Donovan Ruddock facts for kids

Donovan "Razor" Ruddock is a famous Canadian boxer who was born in Jamaica. He was known for his incredibly powerful punches. Donovan competed as a professional boxer from 1982 to 2001, and then again in 2015. He is especially remembered for his exciting fights against other boxing legends like Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis.

Donovan Ruddock had a special punch he called "The Smash." It was a mix of a hook and an uppercut, thrown with his left hand. This powerful punch helped him win many of his fights by knockout. Some of his most impressive knockouts were against former champions like James Smith and Michael Dokes.

Growing Up: Donovan Ruddock's Early Life

Donovan Ruddock was born in St. Catherine, Jamaica. When he was 11 years old, his family moved to Toronto, Canada. They settled in a neighborhood called Weston. As a teenager, Donovan went to Emery Collegiate Institute and Westview Centennial Secondary School.

Amateur Boxing: A Young Champion's Start

Before becoming a professional, Donovan Ruddock was an amateur boxer. In March 1980, he even had a win against Lennox Lewis in Toronto. This was at the Ontario Junior Boxing Championship. Donovan won that fight by a close decision in the 75 kg weight class.

Professional Boxing: Donovan's Career Highlights

Starting Out: Early Fights and Challenges

Donovan Ruddock became a professional boxer in 1982. His career began slowly, with only 11 fights between 1982 and 1985. He won eight of his first nine fights. However, one fight in 1985 against David Jaco was stopped because Donovan had trouble breathing. Doctors found he had a rare breathing illness and thought he might not be able to box again.

The Comeback: Returning to the Ring Stronger

Surprisingly, Donovan Ruddock recovered fully within 10 months. He returned to boxing and won nine fights in a row! Eight of these wins were by knockout. He even beat former champion Mike Weaver. In 1988, Donovan won the Canadian heavyweight championship by knocking out Ken Lakusta in the first round.

In 1989, Donovan fought another former champion, James "Bonecrusher" Smith. Donovan was knocked down in the second round but got back up. He then stopped Smith in the seventh round. This big win put him in line to fight the undisputed heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson. However, Tyson canceled the fight and later lost to James "Buster" Douglas in a huge upset.

Big Fights: Facing Top Opponents

Ruddock vs. Dokes: A Powerful Performance

In 1990, Donovan Ruddock fought former heavyweight champion Michael Dokes. Many people thought Dokes would win, but Donovan showed one of his best performances. He knocked out Dokes in the fourth round with his famous "Smash" left hook.

Ruddock vs. Tyson: Two Epic Battles

After another knockout win, Donovan Ruddock faced Mike Tyson in March 1991. This was a highly anticipated fight between the number one and number two contenders. Donovan was knocked down in the third round. The referee stopped the fight in the seventh round, giving Tyson the win. Some fans were upset with the decision.

A rematch was held in June 1991. This time, the fight lasted all 12 rounds. Tyson knocked Donovan down twice, but Donovan kept fighting. Tyson won by a unanimous decision. Both boxers were injured; Donovan had a broken jaw, and Tyson had a perforated eardrum. Tyson praised Donovan after the fight, calling him a "great heavyweight."

Ruddock vs. Lewis: A Tough Challenge

After his fights with Tyson, Donovan Ruddock won against former champion Greg Page and undefeated boxer Phil Jackson. These wins led to a fight with Lennox Lewis in London in October 1992. This fight was important because the winner would get a chance to fight for the world title. Lewis knocked Donovan out in the second round.

Ruddock vs. Morrison: A Controversial Stop

In 1995, Donovan Ruddock fought Tommy Morrison. Donovan knocked Morrison down in the first round. However, the fight was stopped in the sixth round, with Donovan still on his feet. This decision was controversial, similar to his first fight against Mike Tyson.

Retirement and Comebacks: The Later Years

After the loss to Morrison, Donovan took a break from boxing. He returned in 1998 and won several fights. He won the Canadian heavyweight title for a second time in October 2001, beating Egerton Marcus. After this, he retired from boxing.

Donovan Ruddock made a comeback in 2015 at 51 years old. He won two fights before losing to Dillon Carman in a bid for the Canadian heavyweight title. This was his final professional fight.

Exhibition Bout: A Return to the Ring

Donovan Ruddock returned to the ring for an exhibition match on November 11, 2023. At 59 years old, he fought 55-year-old James Toney, a former world champion. The fight went all six rounds and ended in a draw. Both boxers showed their age, but they still put on a show.

Legacy: Donovan Ruddock's Impact

Donovan Ruddock is recognized for his incredible punching power. The Ring magazine, a famous boxing publication, ranked him 70th on their list of "The 100 Greatest Punchers of All-Time."

Life After Boxing: New Ventures

After his boxing career, Donovan Ruddock faced some financial challenges. He had some failed investments, including a nightclub that didn't work out.

In 2006, Donovan invented something new: a non-electrical garbage compactor called "The Boxer." He hoped this device would be successful. He designed it because he was frustrated with how much waste his family collected.

Professional Boxing Record

Exhibition Boxing Record