#hector ruiz

[trackingthehuntress]

If you read her comics out of chronological order, it’s the height of unintentional comedy that Helena Bertinelli witnessed someone going out as a vigilante inspired by the huntress and had complicated feelings about whether or not she was responsible for their actions and if this person was a facet of her legacy, but like, she just went to therapy about it. gee I wonder who should have considered doing this. or who should have maybe stepped back and been self aware enough to reflect on their hypocrisy. this doesn’t remind me of anyone or any situation that might be in your future helena. she should get to murder bruce as a treat I think

[mostsanescarletspiderfan]

They are characters from the first run of huntress (Bettinelli), the first is her adopted kid and the second was her superhero landlord.

Do James Cooper and Hector Ruiz exist in the headverse?

If I'm thinking of the right characters, yes and sort of

[jt1674]

[walker-extended-universe]

Dead Weight, Chapter 3

Chapter 1, Chapter 2

Relationship(s): Micki Ramirez & Cordell Walker, Cordell Walker & Stella Walker

Tags/Warnings: Kidnapping, Hostage, Hostage Negotiations, Threats, Hurt No Comfort

Summary: Martin raises the stakes and Cordell makes his own plans

Written for @whumptober Day 1: Race Against the Clock, Search Party

Taglist: @theladywyn, @ihavepointysticks, @klaatu51, @itsjessiegirl1, @neptunium134

---------------------

Martin munched on some chips as they sped down the road. While he ate, he considered their options.

Finding little miss Walker had been a lucky break. So long as she was alive (and cooperative), the people hunting for them would be careful not to hurt her. That vastly increased their chances of making it out of this alive.

Of course, it also gave them more leverage. The Ranger Walker was obviously very protective, and using Stella’s phone to check his record showed a pattern of erratic activity. Martin was confident Cordell would do anything to get his little girl back, up to and including going behind the FBI’s back and disobeying every rule in the book. That was something they could use to their advantage.

And, in their case, they needed every advantage they could get.

“Does your father have his personal phone on him at work?” Martin asked casually.

“Of course. Mom- You never know if there’s going to be an emergency. Or if he’s working late. Or both.” Her hands were the only sign she was nervous as they white-knuckled the wheel. It was impressive; most other teenage girls would be a mess in this situation. “Why do you ask?”

“I just had a few questions for him and I was hoping he would answer in private.” He got out her phone and scrolled for her father’s contact information. “Is he a good negotiator?”

“He’s very stubborn.”

“But he wants you to come home alive, yes?”

Stella didn’t answer.

Hector laughed from the back seat. “Damn, talk about daddy issues!”

“Shut up,” she snapped, her first sign of personality since they picked her up.

“Don’t worry, dear, I’m sure he cares more about you than whatever it is you’re fighting about.” Martin dialed and waited patiently for the Ranger to answer. It was time to flex his bargaining skills.

—---------------

If Cordell was the sort of person who went looking for bright sides, he might consider the fact that the FBI were hell bent on getting Martin Whitly back into custody, no matter the cost, to be a bright side to his daughter being kidnapped.

As it was, he was just itching to get on the move. 

“What’s the point of having all these damn highway cameras if they can’t find anything useful?” he growled, flipping through the very unhelpful photos they were receiving. “You’d think all the property taxes Daddy pays on the ranch would pay for better quality.”

“We’ll get something soon,” Micki promised him. “And we’ve got Troopers on the road everywhere from here to the border. Someone’s bound to call something in soon.”

“I hope you’re right,” Cordell muttered. “I just need to know she’s okay.”

“She will be,” his partner promised. “Stella’s a strong girl and Martin won’t hurt her as long as he’s sure he’ll get something out of her. You heard Malcolm; he’s not stupid.”

“That’s what I’m worried about,” he admitted. “We can plan as much as we want, but if he suspects something…. She’s my little girl.” If anything happened to her, he’d never forgive himself.

“You're her father; it’s natural to be worried.” Malcolm’s sudden appearance at their desk made Cordell jump. “But she’ll be fine. She might need therapy after all this, but she’ll be fine.”

That was meant to be comforting, but nothing would really comfort him until Stella was back home safe.

“Bright, Ramirez!” U.S. Marshal Ruiz called from the conference room. “We may have an update, we need to plan.”

Cordell stood up with them, but was barred from the conference room. “I-”

He didn't even get a chance to argue. “I understand you want to be involved, but we have rules here. You’re too close to this case.”

“But I-”

“You do have an impressive record, but that’s just not how we do things. Your partner will keep you updated, I’m sure, but we can’t have you directly involved.” She had the grace to look slightly remorseful as she closed the door in his face.

Cordell stared at the door for a few seconds before storming out of the office. He needed some air.

Just as he stepped outside, his phone rang. The caller ID made his heart race.

“Stella? Butterbean, are you okay? Where are you? Is-”

“Sorry to disappoint, Ranger. It’s just me again.”

Cordell clenched his fist. “Martin Whitly. What the hell do you want?”

“I want to make a deal.”

“What kind of deal?”

“The kind where your daughter gets to live, if you give me what I want.”

Cordell should run back inside and hand the phone to someone in that conference room. At the very least, they could get a trace.

But Martin might hear that, and then the deal would be out the window. If he lost this deal, if he lost Stella….

His family might not survive that.

“What do you want? Besides safe passage to Mexico, I mean.” That was the deal Martin had put forth before; he can’t imagine that much has changed.

“Well, I’m strapped for cash. I’ll need at least 50 grand. And my partner and I will need a few changes of clothes. And some hair dye.”

Of course. Martin wanted to hide. Changing his appearance and using cash would be the best way to do that. “When do you want all this by?”

“MIdnight, tonight. I’ll send you an address in a few hours. Come alone, or you’ll be taking Stella home in a casket. Oh, and don’t be late. I’ve got a thing about punctuality.” Martin hung up before he could respond.

Cordell should go back inside and tell them what happened. He should at least talk to Micki. Rushing into this alone would be incredibly stupid and probably lead to more trouble than he could handle. Plus, it would be the perfect excuse to involve himself in the investigation.

But this was Stella on the line. He couldn’t wait around for the feds to come up with a plan. And the warning about coming alone was one he needed to take seriously. No matter how careful they were, there was no guarantee Martin wouldn’t figure it out.

No. He had to do this alone. There was too much at stake.

He sent a message to James saying he needed the rest of the day off and got in his truck. He had a few errands to run.

—-----------------

Stella and August had gone to therapy for about six months after their mom died and Dad went running off into an undercover assignment. During those therapy sessions, she learned a variety of breathing and grounding exercises to help manage her emotions and reactions.

She hadn’t ever really used them before, preferring to use her anger as a way to keep the world at bay. Now, though, she was clinging to them for dear life.

She needed something, anything, to keep her sanity in this moment. Counting the seconds between her breaths was an odd comfort to take, but it was working. At least, for now.

There was very little comfort to take in this current situation. She was truly on her own, in a car with two men who held all the cards. Even with the promise she would live, there was no guarantee she would escape completely unharmed.

She was just a tool, a pawn in their game. If keeping her alive won’t give them what they want, she was useless. She knew that

Which is why the way Hector stared at her made her nervous. If there was no reason to keep her alive, who knew what he might do to her? He’d already bragged to her about killing his victims with his bare hands, but somehow she doubted that would be the worst of it.

Martin made her nervous for an entirely different reason. He was calm and calculated. He wouldn’t hurt her unless he felt it would benefit him. But the minute she stopped being useful, there would be nothing stopping him.

She knew her dad would follow through on his end of the deal. She just hoped they would both make it out alive.

“Keep a lookout for motels. We need a little landing pad, I think.” Martin glanced at the highway signs. “Unless you know any good places down south?”

“Never been down here,” Stella murmured.

“Shame. Oh, well. Just keep an eye out. There’s bound to be a little hole-in-the-wall place soon.”

Stella tightened her grip on the steering wheel and kept breathing.

[dios-teo]

NAME: Mateo Ruiz DEITY: Tlazolteotl AGE: 33, August 29, 1990 GENDER & PRONOUNS: trans male, he/him/his ORIENTATION: Homosexual FACECLAIM: Diego Boneta HOMETOWN: Tecate, Baja California - Mexico ALIGNMENT: Chaotic Neutral

Tidbits:

HUMAN PARENTS: Jorge Ruiz & Rosa Ruiz (step-mom) DIETY LINAGE: Tlahzōlteōtl, Goddess of sexuality, vice, purification, steam baths, lust, filth, and a patroness of adulterers. Aztec Pantheon. SIBLINGS: Esteban Ruiz, Elena Ruiz, Gabi Ruiz. CLOTHING STYLE: Tends to wear a lot of sleeveless shirts along with beach shorts.

Mini-Bio || About:

This is a mess, I'll clean it up later.

In the Aztec calendar system, the days in the year are separated into two consecutive wheels of time. One of 13 day signs influence a month of twenty. Each month and day governed by a different duo of gods or goddesses depending on the corresponding day and month sign Tlazolteotl being one of these goddesses. She governs the fifth day along with the twenty day cycle that starts on the day sign of Ollin. Was it then by coincidence that Mateo was born on a day under her supposed protection? Born in Tecate, Mexico. It seemed as though every other year would bring about constant hurricanes and earthquakes. His father being a head executive at an oil company allowed his family the availability to relocate away from one natural calamity before being met with another. It would also allow for Mateo to study in the United States, or whatever you're supposed to call having your ankles meet your ears for almost four years. His time in the states was cut short, being called back to shadow his father at the oil company's business meetings. Often times Mateo would be bored out of his mind, having to keep a rotating cast of office assistants to entertain him in between meetings. Heated whispers promising them a seat on his staff if he were allowed to sit on theirs.

. . .

Day Itzcuintli Itzcuintli is a good day for funerals and wakes and remembering the dead. It is a good day for being trustworthy, a bad day for trusting others of questionable intent.

One of his favorites and company hopeful was Hector Suarez. He was a promising man around the same age as Mateo. A little older, and perhaps a little more cunning. Mateo often had a knack at spotting who amongst the white collar bramble were the opportunistic type. It took one to know one after all. Hector, however, seemed too play this to his advantage. While Mateo pulled him towards his bed, promising what they both knew he couldn't procure, Hector would pull him away from the secret meetings formed to oust his father from the company. Panes of glass fogged each night in a luxury car as the fog of deception closed in onto Jorge in a sudden and swift removal. Mateo had woken up with the ground shifting under him, literally. It had seemed mother nature would join in striking down the family as well. The cliff where their manor had stood collapsed down into the polluted seas below. He would wake up in a hospital bed, the only one recovered from the monstrous wreck. He had no home, he had no job waiting for him. He was alone. Only thing he had was his body and it was one he barely managed to hold on to.

August 27, 2023 - Day of the Call?

The thirteen day period (trecena) that starts with day 1-Ollin (Movement) is ruled by Tlazolteotl.

More to come.

[bullet-prooflove]

Partners!Joe: Part Two - Partners - Joe Velasco x Reader

Tagging: @plaidbooks​   @misscharlielulu​   @witches-unruly-heart​   @shay-o-fiction​   @kimm4710​   @ednastvincent​   @storiesofsvu​   @magic-multicolored-miracle​  @rosaliedepp​     @cycat4077​   @crazy4chickennuggets​   @cixrosie​   @themisunderstoodblackswan​   @im-just-a-mississippi-girl​   @mysoulisasunflower​

Part 1: Safe Haven

The construction site was just like any other you had been to but then again you were no expert on places like this. It was going to be a mall before the development funding ran out. There were chunks of concrete and rebar left in ruined piles, scattered around the location. It was a large site, once you got inside the development there wasn't anything for what seemed like miles, the perfect place for a clandestine meet up.

The road was awful, you could feel yourself bumping up and down in your seat as you sped down it in the undercover police car. Joe's headlights were still lingering in the distance as you tailed him.

You got it, you really did. The two of you had been woken up in the dead of night by a phone call from Benson informing you of the situation at Joe’s apartment building.

After trying Joe’s place and finding it empty, Hector Ruiz had decided to beat a location out of his neighbour Mr Gutierrez. He’d left the elderly gentleman with three broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder. Joe had been inconsolable. You had seen him shut down almost instantly as the doctor told them the true extent of Mr Gutierrez’s injuries. It had been harrowing to see the kindly old man so banged up.

You’d seen the look in Joe’s eyes as he sat beside Mr Gutierrez, and you knew that Joe was going to kill Ruiz. The other man had brutally murdered so many people over the years and now he had hurt his friend. Probably would have killed him if someone hadn’t called the police.

Joe was already leaning against the trunk of the car when you stepped outside of your own vehicle. Your hand was already on your service pistol, flicking open the black holster on your hip as you approached him. You were both already clad in Kevlar, Joe crossed his arms over his chest, the muscles in his jaw tight as he reviewed you.

"I thought I managed to lose you back there when the road forked." he told you.

“You’re not that good Velasco.” You responded, taking up residence alongside of Joe. You withdrew your gun from your holster, wrapping both hands around the grip. You were about to go up against a guy twice your size and body weight, a guy who had spent his entire prison stay building so much muscle he’d been able to take down three cops last time they tried to restrain him. This all came with the added bonus of CIP, a rare disorder that left him insensitive to pain. Most CIP sufferers didn’t live past their twenties because of the condition. Ruiz was now in his mid-thirties.

"Don't try and stop me." Joe warned you as the roar of a car in the distance invaded your ears. Joe already knew what had to be done. He dreaded the thought of how many other people would suffer at the hands of this monster it was that thought that had led him to make his decision.

"I didn't come to stop you, Joe." You muttered; your eyes fixated on the twin headlights in front of you as they drew even closer. "Whatever goes down tonight I've got your back."

There was a moment of understanding between the two of you.  Someone was going to die tonight, and you wanted to make damn sure it wasn't Joe. Maybe the two of you would be able to even the odds and give each other a better chance against this animal. You’d seen the files, what he had done to the bodies of the people he’d murdered, how he brutalised them.

"You ready?" Joe asked you as Ruiz's truck came to a halt alongside your car.

"As I'll ever be." you muttered, raising your weapon as Ruiz got out of his car.

Ruiz was huge, bigger than you had realised, you'd seen him in pictures, but they did not do him justice. His shoulders were wide set, and his gargantuan frame matched his height. it was clear from the glint in his eyes that he was a predator, he loved the smell of blood in the air, the violence. You knew pure evil when you saw it.

"Really like this place." Ruiz called out as he walked towards you step by antagonizing step. "A lot of fond memories here."

Joe said nothing, his lips pursed into a grim line as the words penetrated his ears. He knew that it was meant to rile him, and he liked to think that he was above it but damn it if that kid's broken body didn't flicker through his brain like a grotesque snapshot. It was what he had managed to put Ruiz away for back then, but then there’d been another trial and the son of a bitch had gotten out.

"You owe me five years." Ruiz rumbled, his voice sounding like thunder as he climbed back into the car.

There was moment, a very fleeting one where you thought that Ruiz was just going to get back into his car and drive away. That's what you would have wanted to happen. Instead, he did something much worse. He drove the car straight at you.

You weren’t sure who fired first you or Joe, but you could hear the echoes of your weapons as you both shot at the radiator and the windscreen. You dived out of the way in opposite directions as Ruiz fought for control of the car against the spiderwebbed glass. You hit the ground hard, your gun flipping out of your hand and landing in the dirt a foot away as you impacted with the concrete.

There was moment where you couldn't breathe, the air rushing out of your lungs and the only thing you could hear was a loud roaring in your ears as you lay on your stomach, struggling to draw breath through the agony that vibrated through your entire body.

"Jose." you croaked before sucking in a shaky breath, allowing the flow of oxygen into your lungs.

Your adrenaline began to kick in. You could feel it like a narcotic flooding through your veins as you struggled to your hands and knees.

Darkness fell over you, you could feel the apprehension sending a chill up the nape of your neck before Ruiz's large hand enclosed on the back of your Kevlar vest hurling you upwards like a rag doll.

"I see you bought a friend." Ruiz rumbled in an amused tone before his huge hand enclosed on the scruff of your neck. His fingers dug in, scratching across your skin as he applied just the smallest amount of pressure. You were under no illusions; this man could snap your neck in an instant if he wanted to. You reached up behind you, your nails scrapping flesh of his face as you clawed at his eyes.

His free hand grasped your left wrist, twisting it cruelly in one fluid movement.

The noise was sickening, you heard the bone in your left forearm snap before the excruciating pain erupted through every single one of your senses. Someone was screaming, you could hear the hoarse, violent noise carrying through the night air like a wounded fox and it took you a moment to realise that it was coming from you.

The second time you hit the ground, it was with a force that stunned you. The breath rushed out of your lungs, cutting your scream short as your head hit the ground with an audible crack. For a moment you saw nothing, there was only a darkness sweeping into your vision accompanied by that horrendous lance of hot pain. Ruiz cackled, his footsteps moving away from you as he sought out more worthy prey.

It took a few more moments for your sight to clear and when it did you could feel wetness streaking down your cheek. You could hear the grunts, the impact of flesh and curse words as Ruiz and Joe went at each other. You cradled your broken arm to your chest, the fingers of her your hand seeking out your service pistol.

Joe was in a bad way, each punch that Ruiz landed was another blow that Joe couldn't afford. His face was bloody, his nose and mouth bleeding as he panted. He grasped the lapels on Ruiz's jacket before driving his fist straight into the other man's nose. Ruiz reeled back for a second, only a second before he used the back of his hand to smash Joe across the face, knocking him to the ground with enough force to break a couple of ribs.

The palm of your hand enclosed around the Glock, it fit like an old friend as you gripped it tightly, your hand slick with blood and sweat. Ruiz was already on the move; picking up a largest slab of concrete he could find before lifting it high above his head as he approached Joe. Your right arm swung up; the gun nestled firmly in your grasp. You squinted against the blood in your eyes before squeezing the trigger.

The bullet hit home, striking him in the back. You saw Ruiz jerk suddenly before he turned around to face you. His expression was full of pure unadulterated rage as his beady eyes focused upon you once more. He took a step towards you, the slab of concrete still clasped between his meaty hands as he raised it high above his head.

"You are fucking kidding me..." You muttered, using your sleeve to wipe the blood from your face and aiming higher. You took a single breath, inhaling deeply and focusing on your target before pulling the trigger.

Ruiz’s head snapped back, his eyes bulging as he looked down at you in shock, his stocky body wavering from side to side. You didn't move, holding your breath instead as you waited to see which direction the giant concrete slab was going to fall. Ruiz toppled backwards, taking it with him.

Joe was already in motion, stumbling towards you. He lingered over Ruiz's corpse, his dark eyes staring down at it before he prodded it with his boot.

"Please tell me he's dead." your words came out like a sob. You could feel yourself going cold, a chill seeping into your bones as you clasped your arm tightly to your chest.

"He's dead." Joe confirmed.

Already he was stripping off his jacket and draping it around your shoulders. Your skin was clammy and cold under his touch as he pressed his palm to your cheek. You were starting to shake, and he could see that your gaze was becoming glassy and unfocused. He couldn't take any more risks, not tonight.

It took him a few seconds to locate his phone but when he did, he was surprised to find that although the screen was cracked the device was still functioning. The shivering was getting worse, he could see the tremors vibrating through your body as you clenched your jaw tightly against the chill. Joe wrapped his arm around your shoulders as gently as he could, sheltering you with the heat of his body. You nestled against him, tucking yourself into his side as Joe raised the phone to his ear and called for help.

Love Joe Velasco? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

[emeraldelysium]

hector ruiz world's first dogboy

[militarymenrbomb]

10 November 2023

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

             For 248 years, Marines have earned a reputation as the most disciplined and lethal warfighters in the world. This legacy of honor, courage, and commitment passed on to us was paid for in sweat, blood, and sacrifice. From Belleau Wood to Inchon and Tarawa to Sangin, Marines have stepped forward to defend our Constitution when others either could not or would not. Our history is filled with heroes like Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hershel "Woody" Williams, Private First Class Hector Cafferata Jr., Sergeant Major Dan Daly, and thousands of others who performed acts of bravery which went unseen in the heat of battle. We stand on the shoulders of these Marines, and we owe it to them to earn our title "Marine" each and every day.

             Marines have given, and have been willing to give, their lives for Country and Corps in every fight our Nation has entered. Our actions turned back the tide of tyranny in Europe during the Great War, defeated fascism in Asia during World War II, fought for democracy in Korea and Vietnam, and offered the hope of self-determination in the Middle East. We go to war whenever our Nation calls, and in the interwar periods we train, we prepare, and we innovate. We have chosen a life of service and sacrifice — an honorable life that has meaning. We sacrifice so our fellow citizens don't have to, and we seek nothing in return but a chance to be first to fight. Most will never understand why we choose to attack when others do not, why we revel in being covered in mud, why we snap to attention when "The Marines' Hymn" is played, or why we say, "Ooh Rah." We understand it, and this message is for us, for the Marines.

             As Marines, we live on a war footing because someone must. This means that we ruthlessly adhere to our standards of excellence — Marine standards — as we know this will best prepare us for the wars of the future. Our high standards are a prerequisite of professional warfighting, and how we keep our honor clean in the cauldron of combat. They prepare us for the most difficult mission there is: fighting from and returning to the sea. Most importantly they shape our unique Marine culture which is respected at home and across the globe.

             Sergeant Major Ruiz and I are proud of all that you have done this past year to protect and enhance our reputation as America's best warriors. We hope you know that we will be with you every step of the way as we prepare for the fights ahead. We ask that every Marine - active, reserve, and veteran - honor the legacy of those who went before us by continuing to uphold our high standards.

             Protect your fellow Marines and our shared legacy. Happy Birthday Marines!



[trackingthehuntress]

shout out to the waterfront warrior, world’s only ethical landlord

[isfeed]

Canoo’s CFO and top lawyer are the latest executives to leave

EV startup Canoo has lost its chief financial officer and its head lawyer, the latest in a string of executive departures as the company continues to struggle to find mass adoption of its electric work vans. CFO Greg Ethridge and general counsel Hector Ruiz both resigned from Canoo on October 31, the company announced Tuesday […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use…

[mikijamcf]

Fresh (1994) is a crime drama film directed by Boaz Yakin in his directorial debut and produced by Randy Ostrow and Lawrence Bender. Scored by Stewart Copeland, the film follows Michael "Fresh" (Sean Nelson), a preteen drug runner who uses chess lessons from his father (Samuel L. Jackson) to craft a plan to escape his dangerous life with his drug-addicted sister (N'Bushe Wright).🖤🎬🎥

Despite being marketed as a hip hop 'hood film and going relatively unnoticed by the public, Fresh received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of life in New York City's projects during the crack epidemic.

Cast:

Sean Nelson as Fresh

Giancarlo Esposito as Esteban

Samuel L. Jackson as Sam

N'Bushe Wright as Nichole

Ron Brice as Corky

Jean-Claude La Marre as Jake

Jose Zuniga as Lt. Perez

Luis Lantigua as Chuckie

Yul Vazquez as Chillie

Cheryl Freeman as Aunt Frances

Anthony Thomas as Red

Curtis McClarin as Darryl

Charles Malik Whitfield as Smokey

Victor Gonzalez as Herbie

Guillermo Diaz as Spike

Anthony Ruiz as Hector

Natima Bradley as Rosie

Elizabeth Rodriguez as Consuela

[cassiemfowler]

Josh Segarra!!! ❤️😍😍😍😍 … (He played “Hector Ruiz” on “The Electric Company” (2009) version!). … My nine (9)/ten (10) year old self, ruffly, … had a crush on Josh Segarra!!! 🙂😊❤️😍😍😍😍 … Now look at the glow up!!! ❤️

[agendaculturaldelima]

#SinMusicaNoExisto

🎶 “NOCHE DE RUMBA SALSERA” 💃🔥🕺

💥 ¡Los clásicos de la salsa siguen sonando! Prepárense para una velada con los grandes del género tropical por excelencia, con lo mejor de El Gran Combo - Fruko y sus Tesos - Luis Enrique - Frankie Ruiz - Rubén Blades - Hector Lavoe - Ismael Miranda - Tito Nieves - Willie Colón - Juan Luis Guerra.🎺🎶👑🥁

👥 Julio Cornejo y Orquesta La Guagua.

📌 FIESTA-CONCIERTO:

📆 Sábado 13 de Julio

🕚 11:30pm.

🏟 Sargento Pimienta de Barranco (av. Bolognesi 757 – Barranco)

🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️ Ingreso libre

🖱 Reservas: wa.link/rumbasalsera

📞 WhatsApp: 977 647 221

🍳 Carta: bit.ly/cartaspdptm

🚘 Valet parking

[crimechillers]

Abducted by Hector Ruiz in Barcelona: My Harrowing Tale

It was a balmy summer evening when the picturesque streets of Barcelona, a city known for its unique fusion of Gothic and modernist architecture, transformed into a stage for my nightmare. The sky crimson with the remnants of dusk, I walked with an innocent curiosity through the labyrinthine corridors of history, utterly oblivious to the impending doom that would soon shroud my existence.…

[frontproofmedia]

The Fall of a King: Roy Jones-Antonio Tarver 2 Alters Boxing Landscape

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By Hector Franco

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Published: May 15, 2024

Antonio Tarver’s knockout of Roy Jones was a monumental shift in boxing history.

Boxing is a realm of unpredictability. It's a sport where a single moment can abruptly end a match, shattering expectations and rewriting the narrative.

"I got a question. You got any excuses tonight, Roy?" This question, posed by Antonio Tarver in the prefight instructions to the match, would later prove to be a prophetic moment in the ring. It was a question that hinted at the dramatic turn of events that would soon unfold, altering the course of boxing history. 

Twenty years ago, on May 15, 2004, the world witnessed the fall of a king of the sweet science. Once thought to be invincible, Roy Jones Jr. was put down by one punch, forever changing the landscape of boxing and the trajectory of his career. Antonio Tarver's bravado and unwavering self-belief were only matched by Jones himself. His second-round knockout of Jones is a tentpole moment in boxing history. One that shouldn't be forgotten. It serves as a stark reminder that all the knockouts scored and all the titles won can be overshadowed by a single punch. In one moment, a career can change. 

Before his rematch with Tarver, Roy Jones was at the pinnacle of the boxing world. While he may not have been as much of a box office draw as his contemporary Oscar De La Hoya, his win over John Ruiz in March 2003, where he claimed a piece of the heavyweight crown, catapulted him into the realm of all-time greats. 

The Ruiz fight was an exclamation point on a career that had reached near perfection. Jones' only loss was a controversial disqualification, which he immediately avenged with a first-round knockout over Montell Griffin in 1997. It was beyond rare for Jones to lose not just fights but rounds. Jones' unique blend of elite athleticism, hand speed, and power made him almost invincible to his opponents. 

Roy Jones Jr. achievements before facing Antonio Tarver

Fans tend to overly nitpick fighters of the past, using their resumes against them without the proper context. Even under a high level of scrutiny, Jones' career still holds up as one of the greatest of the last fifty years. In dominant runs through three weight classes: middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight, Jones faced a plethora of Ring-Rated top-ten fighters. 

That list includes names like Bernard Hopkins, Jorge Castro, Thomas Tate, Tony Thornton, Merqui Sosa, Virgil Hill, Eric Harding, Reggie Johnson, Julio Gonzalez, and his magnum opus against James Toney in 1994. Due to his dominance against opponents of all levels, Jones was named the Fighter of the Decade for the 1990s by the Boxing Writer's Association of America.

 There were some misses, most notably a unification match with longtime WBO light heavyweight titleholder Dariusz Michalczewski, a fighter who primarily fought in Germany. There was also the United Kingdom trio of Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, and Steve Collins at super middleweight. In today's era, where fights across the pond are more readily available, it's possible that all these fights would have taken place in some capacity.

 Although Tarver and Jones are the same age, the Florida rivals were always at different stages of their careers. Tarver was always playing catch-up. Both were outstanding amateurs, with Jones being awarded the Val Barker award as the best boxer at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea. Jones ended up with a silver medal after a highly disputed loss in the finals, which is recognized as one of the biggest robberies in boxing history. Tarver was also an Olympian, earning the Bronze medal at the 1996 Games in Atlanta. 

Following Jones' win over Ruiz, it was thought he would continue his career as a heavyweight. However, the fights Jones wanted against the likes of Mike Tyson never materialized, leaving the four-division champion at a crossroads. 

"We worked on a Holyfield fight an it fell through," said one of Jones' promoters, Murad Muhammad. "We worked on a Tyson fight and it fell through. We wanted Lennox Lewis, but he's not fighting." 

Roy Jones returns to light heavyweight after winning WBA heavyweight title

Tarver may have forewarned Jones that a return to light heavyweight was imminent. Tarver's moniker is "Magic Man," and while he's certainly shown his prowess in the ring, his true magic comes from his gift of gab. At the post-fight press conference after Jones's win over Ruiz, Tarver crashed Jones' celebration by insulting him and challenging him to a fight at light heavyweight. 

"For the last three to four year, Roy Jones has hand-picked every opponent that ever stepped in a ring with him," said Tarver before the first fight with Jones. "He never bickered and argued when he had a less than stellar mandatory. But when Antonio Tarver became his mandatory he made every excuse in the world." 

Maybe it was pride, ego, or a lack of a more profitable choice, but Jones granted Tarver his shot in November 2003. Jones, an 8-to-1 favorite, was in the most competitive fight of his career up to that point against Tarver. The former heavyweight champion was relegated to potshotting, throwing one punch at a time. The move back down to light heavyweight took its toll on Jones, who had to lose 25 pounds of muscle.

But Tarver was prepared for Jones. He avoided most of Jones' offense on his gloves and landed in combination whenever he found his opponent on the ropes. Tarver, however, would make a critical mistake. Instead of pressing the action, he resorted to counterpunching, allowing an exhausted-looking Jones to steal rounds. 

When the final bell rang, Tarver celebrated as if a victory was guaranteed. Jones casually walked away. The judges rewarded Jones' effort, giving him a majority decision. The win over Tarver gave Jones the distinction of being the first reigning heavyweight title holder to move down and win a light heavyweight title. 

Jones' victory was met with ire from fans and Tarver. Many felt Tarver had done enough in most rounds to be declared the winner. Jones blamed his performance on the difficulty in moving back down to light heavyweight after changing his body to fight at heavyweight. 

Jones could have used his status as the more well-known fighter and champion to dismiss Tarver. No one would have blamed Jones if he decided to move back up to heavyweight. But once again, a mix of pride and ego opened a rematch with Tarver. Money, as is usually the case, was a determining factor as well. 

"Everybody wants to know how me and Roy got in the ring for the second time," Tarver told ProBox TV. "Well, I'm here to tell you. The man told me to take it or leave it. Period. No more questions. Take it or leave it; I'm over here. I said I'll take it because if I wouldn't have I would have never had the opportunity to do what I did." 

There was a general feeling in boxing circles that Jones would be back to his usual dominant self in the rematch with Tarver. But something about Tarver's unrelenting confidence made one ponder: Does he know something we don't? 

Antonio Tarver changes the course of boxing history.

The classic moment in the center of the ring with Tarver's excuses questions to Jones right before the first round is unique in the annals of boxing history. It has never been duplicated or matched. 

A tense first-round ensued that mirrored their first bout. Jones was potshotting, attempting to bait Tarver into opening up more. But Tarver wasn't budging from his game plan of waiting for the perfect moment to strike. All three judges scored the first round for Jones. 

In a flash, lighting struck. At the mid-way point of the second round, in an exchange, the southpaw Tarver threw an overhand left that sent Jones crashing down. It was surreal and shocking. Jones barely beat the count but stumbled when he rose to his fight. Jay Nady waved the fight off. And it was over.

Remarkably, this was only the second time Jones had been knocked down as a professional. But the first one that did real damage. 

"That is the first time in his career he's really been hurt," recalled then HBO commentator and longtime boxing journalist Larry Merchant. "He's gone down before one time. But there was a perfect left hand. Roy never saw it coming. Roy is out. And Roy may be out of boxing!" 

 On one side of the ring, a celebration developed. On the other, somber reflection in disbelief and acceptance occurred. Jones made no excuses after the fight and viewed the loss as part of boxing. 

The two would fight again in a third match the following year, with Tarver winning a decision. Jones's loss to Tarver was only one chapter in a career that is still ongoing. Jones fought as recently as 2023. 

Without question, this was the most significant moment of Tarver's career and what he would ultimately be remembered for. For Jones, however, it was the start of a decline and a period of his career that has seen many ups and downs. It's a special case to witness a fighter who was viewed in such high regard and then drastically plummet back down to earth. 

Fans and pundits have speculated how Jones' legacy would have differed if he had chosen to retire instead of moving back down to fight Tarver. After all, Jones was in his mid-30s, and it isn't out of the norm for a fighter to experience a decrease in skill and athleticism at that age. It's not a guarantee that Jones would have stayed retired or what would have happened at heavyweight, but many believe Jones retiring after the Ruiz victory would have left him with a top 10 all-time standing in boxing history. 

"I think RJ would have been somewhere in the top five with a case for number one," said boxing trainer Stephen "Breadman" Edwards. "But I hate looking back on it because fate is fate. If Roy was meant to be the best ever, he would be. Things are what they are and we can't dismiss post Ruiz. 

Tarver's knockout of Jones occurred before the age of social media. Although its impact and legacy may have benefited, this doesn't diminish its historical significance or place as a monumental shift in boxing history.

(Featured Photo: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)