Donovan Ruddock
| Donovan Ruddock | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Nickname(s) | Razor |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Reach | 82 in (208 cm) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Born |
December 21, 1963 St. Catherine, Jamaica |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 47 |
| Wins | 40 |
| Wins by KO | 30 |
| Losses | 6 |
| Draws | 1 |
Donovan "Razor" Ruddock (born December 21, 1963) is a Canadian former professional boxer who competed from 1982 to 2001, and in 2015. A promising heavyweight of the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ruddock earned his nickname of "Razor" for his cutting jab, although he was better known for his powerful hybrid left hook/uppercut, which he called "The Smash". One of the best exhibitions of his left hand power was his brutal knockout of former WBA heavyweight champion Michael Dokes in 1990. Ruddock is also known for his two fights against Mike Tyson in 1991, and Lennox Lewis 1992.
As an amateur, Ruddock had a win over Lennox Lewis. 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'd been KO'd by a young Mike Tyson the year after. After eight rounds Ruddock's corner threw in the towel after 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 might be over.
After taking 10 months off after rehabilitation Ruddock made a full recovery to the doctors' surprise and resumed his boxing career winning 9 straight fights, 8 of them by KO also picking up an impressive decision win over former WBA heavyweight title-holder Mike Weaver before winning the Canadian heavyweight championship by a first-round knockout against Ken Lakusta in 1988
In 1989, after two more wins by KO, a fight with another former WBA heavyweight title-holder was made, against the hard-hitting James "Bonecrusher" Smith. In the round 2, Ruddock was floored heavily by Smith but showed his heart by getting up, coming back in the round, and impressively knocking out Smith in round 7.
A title bout was made with undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, scheduled for November 1989 in Edmonton, Alberta. Tyson, claiming illness, cancelled and opted instead to fight James "Buster" Douglas in Tokyo. Tyson would go on to lose in one of the biggest shocks in boxing history. Many accused Tyson of avoiding Ruddock.
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