Looking to position himself for another title shot, Kostya Tszyu takes on Rafael Ruelas in a battle of hard-hitting junior welterweights. Tszyu hurts Ruelas in the opening round with a straight right hand and almost knocks him through the ropes; however, before the end of the round, Rules lands a left hook that buckles Tszyu's knees. From there, Tszyu takes over the fight, systematically breaking Ruelas down until knocking him into the ropes with a straight right in the eighth. Another right hand wobbles Ruelas into the corner, but he shows heart in staying on his feet. Moments into the ninth round, with Tszyu knocking his fighter's head back with left hooks and a straight right against the ropes, Ruelas's trainer Joe Goosen jumps into the ring to stop the fight.

Global Wars: Kostya Tszyu vs. Rafael Ruelas

In his first pay-per-view appearance, WBO Lightweight Champion Oscar De La Hoya seeks to unify titles with IBF Champion Rafael Ruelas. In a heated battle between young rivals, De La Hoya floors Ruelas with a left hook in the second round and again with a right hand. Though Ruelas beats the count both times, De La Hoya pummels him until Referee Richard Steele calls a halt to the contest.

Global Wars: Kostya Tszyu vs. Rafael Ruelas

La Batalla: Oscar De La Hoya vs. Rafael Ruelas

Freddie Pendleton vs Rafael Ruelas

On this Day