Best fights of John Ruiz
Over 18 years as a professional, John Ruiz has compiled a 44-9-1 (30) record, including 22 title fights. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. John Ruiz defeats Evander Holyfield in their 2nd fight
On March 3, 2001 John Ruiz fought Evander Holyfield for the WBA heavyweight title. It was their second meeting. Ruiz was 29 years old with a record of 36-4, and Holyfield was 38 with a record of 37-4-1. Ruiz was coming off a loss, while Holyfield was coming off a win. Ruiz won via unanimous decision. Crowned the new heavyweight champion.
2. John Ruiz draws with Evander Holyfield in their 3rd fight
On December 15, 2001 John Ruiz defended his WBA heavyweight title against Evander Holyfield. It was their third meeting. Ruiz was 29 years old with a record of 37-4, and Holyfield was 39 with a record of 37-5-1. Ruiz was coming off a win, while Holyfield was coming off a loss. The fight ended in a split decision.
3. John Ruiz defeats Kirk Johnson
On July 27, 2002 John Ruiz defended his WBA heavyweight title against Kirk Johnson. Ruiz was 30 years old with a record of 37-4-1, and Johnson was 30 with a record of 32-0-1. Johnson was on an undefeated 6-fight winning streak. Ruiz won via disqualification. Defended the title.
4. John Ruiz defeats Hasim Rahman
On December 13, 2003 John Ruiz fought Hasim Rahman for the vacant WBA interim heavyweight title. Ruiz was 31 years old with a record of 38-5-1, and Rahman was 31 with a record of 35-4-1. Ruiz was coming off a loss. Ruiz won via unanimous decision. Won the vacant title.
5. John Ruiz defeats James Toney
On April 30, 2005 John Ruiz defended his WBA heavyweight title against James Toney. Ruiz was 33 years old with a record of 41-5-1, and Toney was 36 with a record of 68-4-2. Ruiz was on a 3-fight winning streak and Toney was on a 14-fight winning streak. Ruiz won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.
6. John Ruiz defeats Andrew Golota
On November 13, 2004 John Ruiz defended his WBA heavyweight title against Andrew Golota. Ruiz was 32 years old with a record of 40-5-1, and Golota was 36 with a record of 38-4-1. Ruiz was on a 2-fight winning streak. Ruiz won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.
7. John Ruiz KOs Tony Tucker
On January 31, 1998 John Ruiz defended his NABF heavyweight title against Tony Tucker. Ruiz was 26 years old with a record of 31-3, and Tucker was 39 with a record of 56-6. Ruiz was on a 6-fight winning streak and Tucker was on a 2-fight winning streak. Ruiz stopped Tony Tucker via TKO in the 11th round. Defended the title.
8. John Ruiz loses to Roy Jones Jr. via unanimous decision
On March 1, 2003 John Ruiz defended his WBA heavyweight title against Roy Jones Jr.. Ruiz was 31 years old with a record of 38-4-1, and Jr. was 34 with a record of 47-1. Ruiz was coming off a win and Jr. was on a 13-fight winning streak. Ruiz lost via unanimous decision. Lost the title. Went the distance with Jr..
9. John Ruiz KOs Fres Oquendo
On April 17, 2004 John Ruiz defended his WBA heavyweight title against Fres Oquendo. Ruiz was 32 years old with a record of 39-5-1, and Oquendo was 31 with a record of 24-2. Ruiz was coming off a win, while Oquendo was coming off a loss. Ruiz stopped Fres Oquendo via TKO in the 11th round. Defended the title.
10. John Ruiz loses to Evander Holyfield via unanimous decision
On August 12, 2000 John Ruiz fought Evander Holyfield for the vacant WBA heavyweight title. Ruiz was 28 years old with a record of 36-3, and Holyfield was 37 with a record of 36-4-1. Ruiz was on a 11-fight winning streak, while Holyfield was coming off a loss. Ruiz lost via unanimous decision. Failed to win the vacant title. Went the distance with Holyfield.