This would be a fun fight, with Arroyo's dialed in right hand counters against the volume of Ruelas. Ruelas is another guy that I have seen a lot of, from the beginning of his career. I saw him live several times including the night he won the title from Freddie Pendleton. There is a saying that winning a title makes you better but I think Ruelas regressed, stylistically and physically. I'm guessing that he was having trouble with the weight, he was a tall guy. Arroyo wins this, I think. He will take some shots and have some trying times but he had a good chin and didn't get flustered. Over time his right hand would take a toll and he'd win over 12.
I agree with every word! Ruelas vs Pendelton was one of the best lightweight fights of the 90s. A real war, but you're right, it seemed Ruelas subsequently regressed. All that wouldn't have changed Oscar blowing him out. But I do favor Arroyo here, and possibly even by late TKO. Harry was an underrated counterpuncher, with a lot of power in his right hand.
