Respect for Ruiz's 2005 performances?

[Guest]

I feel sorry for the guy because he's so disliked, yet I'll make it clear I'm no fan.

Yet - forget everything you know. Forget the hugging, the Jones humiliation, that time you laughed at the Tua KO - forget all of it.

Just concentrate on THIS YEAR. Imagine it's ground zero and all you know of John Ruiz is his 2005 output. You there? Good.

Now, while he ain't the prettiest sight in the world, he was far more aggressive this year, and most important stopped the hugging. Yeah, it might be a temporary abberation, but let's just talk about what he's done this year.

He had a far more competitive fight with James Toney than people care to admit - certainly the most competitive fight Toney had at heavyweight - and afterwards we found Toney was juiced. I'm fairly sure if someone else had tried to sue for what could have been a life-threatening situtation we wouldn't have a problem with it.

Then the guy had the balls to travel to arguably the most crooked country for boxing in the world, facing a man that had advantages of almost a foot, 100lbs and seven inches in reach. And the guy fought his ****ing heart out. He did himself proud, losing a decision so dodgy the German crowd booed Valuev as he held the belt.


As I say, I'm no fan, but for this year at least... doesn't the guy deserve his dues?

[Super_Lightweight]

hmm

Ruiz has always had skill but he hugged all the time to create a "style" that would allow him easier wins. Sadly, if he would have just fought more in his career he would be much less hated. Now, he shows up to fights flabby and is obviously past his prime, so there probably isn't much he can do about his image.

Just based on this year alone...He won 4 rounds off of Toney by NOT hugging, and he beat a giant beast in his homecourt, so if I only knew Ruiz statrting this year I'd say he's decent.

It's his own fault he didn't try this sooner.

[restless_438]

He had a far more competitive fight with James Toney than people care to admit - certainly the most competitive fight Toney had at heavyweight - and afterwards we found Toney was juiced. I'm fairly sure if someone else had tried to sue for what could have been a life-threatening situtation we wouldn't have a problem with it.

I might understand most of the comments, but I'm not going to agree that Ruiz's life was really "threatened" by his opponent being "juiced ". Any fighter's life is threatened when they take the risk of stepping into the ring, drugs or no. And i think everyone on the board would most likely criticize any fighter that thinks they ought to sue.

[Tarver is my dad]

John Ruiz for president.

[!!Captain]

It must have been one of the strangest fights for Ruiz. He is used to crowd booing when he was awarded the win/draw, not the other way around.
Seriously though, he surprised the hell out of me in his last fight. He kept coming forward even though he saw that Valuev wasn't even feeling like he landed something (and he landed some solid flash shots). Too bad it was spoiled in rounds 7-12 when Ruiz went back to his usual style.

[Guest]

I might understand most of the comments, but I'm not going to agree that Ruiz's life was really "threatened" by his opponent being "juiced ". Any fighter's life is threatened when they take the risk of stepping into the ring, drugs or no. And i think everyone on the board was most likely criticize any fighter that thinks they have the right to sue.

Yes, but that risk is enhanced unnaturally. I remember reading about a Johnny Nelson fight where he was pushed close and deemed lucky to get the win or something. They found out after his opponent was on the juice, so he was artificially enhanced.

I take your point that it's hardly the sport to complain about "life threatening" incidents, but when you're in a game where you could potentially kill someone to enhance your ability to do that is immoral.

Also, there's also the question about whether or not Toney would have done as well. Sure, we can all say of course he would, but there's no saying for sure, is there? He's only alittle guy, and Ruiz bashed him into the ropes on more than one occasion.

[DiegoFuego]

You all are seriously reaching when you say he was competitive with Toney. Did any of you really give Ruiz more than 3 rounds in that fight?