Rafael Ruelas

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Rafael Ruelas (born April 26, 1971 in Yerba Buena, JAL, Mexico) was a professional boxer. Ruelas was a very popular Mexican fighter, best known for his devastating knockout loss to Oscar de la Hoya; a loss which left Oscar somewhat scorned by the Mexican community due to his ruthless destruction of a hero. Shortly after a TKO in 10 over the popular Jorge Paez in 1992, Ruelas earned a shot at IBF Lightweight Title Freddie Pendleton, overcoming an early knockdown and winning by unanimous decision. Ruelas was only able to successfully defend his title prior to being challenged by the rapidly rising star de la Hoya. de la Hoya crushed 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. Ruelas's career ended shortly afterward.