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Ruben Olivares: The Mexican Maelstrom

In the annals of boxing history, few names resonate with as much acclaim and admiration as Ruben "El Puas" Olivares. Hailing from Mexico City, Olivares was a pugilistic prodigy who left an indelible mark on the sport. His meteoric rise to fame, his innate skills, and his memorable fights have cemented his legacy as one of the most remarkable boxers to ever grace the ring.


Origins of Ruben Olivares: A Humble Beginning


Born on January 14, 1947, in Mexico City, Ruben Olivares grew up in challenging circumstances. He hailed from a working-class family, and life wasn't easy for young Ruben. However, destiny had other plans for him, and his passion for boxing would prove to be the catalyst for a remarkable journey.


Olivares first laced up his gloves at the tender age of 15, training under the watchful eye of the esteemed coach Manual Lopez. Under Lopez's guidance, Olivares quickly developed his natural talent, exhibiting lightning-fast hand speed, impeccable footwork, and a relentless drive to succeed.



Ruben Olivares Boxer


The Skills that Defined a Legend


Ruben Olivares' most widely acknowledged asset in the ring was his blistering punching power. Blessed with extraordinary knockout ability, he could deliver devastating hooks and crosses that would leave opponents reeling. Combined with his exceptional hand speed, Olivares' precision became a formidable weapon, earning him the moniker "El Puas" (The Whip) among his fans and peers.


Apart from his power, Olivares was also known for his strategic acumen. He was an intelligent fighter who could adapt his approach based on his adversary's strengths and weaknesses. He possessed a knack for timing his punches to perfection, often catching opponents off-guard with his accurate well-timed combinations, switching effortlessly between body and head.


Triumphs and Tragedies


Over the course of his illustrious career, Ruben Olivares engaged in a series of unforgettable battles that etched his name into boxing lore.

  1. Olivares vs. Lionel Rose (1969) - One of Olivares' most memorable bouts was against Lionel Rose, the Australian boxing sensation. The fight took place on August 22, 1969, in Los Angeles, California, with the WBC and WBA World Bantamweight titles on the line. In a display of raw power and skill, Olivares managed to knock Rose out in the fifth round, earning a decisive victory and adding another championship to his collection.

  2. Olivares vs. Chucho Castillo I (1970) - On April 18, 1970, Olivares faced off against fellow Mexican and World Featherweight Champion, Chucho Castillo, in what became an epic showdown. This first encounter between the two warriors went the distance, resulting in a closely contested split-decision victory for Olivares. The intense rivalry between Olivares and Castillo would lead to several rematches that captivated boxing fans worldwide.

  3. Olivares vs. Rafael Herrera III (1972) - In their third meeting on December 9, 1972, Olivares locked horns with Rafael Herrera in a bout that will forever be etched in boxing history. With the WBC World Bantamweight title at stake, Olivares exhibited his unrivalled punching power, stopping Herrera in the second round. This victory showcased Olivares' relentless hunger for success and solidified his status as a boxing legend.


Ruben Olivares Boxer

The Tragic Loss: Olivares vs. Alexis Arguello (1974)


As is often the case in the world of boxing, success and triumph come hand in hand with moments of heartbreak and despair. For Ruben Olivares, that moment came on November 23, 1974, when he faced the Nicaraguan prodigy Alexis Arguello in a bid to become the WBC World Featherweight Champion.


Despite a valiant effort, Olivares succumbed to a devastating knockout in the 13th round. The fight, while tragic for Olivares, marked a crucial moment in Arguello's ascent to stardom, as he went on to become one of the most celebrated fighters in boxing history.


Olivares proved he belonged at the top of the boxing world with an exceptional performance against one of boxing's greatest ever fighters.


Beyond the Boxing Ring: A Life in Reflection


While Ruben Olivares was undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with inside the squared circle, his life outside the ring was not without its share of struggles. Like many fighters of his era, Olivares faced personal challenges and temptations that often come with fame and success.


However, he would later reflect on these experiences and embrace a newfound sense of spirituality. He became a born-again Christian and devoted much of his time to guiding young boxers, sharing his wisdom and experiences to help them navigate the perils of fame and stay on the path of righteousness.



Ruben Olivares Boxer


A Boxing Icon's Enduring Legacy


Olivares left an long-lasting legacy in the sport of boxing and the hearts of hardcore boxing fans around the world. His skills, power, determination and exciting style made him a force to be reckoned with inside the ring, while his journey of self-discovery and redemption endeared him to many beyond the world of boxing.

As we remember the remarkable career of Ruben Olivares, let us celebrate the triumphs, learn from the losses, and cherish the enduring legacy of one of Mexico's greatest boxing maestros. His name will forever echo in the halls of boxing greatness, an eternal testament to the beauty and brutality of the sweet science.


To witness the mesmerizing footage of Ruben Olivares' electrifying fights and delve deeper into the legendary boxer's remarkable journey, head over to my Instagram profile here for an exclusive video showcasing his unforgettable moments inside the ring. Don't miss this opportunity to relive the brilliance of "El Puas" Olivares


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