About me
Ruben Versátil Soto’s Biography:
- His boxing journey began at the tender age of 3 years old, when he started training with his father, practicing his punches on bags in the comfort of his room.
- His first taste of the ring came at the Bairoa gym in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
- He made his debut fight in the Hometown Heroes Boxing National Tournament, held in the West Virginia.
- His second bout took place in Georgia at the Lugo de Mayo tournament.
- The third match was on home turf at the Peter Balcuna Invitational, where he clinched his first trophy.
- In his fourth fight, he ventured to the state Junior Olympics qualifier in Tampa, Florida, and triumphed, securing his first-ever championship belt.
- At just 8 years old, he competed at the national level in the Junior Olympic National Championship, emerging as a silver medalist and ranking third in the nation.
As he continued to grow and excel:
- At the age of 9, he became the champion of the Florida State Golden Gloves.
- He remained active in competitions throughout the year, winning the Georgia Amateur Boxing Association Tournament.
- The following year, he defended his title at the Georgia Amateur Boxing Association Tournament.
- He added another victory to his record by winning a championship belt in the Impact Boxing Championship held in Orlando, Florida.
Ruben Versátil Soto’s Biography:
As Ruben turned 10:
- He secured the title of the Amateur WBC Green Belt Sugar Bert Champion in the National Tournament.
- Returning to Florida, he participated in the PAL State Championship alongside another state champion.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted his boxing journey for two years. But as they say, #GrindDontStop:
- At 12 years old, he reclaimed his stride, winning the Lugo de Mayo Championship belt and once again earning the title of Florida State Golden Gloves Champion.
- It was an exceptional year for Ruben, as he became the Champion and secured a gold medal, earning the distinction of the number one junior Olympic boxer in the nation at Lubbock, Texas, in the Junior Olympic USA Boxing National Championship. This success was nothing short of remarkable.
- In that same year, he added another feather to his cap by becoming a National Gold Medalist at the Silver Gloves National Championship in Wichita, Kansas.
- He continued to compete fiercely, maintaining his top national ranking. He even participated in the Cleveland Ohio Junior Olympics 50th-anniversary event, where he achieved the title of Bronze Medalist.
Back in Orlando, Florida, at the age of 13
- Ruben participated in the Chris Young Free Global Boxing Tournament and proudly took home yet another championship belt.
- His winning streak didn’t stop there; he clinched another championship belt in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
- At the Lubbock, Texas National Championship, he secured the silver once more and stood as the number 2 contender in the nation in the 110-pound category.
- Continuing his impressive journey, he claimed yet another victory at the Florida State Golden Gloves.
- Another highlight was his participation in the Junior Olympics Summer Festival National Championship, where he secured the bronze medal.
- In his most recent bout at the Florida Flaco Championship Games, emotions ran high as he emerged victorious with a unanimous decision.
Ruben Versátil Soto’s dedication and success in the boxing ring are emblematic of his extraordinary journey in the sport.
Fighting Style
Ruben Versátil Soto exhibits a versatile and effective fighting style in the boxing ring. His strengths include adaptability to different opponents, solid technical skills, and a winning mentality. However, his young age implies ongoing development, and gaining experience against more seasoned opponents is essential for his growth.
In the ring, he employs adaptable strategies, ranging from counterboxing to pressure and aggression, depending on the situation. His solid defense complements his versatile approach, ensuring he can both avoid his opponents’ punches and capitalize on counterattack opportunities.
His fighting style evolves with training, experience, and strategic considerations for each unique match.
Personal Life
Ruben Luis Soto, born on February 3, 2009, in Boca Raton, Florida, shares his life with his parents, Betsy Calderon and Luis Soto, as well as his older sister, Lisbeth Soto, who coincidentally shares his birthday but was born in 2004. With Puerto Rican ancestry and athletic roots, his parents raised in Puerto Rico and relocated to the USA in 1999.
His father, Luis Soto, has been his coach since he was just 3 years old, while his mother joined his corner in 2020. The Soto family splits their time between Puerto Rico and the USA and host a large extended family with seven aunts and two uncles. He also has an older brother from his father.
Ruben excelled in his studies, attending Renaissance Charter School in Florida kindergarten through 8th grade, where he maintained honor student status. He now continues his education at JP Taravella High School.
Beyond the ring, Ruben is known for his friendly and humble demeanor, surrounded by a circle of friends. His best friend, Juan Toro, has been his best companion during his achievements in both academics and sports.
In his free time, Ruben indulges in snorkeling, free diving, spearfishing, and cherishes moments spent with his friends. Balancing his demanding boxing schedule with training camps and national tournaments, Ruben maintains an exceptional performance record. He possesses a robust and athletic physique, a sharp intellect, and unwavering dedication, both in and out of the boxing arena.
Ruben Versátil Soto emerges as a well-rounded individual with a bright future ahead.
Legacy:
In summary, the legacy of a successful boxer like Ruben Versátil Soto transcends the achievements within the ring, leaving an indelible mark on sports culture and inspiring others. Ruben’s promising trajectory at a young age positions him to make significant contributions to the world of boxing, thereby leaving his own distinct imprint on the sporting landscape.
