Jones roughs up Ruiz

Roy Jones Jr. scored a unanimous decision over John Ruiz, claiming the WBA heavyweight title and a piece of boxing history on Saturday. Jones outboxed Ruiz for 12 rounds becoming just the second fighter to hold both light-heavy and heavyweight belts.

Thirteen times since 1906 light-heavyweight champions had stepped up to challenge for the heavyweight title but only once, when Michael Spinks defeated Larry Holmes in 1985, was that bid successful.

The victory also gave the 34-year-old a rare hat-trick of titles becoming the first fighter in 106 years to capture middleweight, light-heavy and heavyweight crowns.

Not since Britain's Bob Fitzsimmons recorded a 14th round knockout of James "Gentleman Jim" Corbett in 1897 had a former-middleweight beaten a heavyweight champion.

"My whole idea was to make history for the fans, this is what the fans wanted to see," said Jones. "If I didn't go after quality fights I wouldn't be champion of the world right now."

In command almost from the opening bell, Jones's domination was reflected on all three judges' scorecards taking a 116-112 117-111 118-110 decision.

A powerful puncher who entered the ring with a 33-pound edge, Ruiz (38-5-1) was never able to use his size and six-inch reach advantage against the lightning quick Jones. With each round, Jones, a muscular 193 pounds, gained confidence staying out of danger with a darting left jab then jumping in scoring with the right.

At the tail end of the fourth round, Jones landed the best shot of the bout, tagging Ruiz with a vicious, sharp right that buckled the champion's legs. Rarely did Ruiz get into position to land his thundering right, Jones dancing and taunting his opponent through the middle rounds.

With the outcome clear to everyone in the arena, Jones raised his hands in triumph as the crowd howled with 16 seconds remaining in the final round.

"I'm always going to be Roy Jones no matter what," said Jones. "I said I wasn't going to change, I do what I do, I don't change for nobody. I never cared about his punch I came to fight."

Britain's Lennox Lewis, who owns another share of the heavyweight title, watched the match from ringside and said he would be interested in fighting Jones, "if the money is right" but thought he might choose another opponent.

"Roy Jones can beat a lot of the heavyweights out there," said Lewis. "He gave John Ruiz a nightmare...I don't think he wants to fight me right now."