Rafael Ruelas losses
Over 11 years as a professional, Rafael Ruelas has compiled a 53-4 (41) record, including twelve title fights across two weight classes. He has four losses, three of them in title fights.
4. Rafael Ruelas loses to Kostya Tszyu via KO
On August 15, 1998 Rafael Ruelas faced Kostya Tszyu in a lightweight bout. Ruelas was 27 years old with a record of 52-3, and Tszyu was 28 with a record of 20-1. Ruelas was on a 9-fight winning streak and Tszyu was on a 2-fight winning streak. Tszyu stopped Ruelas via TKO in the 9th round. Lasted into the 9th round.
3. Rafael Ruelas loses to George Scott via unanimous decision
On October 7, 1995 Rafael Ruelas fought George Scott for the vacant WBU lightweight title. Ruelas was 24 years old with a record of 43-2, and Scott was 0 with a record of 0-0. Ruelas was coming off a loss. Ruelas lost via unanimous decision. Failed to win the vacant title. Went the distance with Scott.
2. Rafael Ruelas loses to Oscar De La Hoya via KO
On May 6, 1995 Rafael Ruelas, the IBF lightweight champion, met Oscar De La Hoya, the WBO lightweight champion, in a title unification fight. Ruelas was 24 years old with a record of 43-1, and Hoya was 22 with a record of 17-0. Ruelas was on a 16-fight winning streak and Hoya was on an undefeated 17-fight winning streak. Hoya stopped Ruelas via TKO in the 2nd round. Lost the title in unification.
1. Rafael Ruelas loses to Mauro Gutierrez via KO
On July 31, 1991 Rafael Ruelas fought Mauro Gutierrez for the vacant WBC Continental Americas lightweight title. Ruelas was 20 years old with a record of 27-0, and Gutierrez was 0 with a record of 0-0. Ruelas was on an undefeated 27-fight winning streak. Gutierrez stopped Ruelas via KO in the 2nd round. Failed to win the vacant title.