Adelaida La Cobra Ruiz Defeats Alexas Kubucki in Fresno and More News

 

By David A. Avila

Adelaida “La Cobra” Ruiz used a blistering attack including a knockdown to out-duel  Canada’s Alexas Kubicki for the vacant WBC super flyweight title on Saturday.

The Los Angeles-based fighter and mother of three finally reached the summit.

Ruiz (18-1-1, 8 KOs) encountered a very determined opponent in Kubicki (13-3) who was fully prepared for the expected ring war and did not waver at the championship level. She gave an impressive challenge for all 10 rounds.

The journey to a world title began for Ruiz in 2017. She attended a boxing match at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello by promoter Ed Holmes. Ruiz was introduced to the crowd and it was announced that her pro debut would take place at the same venue on April 21, 2017.

Many in the crowd applauded the announcement. As an amateur Ruiz had established herself as one of the best female boxers in Southern California. A reputation well-deserved but cut short. Pregnancy stopped her many years ago and then two more pregnancies followed.

Boxing was put on the shelf.

When Ruiz’s children grew old enough her dream of returning to boxing was re-ignited on that night in April 2017. She fought at featherweight and defeated Rebecca Light. Her next six bouts were fought for Holmes promotion company All Star Boxing.

On her fourth pro fight she met MMA fighter Brenda Enriquez and promptly annihilated her in two rounds that included a vicious knockout that nearly sent the fighter out of the ring unconscious. That knockout was followed by three more successive knockout wins.

Knockouts in female boxing are rare and word was spreading about “La Cobra.”

One summer night in June 2018, Ruiz was set to fight at a hilltop hotel in the City of Industry. Attending the fight were Mexico’s legendary world champion sisters Mariana “Barbie” Juarez and Lourdes “Little Lulu” Juarez. After Ruiz won by technical knockout she mentioned a desire to fight “Barbie” Juarez.

Later, Juarez and Ruiz chatted and the famed Mexican fighter gave advice on staying relevant.

Women’s boxing has always suffered from news coverage and the ability to find promoters willing to stage their fights was another problem. But women prizefighters do stick together and attend each other’s fights. Even during the worst of times the female fighters support one another.

After Covid-19 hit all boxing events took a hit. But in September 2021, Ruiz was scheduled to fight Mexico’s Nancy Franco and many female fighters attended the outdoor match in Pico Rivera, Calif. including world champions Claressa Shields and Yokasta Valle.

Ruiz needed nine rounds to finally force a stoppage of the gritty Franco that night. But it was proof that Ruiz was a true contender and worthy of a world title match as a super flyweight. It would take another four years to obtain a world title shot.

In 2022, Ruiz fought twice in Costa Rica. The main event was Yokasta Valle in a world title match who at the time was promoted by Golden Boy Promotions. Robert Diaz was the matchmaker and it was there he encountered Ruiz who was fighting Sonia Osorio for the interim super fly title.

Diaz would later become independent and took interest in guiding Ruiz career.

“People had told me she was good,” said Diaz. “It’s very difficult to get fights for women.”

A year ago, on Aug. 31, 2024, Ruiz was set to fight but her opponent dropped out. It was offered to Ginny Fuchs the Olympian who immediately accepted the match. They met at Dignity Health Sports Park an outdoor arena famous for hosting spectacular boxing events in the past such as two encounters between Rafael Marquez and the late Israel Vazquez; Tim Bradley versus Ruslan Provodnikov and Paul Williams vs Antonio Margarito.

Fuchs and Ruiz put on a firefight between women that was captured on television and resulted in one of the top female fights of the year. It was only surpassed by the battle between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor 2. Barely.

That night Ruiz suffered her first loss as a professional and after the fight was told by her son that she didn’t let the “dogs out.”  She kept that in mind during training and also for her world title fight against Kubicki.

 

World title night

Adelaida Ruiz watched Alexas Kubicki when she fought undisputed flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora this past September and was ready for the Canadian on Saturday night.

“She was exactly what I thought she was, a warrior, she has a lot of heart,” said Ruiz of Kubicki.

From the first round on the two super flies unleashed torrid punches with neither stepping backward. Kubicki met Ruiz head on and was met with four-punch salvos.

Ruiz, 37, had mentioned before the title fight that her power was the key to victory. She did not want to waste the opportunity to win a world title. For four rounds both battered each other with powerful blows looking to make the other surrender.

In the fifth round Ruiz unloaded a four-punch combination that saw her left hook find Kubicki’s chin and down she went to the floor for a knockdown. The Canadian beat the count and the fight resumed, but now the momentum was on Ruiz’s side.

“I wasn’t looking for a knockout,” said Ruiz. “it was my left hook. The left hook was really unexpected.”

Ruiz continued the assault for the remaining five rounds and blasted the body several times with left hooks that forced Kubicki to hold on. Though the Canadian never stopped fighting it was obvious she would need a knockout to win. She tried but Ruiz proved too strong. After 10 rounds all three judges scored for Ruiz 97-92 twice and 99-90 to win the WBC super fly world title.

“Adelaida is very strong determined and knew exactly what to do, good power with both hands,” said former world champion Chris Algieri who was ringside as an TV analyst. “The Canadian was landing early, the difference was physical power and the knockout in the fifth.”

After winning the world title Ruiz said the achievement of finally winning the world title has not truly set in for her or her father.

“He is just happy. We still can’t process this,” said Ruiz about herself and her father.

One thing Ruiz feels is that her only loss helped prepare for this fight.

“I think it had to do with the previous (Fuchs) fight. I wasn’t letting that dog out of me. Not that many power punches. I came in differently. I think it helped me. I was hungry to win in this fight,” said Ruiz adding that a rematch with Fuchs is a strong consideration or a unification match with the other champions.

“I got this belt but it’s not easy getting the belt. More stronger fights are coming, keeping the belt is going to be the hard part,” said Ruiz.

Eight years ago, she started the journey as a pro. She finally reached the top on Saturday.

“I’m very happy for her,” said Robert Diaz. “Well deserved.”

 

More Fight News

Argentina

Maria Sol Baumstarh (14-7-1) defeated Jazmin Villarino (7-4-2) by decision after 10 rounds on Saturday Nov. 29. The minimumweight title fight was held in Buenos Aires. Also, feather Maria Ramirez (1-0) beat Lujan Martinez (2-1) in four.

 

Australia

Stasia Waimaria (4-1) knocked out Noppaket Srisawas (11-6) in the third round on Saturday Nov. 29. The regional feather title was held in Surfers Paradise. Also, Ali Jensen (2-10) beat Mili Saul (2-2) in eight.

Holly McMath (6-4-1) and Sarah Higginson (4-7-2) drew after six rounds on Friday Nov. 28. The flyweight title fight was held in Northbridge.

Sophia Asfour (1-0) defeated Maureen Chand (4-9) by decision after four rounds on Sunday Nov. 23. The welter fight took place in Bankstown.

On Saturday Dec. 6, heavyweights Emma Sue Greentree (1-0) and Deene Pure (0-0) meet eight rounds at Newcastle.

On Saturday Dec. 6, lightweights Taylah Gentzen (7-1) and Jessica Adams (3-3-1) meet eight rounds at Broadbeach.

 

China

On Saturday Dec. 6, feathers Ziqi Sheng (0-0) and Manli Lei (1-5-1) meet four rounds at Hangzhou; also feathers Minghui Wang (0-0) and Jingling Hong (1-0) meet four; and welters Hanwen Zhang (0-0) and Yanan Wu (0-0) meet four.

 

Democratic Republic of Congo

On Friday Dec. 5, super lights Merveille Mbalayi (1-0) and Beverly Mambwata (0-0) meet four rounds at Kinshasha.

 

Denmark

On Saturday Dec. 6, super bantams Melissa Mortensen (7-0) and Dorota Norek (9-5) meet 10 rounds at Varde.

 

France

Fanny Galle (4-0) won by decision over Elsa Homat (5-13-2) after eight rounds on Saturday Nov. 29. The super light French title fight was held in Pointe a Pitre.

On Friday Dec. 5, super lights Flora Pili (11-0) and Jelena Janicijevic (6-1-1) meet 10 rounds for IBO title at Saint Avold.

On Saturday Dec. 6, super bantams Sasha Morice (3-0) and Lydie Bialic (3-4-1) meet eight rounds at Carentan.

 

Germany

On Friday Dec. 5, super lights Elizabeth Mronsz (0-0) and Oliwia Koziura (0-1) meet four rounds at Nordrhein-Wesfalen.

On Saturday Dec. 6, light heavies Sarah Scheurich (6-0) and Lani Daniels (11-3-2) meet 10 rounds at Goeppingen.

 

Japan

Noa Sakamoto (8-2) defeated Wisuta Sririttidet (9-8) by decision after six rounds on Sunday Nov. 30. The atomweight fight was held in Osaka.

Hanoka Kano (11-1-3) and Ran Higuchi (4-3-3) fought to a majority draw after eight rounds on Friday Nov. 28. The atomweight title match was held in Tokyo. Also minimumweight Miyako Nakao (1-1) knocked out Yukiya Mine (0-2) in four.

Nobuko Atoji (0-0-1) and Ayami Yamamoto (0-0-1) fought to a majority draw after four rounds on Wednesday Nov. 26. The bantam fight was held in Tokyo.

On Friday Dec. 5, super lights Arisa Tsubata (2-0) and Suchada Bunchoo (2-1) meet six rounds at Tokyo.

 

Monaco

On Saturday Dec. 6, lightweights Beatriz Ferreira (8-0) and Elif Nur Turhan (11-0) meet 10 rounds for the IBF world title at Monte Carlo.

 

Nigeria

On Friday Dec. 5, flyweights Popoola Sunmisola (0-5-1) and Mariam Joseph (0-7) meet four rounds at Lagos.

 

Pakistan

Zeina Nassar (1-0) defeated Kanokwan Wirunpat (5-5) after six rounds on Wednesday Nov. 26. The bantam fight was held in Lahore.

 

Panama

On Saturday Dec. 6, super flies Nataly Delgado (18-7-2) and Yoselin Fernandez (16-7) meet 10 rounds at Veraguas.

 

Senegal

On Saturday Dec. 6, super welters Aminata Diagne (0-0) and Ndeye Seynabou (0-0) meet four rounds at Yeumbeul.

 

Spain

Mary Romero (13-9) defeated Elizabeth Lopez (12-8-5) by unanimous decision after 10 rounds on Saturday Nov. 29. The super fly regional title fight was held in San Isidro de Nijar.

Vittoria Parigi (7-1-1) defeated Cristina Navarro (7-4) by split decision after 10 rounds on Saturday Nov. 29. The EBU minimumweight title fight took place in Zaragoza.

Stephania Sangou (2-0) beat Eva Cantos (9-23-1) after four on Saturday Nov. 29. The lightweight fight was held in Sevilla.

Tatiana Perez (6-0-1) won by unanimous decision after 10 rounds versus Amy Naert (12-6) on Friday Nov. 28. The EBU light fly title match was held in San Sebastian.

 

Sweden

Tijan Kebbeh (7-3-2) was the winner over Giorgi Arbamishvilli (14-36-2) after six rounds on Saturday Nov. 29. The light heavy fight was held in Alingsas.

 

Thailand

Tomomi Takano (15-6-1) knocked out Tanwarat Saengiamjit (14-11-1) in the third round on Saturday Nov. 29. The super bantam fight was held in Bangkok.

Ye Kyeng Seo (9-1-3) knocked out Katsara Jatpukdee (11-13-1) in the second round on Saturday Nov. 29. The light fly match was held in Bangkok. Also, atomweight Monthsawee Srisongkhram (3-8) knocked out Siritorn Ponpai (4-3-1) in one; super fly Magdalena Szwed (6-0) knocked out Wilasinee Jaksarn (2-4) in two; and welter Kehan Wang (1-0-1) knocked out Napason Chinkhwan (0-2) in three.

Weisa Li (5-0) defeated Pornchita Seehaburan (11-9) after eight on Saturday Nov. 29. The lightweight match took place in Bangkok. Also, super bantam Pinmai Photjanasuk (1-3) knocked out Kodsakorn Sahuanyoung (0-1) in two.

Lekaysha Woodbridge (2-0) knocked out Kanyarat Nunoi (11-11-3) in four on Friday Nov. 28. The flyweight fight took place in Bangkok.

Banthita Pumkrathok (6-0) beat Niphaphon Sutham (1-2) after six on Monday Nov. 24. The minimumweight fight was held in Samut Prakan. Also, Duangjai Saejiam (1-1) beat Nutnicha Kaewchin (0-1-1) in six; lightweight Suphannika Tanchoem (6-2-1) knocked out Khanistha Seekam (0-1) in one.

On Thursday Dec. 4, super bantams Ellie Boutell (6-0-1) and Chisakan Ariphipat (21-1-1) meet 10 rounds at Bangkok.

 

United Arab Emirates

On Wednesday Dec. 3, super feathers Lara Ochmann 15-2) and Lena Venjacob (7-0) meet 10 rounds at Dubai.

 

United Kingdom

Stevi Levy (15-4) knocked out Antonella Molina (4-26-2) in the fourth round on Sunday Nov. 30. The upper bantam fight was held in London.

Francesca Hennessy (7-0) won by unanimous decision after 10 rounds versus Fabiana Bytyqi (22-3-2) on Saturday Nov. 29. The regional title bantamweight fight was held in Derby.

Jade Burden (4-0) beat Linzi Buczynskyj (5-6) after six on Saturday Nov. 29. The super feather fight was held in Blackpool.

Lilyella Craw (3-0) defeated Rajwant Kaur (5-7) by decision after four on Saturday Nov. 29. The super light fight was held in London.

Molly McCann (2-0) beat Ebonie Cotton (1-1) after six rounds on Saturday Nov. 29. The super bantam fight was held in Birmingham.

On Saturday Dec. 6, super welters Jenna Pilling (0-1) and Bojana Libiszewska (7-73) meet six rounds at Liverpool. Also, super flies Emily Whitworth (2-0) and Agnieska Zaluska (1-2) meet six; and bantams Abbie McKay (0-0) and Kira Carter (0-24-1) meet four.

 

USA

Adelaida Ruiz (18-1-1) won by unanimous decision over Alexas Kubicki (13-3) after 10 rounds on Saturday Nov. 29. The WBC super fly world title match took place in Fresno, California. Also, super flies Eli Salinas (1-0-1) and Fayeda An (0-1-1) drew after four.

 

(Photo courtesy of Adelaida Ruiz)