..what John Ruiz is today? If you watch old tapes of Johnny you see he somewhat of a fan fighting style... Up after the Tua fight, he learned a few tricks (with his grabbing style as one) and cheats and clearly he adapted to them and adapted to them really well and became world champion a few times... For me, I believe Tua made what John Ruiz was/is today. I would of also favored Ruiz in a rematch. Thoughts and opinions?
Undoubtedly it played a role. But so do did his lack of world class boxing skills, which he would have made it impossible for him to be competitive with top level fighters otherwise. His connection with King - which made it possible for him to get away with his illegal holding tactics - is also a factor.
I am not sure what you are asking for, but anything about Tua is his fault. He can make things happen and he has not pushed for anything in his career. He had a chance to be champ. If Ruiz was champ numerous times, why wasn't Tua?
"Blame" is too strong a word. Tua was just doing his job. King had more to do with the negatives that Ruiz inflicted on the sport that Tua. And let's face it, Ruiz, while a tough, resilient guy, just isn't that good. He would have resorted to what works for him eventually.
So does that mean, John Ruiz should thank Tua for "changing his style", and making Ruiz a 2 time champion? I beleive Ruiz's style would have changed anyways, as he realized his limitations and went for a less fan friendly but effective (for him) way of fighting. Recently however he has begun fighting more and clinching less, he is much more entertaining these days.
Fact is Tua would probably beat Ruiz everytime out, but Ruiz deserves credit for being much more resilient than Tua. He was beaten in 30 seconds by Tua, yet Ruiz came back and won the title a few times, and Tua never has. If Tua had the mindset of Ruiz he would have done very well and had some great highlight footage. Ruiz is not great and might be the worst heavyweight champ in the last 20 years, yet give him credit for not going away.
I think Ruiz definitely adapted more of a cautious style after getting stretched by Tua. Yeah lets flog Tua for making us suffer through John Ruiz hugfests.
How can anyone vote no? Did any of you see the way Ruiz fought before Tua? The guy actually could box a little.
Maybe "blame" isn't the word im looking for... But my main point is..: Do you think Tua is the cause of it? That would be the better question. and im not flogging Tua for what he did, im just simply saying that without Tua, we probably would have had a different John Ruiz. Key Word Probably.
You can't blame Tua for that. If Tua was a Don King fighter, he'd have undoubtedly won a few belts, too. However, Tua's decisions and problems in recent years certainly leave something to be desired. Ruiz is persistent, but again, I think you're giving him a bit too much credit here.
Tua. I think he would have steamrolled Ruiz again. It's too bad it never happened, but you know King wanted NO part of that.
