relentlessly since the age of five. He began shadowboxing when he was two years old following in the footsteps of his boxing predecessors. His unwavering dedication has led him to triumph in the national limelight.
Ruiz just earned his third national title, two previously from USA Boxing and now from USA Boxing National Junior Olympics and Summer Festival which took place in Lubbock, Texas, and he can’t seem to hide his smile. His three national titles have been at 80-, 85- and 95-pound weight classes.
“I really like combat sports,” says Ruiz. “My dad told me, ‘If you like combat sports, come down to the gym.’ I practiced for three months and when I saw it [sparring in-person] for the first time, … I just fell in love with it.”
Ruiz was throwing punches from the time he could talk. He’s spent many hours at the gym watching his older brother Jesus Ruiz, an Apollo High School senior and nine-time state boxing champ and his father, Jesse Ruiz. From an early age, Jonas showcased exceptional talent and determination, catching the attention of his father. Under his father’s guidance and with the unwavering support of his family, Jonas has honed his skills, sweating and sparring day in and day out. With each punch, he grew closer to reaching his dream of becoming a champion.
“He was shadow boxing with me since the time he was two years old,” says Jesse. “I grew up in Laredo, Texas, and it’s a big state known for boxing. My dad boxed all his life. My grandpa boxed and my great grandpa also boxed. He [Jonas] is really taking over the torch. I’m a six-time Upper Midwest Champion and a finalist in the Ringside World Tournament four years in a row earning the silver medal. It’s in our blood.”
Jesse competed for 27 years before taking on the coaching role of his sons, including eight-year-old Jack, a third grader at Westwood Elementary School, and other students.
“After competing for so many years, I know what that does to the body,” laughs Jesse. “I tried talking them [all three boys] out of it. They just keep pushing me to go to the gym every day. I’d rather they be with me than doing other things.”
Despite Jesse’s knowledge of the lifelong impacts of boxing, he couldn’t deny all of his sons’ passion for the sport.
This year, in the climactic final match for the national title, and with the weight of generations of champions behind him, Jonas had his moment of triumph. As the bell rang, Jonas’s face bore the marks of sweat and determination. The judges tallied the scorecards, and the tension in the arena reached its peak. The fight was a split decision after three rounds with four judges deciding in his favor. Jonas was named the new Peewee Champion in the 95-pound weight class.
“It just runs in the family,” says Jonas. “I love that it is a physical blood sport. Sometimes I can get mad, and it allows me to get my anger out. It’s just a family sport. I’ll let them [my own kids] do it, if they want to.”
Jonas’s triumph was not merely his own; it was a testament to the legacy of the Ruiz family. His dedication and perseverance have not waned. Inspired by his victory, Jonas has not taken a break from the gym or competition.
“He [Jonas] just competed against at 12-year-old from North Dakota and we went to White Bear Lake where he won his bout,” shares Jesse. “We compete in 48 states.”
“I just keep going to the gym, get a good workout, work on my cardio and see where my body is,” says Jonas.
He always has someone to push and encourage him whether it’s his father or brothers. His family has his back.
Jonas Ruiz’s journey from a ten-year-old dreamer to a national boxing champion serves as an inspiration. His relentless pursuit of excellence, backed by a family legacy, showcases the power of determination and discipline. As Jonas carries his success into the future, his story will undoubtedly motivate others to chase their own dreams, no matter how daunting they may appear. And maybe someday, a sixth generation of the Ruiz family will continue the legacy.
You must be logged in to post a comment.