King issues apology to Ruiz

Don King has issued an apology to John Ruiz after claiming he was still under contract to his promotional company.

Promoter backs down over contract claim

Don King has issued an apology to John Ruiz after claiming the WBA heavyweight title contender was still under contract to his promotional company. Mandatory contender Ruiz is due to take on WBA champion David Haye in the early part of 2010. But King had taken offence at statements from Team Ruiz that the 37-year-old was a free agent after his contract with Don King Productions had expired. King, though, has now had to back down after finding out that Ruiz had only signed a two-year contact extension in 2007 rather than a three-year deal. "My boxing department had advised me my contract was still active, which turned out to be incorrect," King said. "I apologise to John, his representatives, boxing fans and members of the media for making this mistake. "When I was told this morning of this error, I immediately wanted to get the correct information out. "John had been with me since 1998, and I would prefer to see him stay with me, but he is free to do as he sees fit. I wish him well."