By 1994, both were world champions.
Rafael captured the IBF lightweight title from Freddie Pendleton in February, climbing off the canvas twice in the opening round before winning a unanimous decision. Gabe earned the WBC super featherweight championship seven months later by defeating Jesse James Leija over 12 rounds.
The MGM Grand card gave the Ruelas brothers an opportunity no previous championship siblings had received. Each would defend his belt before watching the other do the same.
Gabe fought first against Fred Liberatore. He hurt the challenger with the opening punch, dropped him later in the first r
