Donovan Ruddock

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Donovan "Razor" Ruddock (born December 21, 1963) is a Jamaican-born Canadian former professional boxer who competed from 1982 to 2001 and in 2015. He is known for his two fights against Mike Tyson in 1991, a fight against Lennox Lewis in 1992, and a fight with Tommy Morrison in 1995. Ruddock was also known for his exceptionally heavy punching; some of the best examples of his left hand and overall power were his knockouts of former WBA heavyweight champions James Smith in 1989, Michael Dokes in 1990, and Greg Page in 1992. His favoured weapon at the ring proved to be a highly versatile half-hook, half-uppercut left-handed punch he called "The Smash" which accounted for the majority of his knockout wins—it also happened to be his major downside throughout his career. Being a left-handed puncher fighting out of the orthodox stance, he didn't throw right handed punches during most knockout flurries.[1]

Early life

Ruddock was born in St. Catherine, Jamaica.[2] At age 11, he left Jamaica with his family and moved to Toronto, settling in the city's Weston neighbourhood.[3] Ruddock attended Emery Collegiate Institute and Westview Centennial Secondary School, when he was a teenager.[4]

Amateur career

As an amateur boxer, Ruddock had a win over Lennox Lewis in March 1980 in Toronto at the Ontario Junior Boxing Championship, winning via a split decision (3:2) in the 75 kg weight class (165 lbs).[5]

Professional career

Early career

He turned pro in 1982, but his career started slowly, having only 11 fights between 1982 and 1985. He won eight of his first nine fights, but drew his fifth. More controversy would follow in April 1985 when he lost to journeyman David Jaco, who would be KO'd by a young Mike Tyson the next year. After eight rounds Ruddock's corner threw in the towel when he complained of breathing problems. Jaco was awarded a TKO victory. It was discovered Ruddock had a rare respiratory illness and doctors told him his career would be over.

Return to the ring

To his doctors' surprise, Ruddock made a full recovery within 10 months and resumed his boxing career by winning nine straight fights. Eight were by KO, with the ninth a win by decision win over former WBA heavyweight title-holder Mike Weaver. Ruddock would win the Canadian heavyweight championship in 1988 on a first-round knockout of Ken Lakusta.

In 1989, after two more wins by KO, a fight was arranged with another former WBA heavyweight champion -- James "Bonecrusher" Smith. Ruddock was knocked down in round two but got up, regrouped and stopped Smith in the seventh round.

This victory placed him in line for a title bout against undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, scheduled for November 1989 in Edmonton, Alberta.[6] Tyson, claiming illness, canceled and opted instead to fight James "Buster" Douglas in Tokyo in February 1990. Tyson would go on to lose in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

Ruddock vs. Dokes

In 1990, Ruddock fought former heavyweight champion Michael Dokes. Ruddock went into the fight as underdog but put on one of the best performances of his career knocking out Dokes in the 4th round. Dokes appeared to be seriously stunned on the ropes after taking Ruddock's famous "Smash" left hook. A right hand followed, which appeared to put Dokes out, but Ruddock threw another two hooks to knock Dokes out cold for several minutes.

After another KO win over Kimmuel Odum in 1990, Ruddock had difficulty finding a marquee opponent.[7] Ruddock hoped to fight Evander Holyfield (fresh from a KO win over James "Buster" Douglas for the heavyweight championship). Instead, Holyfield opted to fight 42-year-old George Foreman.[8]

Ruddock vs. Tyson

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". With no big name opponent, Ruddock took a warm up fight against Mike Rouse in December 1990 winning by 1st round knockout. In January 1991, Mike Tyson accepted Ruddock's challenge and fight was scheduled for March 18. It would pit Tyson, the number #1 contender, against Ruddock who was number #2, for the right to fight the winner of Holyfield-Foreman. Ruddock was dropped in round three but fought back until referee Richard Steele stopped the fight in Tyson's favor during round 7. Some fans were unhappy with the decision and fights erupted in the stadium. Steele had to be escorted out of the ring after the angry protests.

Ruddock vs. Tyson II

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". A rematch was held June 28, 1991 and lasted a full 12 rounds. Tyson knocked Ruddock down twice during the bout, and won by unanimous decision. Both fighters were injured; Ruddock had a broken jaw and Tyson suffered a perforated eardrum. Sports Illustrated reported that Ruddock's jaw may have been broken as early as the fourth round.[9] Tyson was magnanimous after his triumph, praising Ruddock as a great heavyweight: "Man this guy is tough, he'll be champion of the world one day if he stays dedicated and doesn't slip up."

Ruddock vs. Lewis

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". After losing to Tyson for the second time, Ruddock picked up victories over former heavyweight champion Greg Page and got a win over undefeated hope Phil Jackson; both fights again were won by KO. Those victories set up a bout with Lennox Lewis in London on Halloween 1992. The bout was an official WBC Final Eliminator and seen as an elimination bout for the opportunity to face the winner of the upcoming Bowe - Holyfield match.[10] Ruddock was knocked out in the second round.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Ruddock vs. Morrison

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". After more than two years out after the Lewis defeat Ruddock came back in 1994 with a points win over Anthony Wade which led to a fight with Tommy Morrison in 1995. In the first round he put Morrison down, but let the opportunity for an early stoppage slip, and was given a count himself in the second round after grabbing the ropes after being caught by a Morrison uppercut. Again, like the first Tyson fight, Ruddock was controversially stopped on his feet in the 6th round.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Retirement

After the loss to Morrison, Ruddock disappeared for 3 years until he returned once again in 1998. Ruddock was scheduled to challenge Vitali Klitschko for the WBO heavyweight title in April 2000, yet was forced to withdraw at late notice due to injury.[11] After building up a winning streak against journeymen opponents, Ruddock won the Canadian heavyweight title for a second time with a tenth round win over Egerton Marcus in October 2001, then retired with a record of 38 wins (28 KOs), 5 losses and 1 draw.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Comeback and second retirement

On March 28, 2015, Ruddock, aged 51, returned to the ring with a fifth round knockout win over Raymond Olubowale[12] and scored a 6 round majority points decision over Eric Barrak two months later. Ruddock, in his third and final comeback bout, was defeated by 3 round KO by Dillon Carman on September 11, 2015 in a bid for the Canadian heavyweight title.

Exhibition bout

Ruddock made a comeback to the ring at age 59 on November 11, 2023, when he fought 55-year-old James Toney, a former three-division world champion and hall of famer, in Kingston, Jamaica. The fight went all six rounds and was scored a draw, with the first two rounds being a standard three minutes, while the later four were shortened to two minutes. Both men were criticized for their lousy athletic appearances and sluggish slow pace, as both were clearly showing their senior age. Nevertheless, the fight went the distance.[13][14][15]

Legacy

Ruddock was ranked 70th on The Ring magazine's list of "The 100 Greatest Punchers of All-Time".[16]

Life after boxing

In the late 1990s, Ruddock had filed for bankruptcy as a number of failed investments, including $1 million that he lost when his Fort Lauderdale nightclub "Razor's Palace" went under; had left him cash poor. A contract dispute ruined a close relationship with his brother and former manager, Delroy.[17]

In 2006, Ruddock invented a non-electrical garbage compactor called The Boxer which he hoped would become a success. Ruddock marketed the device he designed one day after becoming increasingly frustrated with the amount of waste his family was collecting,[18] and sold it from his website Razorruddock.com. As of November 2013, the site is no longer online and the product is listed on Amazon as unavailable with no indication for future availability.[19]

Professional boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
47 Loss 40–6–1 Dillon Carman KO 3 (8), 2:05Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Sep 11, 2015 Ricoh Coliseum, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For Canada heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
46 Win 40–5–1 Eric Barrak MD 6 May 22, 2015 Colisée Isabelle-Brasseur, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
45 Win 39–5–1 Raymond Olubowale TKO 5 (6), 1:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Mar 28, 2015 Hershey Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
44 Win 38–5–1 Egerton Marcus TKO 10 (12), 2:48Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Oct 12, 2001 Convention and Civic Center, Niagara Falls, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant Canada heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
43 Win 37–5–1 Harold Sconiers SD 10 Apr 27, 2001 Convention and Civic Center, Niagara Falls, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
42 Win 36–5–1 José Ribalta KO 1 (10), 1:40Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Oct 8, 1999 Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
41 Win 35–5–1 Mike Sedillo TKO 8 (10), 1:19Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jul 20, 1999 Casino Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
40 Win 34–5–1 Derek Amos TKO 1 (10) May 27, 1999 Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort, Chester, West Virginia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
39 Win 33–5–1 Anthony Willis TKO 6 (10), 2:40Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Feb 19, 1999 Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
38 Win 32–5–1 Tony LaRosa TKO 3 (10) Jan 21, 1999 Grand Casino Avoyelles, Marksville, Louisiana, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
37 Win 31–5–1 Rodolfo Marin TKO 8 (10) Aug 11, 1998 Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Miami, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
36 Win 30–5–1 Tony Bradham KO 2 (10), 2:31Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jun 26, 1998 DePaul Alumni Hall, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
35 Win 29–5–1 Brian Yates TKO 4 (10) Apr 16, 1998 North Vernon, Indiana, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
34 Loss 28–5–1 Tommy Morrison TKO 6 (12), 2:55Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jun 10, 1995 Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For vacant IBC heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
33 Win 28–4–1 Anthony Wade UD 10 Jan 29, 1994 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
32 Loss 27–4–1 Lennox Lewis TKO 2 (12), 0:46Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Oct 31, 1992 Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, EnglandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For Commonwealth heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
31 Win 27–3–1 Phil Jackson KO 4 (12), 2:12Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jun 26, 1992 CSU Convocation Center, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant IBC heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
30 Win 26–3–1 Greg Page RTD 8 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Feb 15, 1992 The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
29 Loss 25–3–1 Mike Tyson UD 12 Jun 28, 1991 The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
28 Loss 25–2–1 Mike Tyson TKO 7 (12), 2:22Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Mar 18, 1991 The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
27 Win 25–1–1 Mike Rouse KO 1 (10), 2:37Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Dec 8, 1990 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
26 Win 24–1–1 Kimmuel Odum KO 3 (10), 2:58Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Aug 18, 1990 Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
25 Win 23–1–1 Michael Dokes TKO 4 (12), 0:53Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Apr 4, 1990 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
24 Win 22–1–1 James Smith KO 7 (10), 2:18Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jul 2, 1989 Cumberland County Memorial Auditorium, Fayetteville, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
23 Win 21–1–1 James Broad TKO 1 (10), 2:58Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Dec 6, 1988 Metro Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
22 Win 20–1–1 Reggie Gross TKO 2 (10), 1:36Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jun 27, 1988 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
21 Win 19–1–1 Ken Lakusta KO 1 (12) May 28, 1988 Saskatchewan Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant Canada heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
20 Win 18–1–1 Larry Alexander KO 2 (10), 2:08Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Apr 26, 1988 The Showplace, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
19 Win 17–1–1 Eddie Richardson KO 4 (10), 1:42Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Nov 24, 1987 Forum, Halifax, Nova Scotia, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
18 Win 16–1–1 Juan Quintana TKO 2 (10), 0:51Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Aug 9, 1987 State Theatre, Easton, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
17 Win 15–1–1 Carlos Hernandez DQ 7 (10), 0:27Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jun 15, 1987 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Hernandez disqualified for attempting to punch the refereeScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
16 Win 14–1–1 Robert Evans TKO 5 (10), 0:58Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". May 16, 1987 State Theatre, Easton, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
15 Win 13–1–1 Mike Weaver SD 10 Aug 23, 1986 Cumberland County Memorial Auditorium, Fayetteville, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
14 Win 12–1–1 Al Houck TKO 1 (8), 1:30Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jul 8, 1986 Forum, Halifax, Nova Scotia, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
13 Win 11–1–1 John Westgarth KO 7 (8) May 28, 1986 Alexandra Palace, London, EnglandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
12 Win 10–1–1 Carlton Jones KO 1 (6), 2:04Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Feb 26, 1986 St. Lawrence Market, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
11 Loss 9–1–1 David Jaco RTD 8 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Apr 30, 1985 Sportsplex, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
10 Win 9–0–1 Oscar Holman UD 8 Oct 20, 1984 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
9 Win 8–0–1 Ricardo Peterson UD 8 Jul 31, 1984 Sportsplex, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
8 Win 7–0–1 Cedric Parsons TKO 7 (8) Feb 28, 1984 Sportsplex, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
7 Win 6–0–1 Conroy Nelson UD 10 Sep 25, 1983 CNE Coliseum, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
6 Template:DrawDraw 5–0–1 Phil Brown SD 6 Apr 26, 1983 Paul Sauvé Arena, Montreal, Quebec, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
5 Win 5–0 Bill Hollis UD 6 Apr 8, 1983 St. Lawrence Market, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
4 Win 4–0 Al Williams KO 1 (6), 1:53Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Aug 13, 1982 Welland Arena, Welland, Ontario, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
3 Win 3–0 Arthur Hall MD 4 Jun 1, 1982 Tropicana, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
2 Win 2–0 Garland Tipton KO 2 (6) Apr 24, 1982 Columbus Event Centre, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
1 Win 1–0 Wes Rowe TKO 4 (6) Mar 20, 1982 Columbus Event Centre, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Exhibition boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
1 Template:DrawDraw 0–0–1 James Toney PTS 6 Nov 11, 2023 National Indoor Sports Centre, Kingston, JamaicaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

References

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  1. ↑ As noted, for instance, by Bert Sugar covering the Ruddock fight versus the former NABF Champion Larry Alexander: [1].
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Starkman, Randy. 1990, August 17. Good foes hard to get for Razor, The Toronto Star, F5.
  8. ↑ Starkman, Randy. 1990, October 31. Holyfield doesn't faze Razor: Toronto boxer unimpressed by third-round KO of Douglas, The Toronto Star, D8.
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ "Razor Ruddock survives knockdown to win comeback at the age of 51", Boxing News, March 30, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2015
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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External links

Sporting positions

Template:S-text Template:S-break

Vacant
Title last held by
Willie de Wit 		Canada heavyweight champion
May 28, 1988 – September 1989
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Tony Morrison

Template:S-break

Vacant
Title last held by
Michael Dokes 		WBA Inter-Continental
heavyweight champion
April 4, 1990 – August 1990
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Wladimir Klitschko

Template:S-break

Vacant
Title last held by
Trevor Berbick 		Canada heavyweight champion
October 12, 2001 – 2004
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Patrice L'Heureux

Template:S-text Template:S-break

Vacant
Title last held by
Phil Jackson 		IBC heavyweight champion
June 26, 1992 – December 1994
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Tim Puller
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