Donovan Ruddock
Born (1963-12-21) December 21, 1963
St. Catherine, Jamaica
NationalityCanadian
Other namesRazor Ruddock
Statistics
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Reach82 in (208 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights47
Wins40
Wins by KO30
Losses6
Draws1

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 was 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 a single right hand 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

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

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

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.

Ruddock vs. Morrison

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.

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.

Comeback and second retirement

On March 28, 2015, Ruddock 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, but 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

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

Exhibition boxing record

1 fight 0 wins 0 losses
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
1 Draw 0–0–1 James Toney PTS 6 Nov 11, 2023 National Indoor Sports Centre, Kingston, Jamaica

References

  1. ↑ As noted, for instance, by Bert Sugar covering the Ruddock fight versus the former NABF Champion Larry Alexander: .
  2. ↑ Brown, Leroy (8 August 2015). "Donovan 'Razor' Ruddock Returns To Ring At Age 51". Jamaica Gleaner. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
  3. ↑ Gray, Jeff (20 November 2015). "RAZOR BURN: A former champ weaves his way back into the ring". Globe & Mail Newspaper. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
  4. ↑ "The Warriors of Emery Village". Emery Village Voice. Retrieved 2019-03-19.
  5. ↑ Nack, William (1993-02-01). "The Great Brit Hope". Sports Illustrated. Time Warner. Retrieved 2007-03-22.
  6. ↑ Fernandez, Bernard (1991-01-27). "Rugged 'Razor' Ruddock Aims For World Title". Seattle Times. The Seattle Times Company. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
  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. ↑ "Smash Dance". CNN. 1991-07-08. Retrieved 2010-05-01.
  10. ↑ J. Golden. "Lewis - Ruddock, Lennox's Big Gamble". Retrieved 2010-04-08.
  11. ↑ "Long read: Invisible while standing still: Chris Byrd interview". boxingmonthly.com. 9 February 2018. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  12. ↑ "Razor Ruddock survives knockdown to win comeback at the age of 51", Boxing News, March 30, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2015
  13. ↑ Austen-Hardy, Patrick (2023-11-13). "Boxing legends with combined age of 114 face off as fans slam 'disturbing' fight". Daily Star. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  14. ↑ "James Toney, Donovan "Razor" Ruddock Box To A Draw In Kingston, Jamaica - Boxing News". www.boxing247.com. 2023-11-12. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  15. ↑ Davies, Harry (2023-11-14). "Boxing fans up in arms after legends with combined age of 114 scrap it out". The Mirror. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  16. ↑ "The 100 Greatest Punchers of All-Time!". boxrec.com.
  17. ↑ "For Razor Ruddock, boxing's wounds won't heal". LasVegasSun.com. 28 June 1997.
  18. ↑ "Gelf Magazine Razor Ruddock, Inventor". gelfmagazine.com.
  19. ↑ "Amazon.com: BOXER COMPACTOR: Appliances". amazon.com.
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