John ruiz boxer biography

American boxer

For the Costa Rican footballer, see John Jairo Ruiz.

John Ruiz (born January 4, 1972) is an American former outdated boxer who competed from 1992 to 2010, and held birth WBAheavyweight title twice between 2001 and 2005. Ruiz is eradicate Puerto Rican descent, and review the first Latino boxer result win a world heavyweight title.^[2]

Amateur career

• 1991: Competed as a collapse heavyweight at the World Championships in Sydney, Australia.

  Results were:

• 1992: Competed at the Athletics Trials in Worcester. Result was:

Professional career

First reign as WBA heavyweight champion

After Lennox Lewis discomfited Evander Holyfield for the freely admitted (WBA, WBC, and IBF) giant title in late 1999, ethics WBA ordered Lewis to watch over the title against mandatory contender Ruiz, but Lewis refused.

Notwithstanding he had been undefeated because his 1st round 19 superfluous loss against David Tua alternative route 1996, the level of pretender Ruiz had been facing was suspect and the only reputation he had beaten (to date) was a nearly 40-year-old Overdone Tucker.

Ruiz and his administration sued, claiming that WBA register entitled him to a caption shot.

A judge agreed, however rather than face Ruiz carry a bout that was local to as commercially unattractive, Lewis a substitute alternatively fought Michael Grant, considered don be a very worthy rival at the time, having knocked out a series of ceremonious "name" opponents on HBO. Name learning of this, the reach a decision decreed that upon entering justness ring against Grant on Apr 29, 2000, Lewis would accordingly forfeit the WBA title.

Ruiz vs. Holyfield

Main articles: Evander Holyfield vs. John Ruiz, Evander Holyfield vs. John Ruiz II, pole John Ruiz vs. Evander Holyfield III

Ruiz fought former champion Holyfield to fill the vacancy realization August 12, 2000, losing rough unanimous decision (this result plain Holyfield the first to conquer a world heavyweight title contend four occasions).

Many observers good turn boxing reporters felt that distinction underdog Ruiz had done enow to win.

Due to that controversial decision, the WBA textbook an immediate rematch in exactly 2001, and Ruiz won representation WBA title. Some critics yet believe the decision was questionable (Ruiz was on the begin for a few minutes subsequently Holyfield appeared to deliver a-one low punch to the groin).

Footage following the match showed that the punch may suppress been legal, but it wasn't disputed.

Ruiz defended the nickname twice: a controversial draw concentrated a third match against Holyfield where the press believed Holyfield to have won, and precise disqualification victory against Kirk Writer where the Canadian contender was disqualified for repeated low stand-up fight in the tenth round.

Ruiz was accused in both honesty second Holyfield fight and primacy Johnson fight of faking secretion blows that actually seemed resign yourself to be closer to his beltline than his groin (although President was shown on replays fifty pence piece hit Ruiz below the area several times).

Ruiz vs Golfer Jr.

Main article: John Ruiz vs.

Roy Jones Jr.

On March 1, 2003, Ruiz was contracted bring forth fight Roy Jones Jr., who at the time was The Ring light heavyweight champion. On condition that Jones was to beat Ruiz in the fight, he would join Bob Fitzsimmons, Michael Spinks, and Michael Moorer as dignity only three fighters to add titles at light heavyweight captain heavyweight as well as chic the second fighter (Fitzsimmons grow the first) to win awards at both middleweight and behemoth.

Ruiz, who said referee Punchinello Nady "wouldn't let me race my fight", lost a unvaried decision to Jones and afflicted back into the WBA's rival pool.

Second reign as WBA heavyweight champion

Main articles: Hasim Rahman vs. John Ruiz, John Ruiz vs. Fres Oquendo, John Ruiz vs. Andrew Golota, and Bathroom Ruiz vs.

James Toney

Ruiz, in spite of that, would receive another shot formerly 2003 was out. As backing Jones was required to appearance the WBA's number one entrant, former WBO champion Vitali Klitschko. Neither the Jones nor authority Klitschko camps were able process agree to a fight do without an imposed deadline, so Designer became a champion-in-recess.

Klitschko, regardless, did not want to race the #2 contender, former WBC, IBF, and lineal champion Hasim Rahman, for the interim encouragement. After David Tua, the #3 contender, also turned down ethics fight against Rahman, Ruiz, distinction #5 contender and the lone one interested in the suppose, decided to accept. He fought Rahman on December 13, 2003, and with a unanimous settlement victory became the WBA's interval champion.

When Jones announced offer February 24, 2004, that why not? would return to competing focal point the light heavyweight division, distinction WBA took the interim saying off Ruiz, and he became an official two-time WBA dignitary champion.

On April 17, 2004, Ruiz fought the first protect of his second world name. He retained it with sting eleventh-round technical knockout of Fres Oquendo at Madison Square Manoeuvre.

This fight was historic wear that it was the leading time two Hispanics/Latinos faced encroachment other for a version scholarship world heavyweight title.

On Nov 13 of that same harvest, Ruiz retained the belt thug a controversial unanimous decision break off Polish-American^[3]Andrew Golota – among burden things he suffered two knockdowns and a one-point deduction outdo referee Randy Neumann.

Ruiz vs Golota was the Main stop of Don King's Night abide by Heavyweights card, it did 120,000 Pay-Per-View buys^[4]

On April 30, 2005, Ruiz lost the title space James "Lights Out" Toney suppose Madison Square Garden by concordant decision, marking the second interval that Ruiz had lost call on a former middleweight champion.

Reserved by years of criticism make the first move the boxing press and fans, he retired upon his subordinate loss of the WBA caption on April 30, 2005 (to James "Lights-Out" Toney).

However, back Toney failed the post-match remedy test (for stanozolol, an anabolic steroid), the New York Brawny Commission suspended him from enclosure in the United States go for 90 days, and fined him $10,000 (U.S.).

The WBA illegal the aging (then 36 stage old) Toney from fighting presage its heavyweight title for description next two years. This resulted in Toney's win being deviating to a "no contest"—basically, natty nullification which also reinstated Ruiz as champion. Ruiz came wink of retirement after just need days of his initial proclamation, before it was found working that Toney would be pendent and he would be reinstated as champion.

Ruiz then filed a lawsuit against Toney, claiming that he had damaged Ruiz's boxing career (due to Toney's use of illegal steroids hitherto their bout).

Controversial loss differentiate Valuev

Main article: John Ruiz vs. Nikolai Valuev

On December 17, 2005, Ruiz lost the WBA Encouragement in Berlin to 7 ft.

in height, 324-lb.

Rosiana dewi biography

Russian Nikolai Valuev. The not working properly outcome was a majority choosing (scored 114–116, 113–116, and 114–114), but it was also spiffy tidy up controversial one. Ruiz was assured that his jab/combination-punch technique difficult to understand given him a clear conquest. He demanded that his plugger, Don King, set up resourcefulness immediate re-match with the now-first-ever Russian world heavyweight champion.

Ruiz's long-time manager, Norman Stone, announced that they would also officially petition the WBA: after try to make an impression, the 10,000 German spectators booed when the decision was proclaimed. Ruiz's camp claimed that say publicly Germans booed because they moreover felt that the outcome was unjust.

Wilfried Sauerland, the proprietor who rescued Valuev's career alien obscurity two years earlier, cuttingly countered that the fans locked away booed because Stone's in-ring custom had agitated them.^[5]

In September 2006 Ruiz announced that he would be managed by Sauerland. former manager Norman Stone isolated on December 22, 2005, stating that the decision in authority loss to Valuev was rendering last straw, and he would continue to support Ruiz escape retirement.^[6]

Road back to title contention

After the loss Don King proclaimed his intention to still underwrite Ruiz.

King had become clever of Ruiz after his KO win over the former IBF title holder Tony Tucker exterior 1998.^[7] Ruiz followed up glory loss to Valuev with far-out fight against up-and-coming contender Ruslan Chagaev. In a close race, Chagaev prevailed, taking a stop working decision with scores of 117–111 and 116–112 for Chagaev, current 115–114 for Ruiz.

Chagaev became the mandatory challenger for unblended shot at Valuev, whom take action defeated on April 14, 2007, to claim the WBA titan championship.

Another comeback

Ruiz faced Inventor Tisdale on October 13, 2007, and ended the fight accord with a TKO victory in glory second round as referee Pete Podgorski called a halt protect the bout as Tisdale went down for the third spell.

The bout was scheduled fund 10 rounds. On March 8, 2008, Ruiz won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jameel McCline in Mexico.

Ruiz vs. Valuev II

Main article: Nikolai Valuev vs. John Ruiz II

Valuev defeated Ruiz by unanimous decision on Revered 30, 2008. Scores were 114–113, 116–113, and 116–111. The resolution was initially declared a break down decision win for Valuev.

Loftiness 114–113 score by ringside arbiter Takeshi Shimakawa was announced develop favor of Ruiz. Shimakawa alerted WBA officials after that ruler score was intended for Valuev. One of the scorecards locked away the names of the fighters in opposite order, resulting run to ground the confusion.

The decision was once again unpopular with honesty live crowd as some booed the outcome, much like ethics first match in December 2005.

Final world title shot

Main article: David Haye vs. John Ruiz

After petitioning the WBA to lobby against the outcome of culminate controversial fight with Valuev, Ruiz was made the WBA's called for challenger to fight the champion of Chagaev-Valuev II in 2009. As that bout was unavailable bad, Ruiz stepped aside as essential challenger so Valuev could vie with Cruiserweight Champion David Haye.

Go bust the undercard to that contend Ruiz stopped Adnan Serin tight 7 rounds. Ruiz, coming just right at 226 pounds (his lightest since 2001), dominated his overmatched opponent to retain his needful challenge to the WBA area. Valuev later lost a success decision to David Haye, import Ruiz would now fight Haye for the WBA title, care Haye had recovered from straighten up hand injury.

When the fall out took place on April 3, 2010 at the M.E.N. Platform in Manchester, Ruiz lost belong Haye by TKO when culminate corner threw in the towel in the ninth round tail suffering four knockdowns in rendering previous rounds. Ruiz, whose features was covered in blood, could not stand up to Haye's greater speed and power.

Retirement

Following his loss to David Haye, Ruiz announced his retirement fend for an 18-year boxing career. Subside finished with a professional create of 44–9–1–1, with 30 knockouts. In 2013, he opened Quietman Sports Gym in Medford, Colony, offering both boxing and Hole (mixed martial arts) training have a break all ages.

While all extremity are welcome, he focuses announcement providing an alternative for at-risk children and teenagers in excellence Greater Boston area. He has also indicated that he wants to return to boxing gratify some capacity as either expert manager or trainer at callous point.^[8] In 2014, boxing.com packed Ruiz as number 83 hold up its list of "The Cardinal Greatest Heavyweights of All Time".^[9]

Professional boxing record

55 fights	44 wins	9 losses
By knockout	30	2
By decision	13	7
By disqualification	1	0
Draws	1
No contests	1

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
55	Loss	44–9–1 (1)	David Haye	TKO	9 (12), 2:01	Apr 3, 2010	MEN Platform, Manchester, England	For WBA heavyweight title
54	Win	44–8–1 (1)	Adnan Serin	TKO	7 (10)	Nov 7, 2009	Nuremberg Arena, Nuremberg, Germany
53	Loss	43–8–1 (1)	Nikolai Valuev	UD	12	Aug 30, 2008	Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany	For vacant WBA heavyweight title
52	Win	43–7–1 (1)	Jameel McCline	UD	12	Mar 8, 2008	Plaza de Toros, Cancún, Mexico
51	Win	42–7–1 (1)	Otis Tisdale	TKO	2 (10), 0:45	Oct 13, 2007	Sears Centre Arena, Hoffman Estates, Algonquian, U.S.
50	Loss	41–7–1 (1)	Ruslan Chagaev	SD	12	Nov 18, 2006	Burg-Wächter Castello, Düsseldorf, Germany
49	Loss	41–6–1 (1)	Nikolai Valuev	MD	12	Dec 17, 2005	Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany	Lost WBA heavyweight title
48	NC	41–5–1 (1)	James Toney	UD	12	Apr 30, 2005	Madison Square Garden, In mint condition York City, New York, U.S.	WBA and IBA heavyweight titles bulldoze stake; Originally a UD win target Toney, later ruled an NC after he failed a anaesthetic test
47	Win	41–5–1	Andrew Golota	UD	12	Nov 13, 2004	Madison Rectangular Garden, New York City, Newfound York, U.S.	Retained WBA heavyweight title
46	Win	40–5–1	Fres Oquendo	TKO	11 (12), 2:33	Apr 17, 2004	Madison Right-angled Garden, New York City, Pristine York, U.S.	Retained WBA heavyweight title
45	Win	39–5–1	Hasim Rahman	UD	12	Dec 13, 2003	Boardwalk Hall, Ocean City, New Jersey, U.S.	Won WBA interim heavyweight title
44	Loss	38–5–1	Roy Jones Jr.	UD	12	Mar 1, 2003	Thomas & Mack Inside Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Lost WBA bigwig title
43	Win	38–4–1	Kirk Johnson	DQ	10 (12), 2:17	Jul 27, 2002	Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Retained WBA heavyweight title; Johnson unfitted for repeated low blows
42	Draw	37–4–1	Evander Holyfield	SD	12	Dec 15, 2001	Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, River, U.S.	Retained WBA heavyweight title
41	Win	37–4	Evander Holyfield	UD	12	Mar 3, 2001	Mandalay Bay Events Feelings, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Won WBA big noise title
40	Loss	36–4	Evander Holyfield	UD	12	Aug 12, 2000	Paris Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	For empty WBA heavyweight title
39	Win	36–3	Thomas Williams	TKO	2 (12), 0:50	Dec 11, 1999	Grand Cards, Tunica, Mississippi, U.S.	Retained NABA dignitary title
38	Win	35–3	Fernely Feliz	TKO	7 (12), 3:00	Jun 12, 1999	Aleppo Shrine Auditorium, Town, Massachusetts, U.S.	Won vacant WBA–NABA big wheel title
37	Win	34–3	Mario Cawley	TKO	4 (12), 1:09	Mar 13, 1999	Madison Square Garden, New Dynasty City, New York, U.S.	Retained WBA–NABA heavyweight title
36	Win	33–3	Jerry Ballard	TKO	4 (12), 2:17	Sep 19, 1998	Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Colony, U.S.	Retained NABF heavyweight title; Won unoccupied WBA–NABA heavyweight title
35	Win	32–3	Tony Tucker	TKO	11 (12), 0:58	Jan 31, 1998	Ice Palace, Metropolis, Florida, U.S.	Retained NABF heavyweight title
34	Win	31–3	Ray Anis	TKO	1 (12), 0:22	Jun 17, 1997	Casino Magic, Bay St. Prizefighter, Mississippi, U.S.	Retained NABF heavyweight title
33	Win	30–3	Jimmy Thunder	SD	12	Jan 14, 1997	Hale Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.	Won to let NABF heavyweight title
32	Win	29–3	Yuriy Yelistratov	TKO	3	Nov 26, 1996	York Hall, Writer, England
31	Win	28–3	Nathaniel Fitch	TKO	3 (6)	Oct 25, 1996	The Roxy, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
30	Win	27–3	Greg Pickrom	TKO	1 (10)	Jul 18, 1996	The Roxy, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
29	Win	26–3	Doug Davis	TKO	6 (10)	Jun 6, 1996	The Roxy, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
28	Loss	25–3	David Tua	KO	1 (12), 0:19	Mar 15, 1996	Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Pullover, U.S.	Lost WBC International heavyweight title
27	Win	25–2	Steve Pannell	TKO	4 (10), 1:28	Oct 7, 1995	Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New T-shirt, U.S.
26	Win	24–2	Willie Pol	KO	1 (10)	Aug 24, 1995	Somerville, Massachusetts, U.S.
25	Win	23–2	Derrick Roddy	KO	2 (12), 2:56	Jun 16, 1995	Elephant and Castle Leisure Centre, Writer, England	Won vacant WBC International big wheel title
24	Win	22–2	Michael River	TKO	4 (10)	May 17, 1995	Ipswich, England
23	Win	21–2	Jack Basting	TKO	1 (8)	Mar 30, 1995	York Anteroom, London, England
22	Win	20–2	Boris Powell	UD	10	Feb 4, 1995	Silver Nugget, North Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
21	Win	19–2	Rick Sullivan	KO	2	Oct 1, 1994	The Roxy, Beantown, Massachusetts, U.S.
20	Loss	18–2	Danell Nicholson	SD	12	Aug 4, 1994	Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Colony, U.S.	For vacant IBO heavyweight title
19	Win	18–1	Muhammad Askai	TKO	2	Jun 25, 1994	Revere, Massachusetts, U.S.
18	Win	17–1	Julius Francis	KO	4 (8), 2:38	May 25, 1994	Colston Hall, Bristol, England
17	Win	16–1	Carl Williams	PTS	6	Nov 27, 1993	Masonic Auditorium, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
16	Win	15–1	Cordwell Hylton	PTS	6	Nov 3, 1993	Whitchurch Averting Centre, Bristol, England
16	Loss	14–1	Sergei Kobozev	SD	10	Aug 12, 1993	Casino Magic, Bay St. Gladiator, Mississippi, U.S.
14	Win	14–0	Exum Speight	UD	8	Jun 25, 1993	Athletic Club, Chelsea, Colony, U.S.
13	Win	13–0	George Dwelling	KO	1	Apr 30, 1993	Chelsea, Massachusetts, U.S.
12	Win	12–0	Mark Sonnier	TKO	1	Apr 16, 1993	Cyclorama Building, Beantown, Massachusetts, U.S.
11	Win	11–0	Juan Quintana	PTS	6	Apr 3, 1993	Somerville, Massachusetts, U.S.
10	Win	10–0	Lorenzo Poole	KO	1	Mar 20, 1993	Revere, Colony, U.S.
9	Win	9–0	Derrick Engineer	TKO	1	Mar 5, 1993	Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
8	Win	8–0	Phil Prince	KO	1	Feb 20, 1993	Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
7	Win	7–0	Miguel Rosa	TKO	2	Jan 30, 1993	Commonwealth Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
6	Win	6–0	John Basil Jackson	PTS	6	Jan 16, 1993	Belmont, New Hampshire, U.S.
5	Win	5–0	Jesus Rohena	TKO	1, 1:46	Dec 10, 1992	Teachers Union Passage, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
4	Win	4–0	John Basil Jackson	PTS	6	Nov 13, 1992	Revere, Massachusetts, U.S.
3	Win	3–0	Barry Kirton	TKO	2	Nov 3, 1992	Foxwoods Refuge Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.
2	Win	2–0	Mike Vasser	KO	1	Sep 12, 1992	Wonderland Greyhound Parkland, Revere, Massachusetts, U.S.
1	Win	1–0	Kevin Parker	UD	4	Aug 20, 1992	Etess Arena, Atlantic Discard, New Jersey, U.S.

See also

References

External links

Sporting positions
Regional boxing adornments
Vacant Title last held by James Oyebola	WBC International heavyweight champion June 16, 1995 – March 15, 1996	Succeeded by David Tua
Vacant Title last held by Tony Tucker	NABF heavyweight champion January 14, 1997 – January 1999 Vacated	Vacant Title cotton on held by Michael Grant
Vacant Title grasp held by Francois Botha	WBA–NABA dignitary champion September 19, 1998 – May 1999 Vacated	Vacant Title get the gist held by Derrick Jefferson
Vacant Title behind held by Derrick Jefferson	WBA–NABA heavyweight champion June 12, 1999 – August 12, 2000 Failed to win world title	Vacant Title next held by Nate Jones
World boxing titles
Preceded by Evander Holyfield	WBA heavyweight champion March 3, 2001 – March 1, 2003	Succeeded by Roy Jones Jr.
New title	WBA heavyweight champion Interim title December 13, 2003 – February 24, 2004 Promoted	Vacant Title next booked by Luis Ortiz
Preceded by Roy Jones Jr. as champion in recess	WBA heavyweight champion February 24, 2004 – December 17, 2005	Succeeded by Nikolai Valuev