De La Hoya Adds Ibf Belt To Wardrobe, Stops Ruelas In Second

Oscar De La Hoya cemented his claim as boxing’s fastest rising star in smashing fashion Saturday night.

De La Hoya knocked Rafael Ruelas down twice in the second round, then stopped him with a barrage of punches in a shockingly sudden end to a battle of two lightweight champions.

A devastating left hook that put Ruelas on the canvas started the onslaught, which ended with referee Richard Steele wrapping his arms around Ruelas to protect him from further punches at 1:43 of the second round.

Challenger Jimmy Garcia was in critical condition and underwent surgery for a blood clot on the brain after taking a beating in losing his WBC super featherweight title fight against Gabriel Ruelas.

Garcia was rushed to University Medical Center after collapsing in his corner following the fight at Caesars Palace.