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Whether you want to refer to it as a paradigm shift or a sea change, like the Oscar-winning Bob Dylan song from the film Wonder Boys, “Things Have Changed.” Gone from the heavyweight picture, perhaps for good this time, is John Ruiz, and in his place as WBA champion is his polar opposite, James “Lights Out” Toney. In this week’s edition of Fighting Words, we’ll take a brief look at the implications of Toney’s victory this past Saturday and, within The Ten Count, preview the big fights in this magnificent month of May.
Toney Ascends, Ruiz Retires
Although talent and ability are important aspects of the fight game, success is also based off of hunger and knowledge. John Ruiz had success, twice winning the WBA heavyweight belt and defending it triumphantly four times. He even had knowledge and talent, Ruiz being cognizant of the strategy he needed to stifle his opponents, frustrating them into fighting at his pace in his game.
But Ruiz was also knowledgeable that his success was coming at a price, namely the size of the bottom line. His style was painful, boring to watch, completely un-fan-friendly, and while he could keep his belts, respect was harder to earn.
So Ruiz tried to change, become more entertaining, going away from what had brought him the championship, kept him alive in the business after a 19 second knockout loss to David Tua in 1996.
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Toney Ascends, Ruiz Retires
Although talent and ability are important aspects of the fight game, success is also based off of hunger and knowledge. John Ruiz had success, twice winning the WBA heavyweight belt and defending it triumphantly four times. He even had knowledge and talent, Ruiz being cognizant of the strategy he needed to stifle his opponents, frustrating them into fighting at his pace in his game.
But Ruiz was also knowledgeable that his success was coming at a price, namely the size of the bottom line. His style was painful, boring to watch, completely un-fan-friendly, and while he could keep his belts, respect was harder to earn.
So Ruiz tried to change, become more entertaining, going away from what had brought him the championship, kept him alive in the business after a 19 second knockout loss to David Tua in 1996.
[details]