Rafael Ruelas

Rafael Ruelas (born April 26, 1971 in Yerbabuena, Jalisco) is a former professional boxer from Mexico, best known for his knockout loss to Oscar De La Hoya.

Rafael Ruelas
Statistics
Real nameRafael Ruelas
Weight(s)Featherweight
Lightweight
Super lightweight
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Reach71 in (180 cm)
NationalityMexican
American
Born (1971-04-26) April 26, 1971
Yerbabuena, Jalisco,
Mexico
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights57
Wins53
Wins by KO41
Losses4

Boxing career

Shortly after a TKO in 10 over Jorge Páez in 1992, Ruelas earned a shot at IBF Lightweight Title Freddie Pendleton, overcoming an early knockdown and winning by unanimous decision.

Ruelas was able to successfully defend his title prior to being challenged by the rapidly rising star de la Hoya. De la Hoya defeated Ruelas, knocking him down twice and ending the fight in the 2nd round.

Ruelas never recaptured his lost glory, winning fights over limited competition, including a decision over journeyman Livingstone Bramble, to set up a fight with the hard punching Kostya Tszyu in 1998. Tszyu battered Ruelas and won via TKO 9, and Ruelas's career ended shortly afterward.

Preceded by
Freddie Pendleton
IBF Lightweight boxing champion
19 February 19946 May 1995
Succeeded by
Oscar De La Hoya


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