RUDY DISTRITO IS BACK HOME
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 13 Jan 2010
Distrito.
Former PBA superstar Rudy Distrito is back home hoping to lead a stable life after his harrowing experience in the US where he spent time in the High Desert State Prison in Nevada after being convicted of manslaughter in the death of 24 year old Mexican Juan Amaya during a scuffle outside an apartment near the strip.
Distrito arrived early Wednesday morning along with a three other Filipino who were being deported. They were accompanied by US marshals which is customary when individuals are being deported from the US.
Distrito who was paroled for his good behavior and didn’t serve his full term of eight years is staying at the home of a friend in Pasay City and plans to go to Bacolod City within a couple of days.
His family including wife Jocelyn and children remain in the US.
Distrito went to the dentist following his arrival and attended to some other matters.
We were informed of his return by his daughter Sweetanne Distrito on Tuesday morning. However, she had no flight details but only knew he was on a plane en route to Manila.
Distrito whose arrival was covered by an ABS-CBN TV crew said he was happy to be home and planned to hopefully join the coaching staff of any of the PBA teams or any other league.
Distrito thanked his former playing-coach Robert Jaworski who helped him when he was in trouble in the US and several other players and friends who had come to his assistance, especially former PBA superstar Abe King, the chairman of the PBA Legends USA Foundation.
Distrito, speaking in Pilipino in an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN at the airport said “si Jawoski talaga ang unang sumagot, siya ang nagbigay sa akin ng una kong abugado. (jc) sa lahat ng basketball players sa sumuporta sa akin, maraming salamat. lalo na kina Abe King.”
An obviously relieved Distrito added “masaya ako at tapos na, nakuha ko na freedom ko. sa awa ng Diyos, natapos lahat. sa lahat ng fans na nagsulat noong nasa kulungan ako, maraming salamat.. ang dami ninyo, maraming salamat.”
Distrito whose rugged and intense brand of play earned him the nickname “Destroyer” is best remembered for his buzzer-beating jumper in an awkward position that gave Ginebra under playing-coach Jaworski the PBA crown against Shell in an epic seventh game at the ULTRA.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 FEBRUARY 2026: Shakur Schools Teofimo to Become 4-Division Champ; Zayas Unifies WBA/WBO Superwelter; Kelly Beats Murtazaliev
By Eric Armit, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Grand Week for Boxing in NY
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
Wed, 04 Feb 2026National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
Wed, 04 Feb 2026Noah Lucas Palcis sees action in Bangkok chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Reymond Yanong Edges Out Hayato Ono for Split Decision Win in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 03 Feb 2026“I’m gonna smoke whoever is in front of me, Anthony Wright- Hearn makes his pro debut March 13 at Thunderdome 53
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Pacman's Cue Club Hosts J&P 10 Ball Cup from Feb. 4 to 7
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is back
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
Tue, 03 Feb 2026World Boxing appoints Tom Dielen as new Secretary General
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Sullivan Management signs 19-1 power-punching Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Another Grandeza in MMA is coming
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Gracie meets Zubiri in PH
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Feb 2026