Gabriel Ruelas

Gabriel Ruelas (born July 23, 1970, in Yerbabuena, Jalisco, Mexico) is a Mexican former professional boxer who held the WBC Super Featherweight world championship from 1994 to 1995.

Professional career Ruelas turned pro in 1988 and in 1993 challenged WBC Super Featherweight Title holder Azumah Nelson, losing a close majority decision. In 1994 he was able to capture the title by outpointing Jesse James Leija. He defended the belt twice, including an 11th-round TKO of Jimmy Garcia of Colombia, who later died from his injuries. Ruelas contemplated retirement after Garcia's death, however, he decided to continue, promising to donate some of his earnings to the Garcia family. Ruelas later reflected that he was never the same fighter following that incident. His fight with Garcia was an undercard to his brother's (Rafael Ruelas) lost title fight with Oscar De La Hoya. Ruelas lost his title in a rematch to Nelson in 1995, via TKO in the 5th. In 1997 he took on hard-hitting Arturo Gatti for the IBF Super Featherweight Title but was TKO'd in the 5th. The fifth round of this bout was chosen as The Ring magazine Round of the Year for 1997. The fight itself was also named "Fight of the Year" by the same magazine.

Ruelas retired in 2003 after losing to Courtney Burton. Gabriel's brother, Rafael (also a professional boxer) and relative Guillermo U. Ruelas, all attended Poly Technic High School in Sun Valley, California.

Professional boxing record

Honours 2006 California Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee.