John Ruiz wins the World Boxing Association heavyweight title in Las Vegas.

The Chelsea resident beats Evander Holyfield in a 12-round decision in the Paris Hotel. Ruiz become the first Hispanic to hold a share of the heavyweight boxing title and the first Massachusetts resident since Rocky Marciano. He loses his share of the title to Roy Jones Jr. in 12 rounds in Las Vegas on March 1, 2002, regains it with a 12-round victory over Hasim Rahman in Atlantic City on December 13, 2002, then loses it again and retires with a 44-9-1 record in 2010.