The Imperial Valley is pulling out all the stops to celebrate the victory of hometown hero Andy Ruiz, Jr. as the new heavyweight boxing champion of the world.
A parade and rally is planned through the city of Imperial on Saturday. The parade begins at 8 a.m. at Fourth Street and Imperial Avenue and will end at Imperial High School where a rally will be held. Andy Ruiz, Jr. is expected to speak at the rally.
Ruiz’s upset victory over British boxer Anthony Joshua earlier this month makes him the first Mexican-American heavyweight champ. His victory prompted a wave of pride in Imperial County and across the border.
Freddy Terrazas, a former boxer and expert on the Imperial Valley boxing scene, described what the win means to the community on KPBS Midday Edition.