Boxing: Ruiz wants to silenece critics

After overcoming a bad call regarding a knockdown in the second round and being penalized a point in the fourth round (the first point reduction of his pro career and after being repeatedly and blatantly fouled by his opponent with no deductions by the referee), last Saturday night World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz overcame a four-point deficit to win a unanimous decision against Andrew Golota.

Ruiz (41-5-1, 28 KOs) won nine of 12 rounds on two of the judges’ cards and eight on the other. It marked Ruiz’ fifth successful title defense, as well as his fifth victory against a top 10 opponent (Evander Holyfield, Kirk Johnson, Hasim Rahman, Fres Oquendo and Golota). No other current heavyweight champion can match Ruiz’ record against top 10 contenders.