26 years ago
Shane Mosley vs Wilfredo Ruiz
Date: 27th June 1998
Venue: Apollo Theater, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaTitle: IBF World Lightweight Title
Promoter: Peltz Boxing Promotions & America Presents
Tv: YFX Championship Boxing
Shane Mosley
(
27
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 134 lbs
Wilfredo Ruiz
(
25
-
3
-
0
)
Weight: 134 lbs
On Saturday, 27th June 1998, the Apollo Theater in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, played host to Shane Mosley defending his IBF World Lightweight Title against late replacement Wilfredo Ruiz. Promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions and America Presents, the match aired on XFX Championship Boxing.
Ivan Robinson was originally slated to challenge Mosley for the title. However, an injury led to the late substitution of Wilfredo Ruiz, a tough contender hailing from Monteria, Colombia. Both Mosley and Ruiz weighed in at 134 lbs.
From the beginning, it was clear that Mosley, in his fourth title defense, was not going to let the championship slip through his fingers. Mosley dominated with his silky skills and fast hands.
As the rounds progressed, Mosley's counterpunching began to wear Ruiz down. In the fifth round Mosley's power and accuracy finally paid off. Unleashing a fast flurry of punches targeting both Ruiz's head and body and finishing with a devastating left hook to Ruiz's chin, referee Rudy Battle was left to count the Columbian challenger out at 2:32 of the round.