Ruiz knocks down Holyfield for crown

Ruiz knocks down Holyfield for crown
Reuters

LAS VEGAS, March 4: John Ruiz knocked down Evander Holyfield in the 11th round and battered him in the 12th to win a hard-fought unanimous decision and capture the World Boxing Association heavyweight title on Saturday night.

Ruiz, a 2-to-1 underdog, dominated the final two rounds to pull out the surprise victory in a bout that had distinctive ebbs and flows. “The last two rounds were mine,” said Ruiz. “That’s what brought me the title.”

The challenger won the early rounds, was pummeled by Holyfield during the middle rounds, then came on strong to earn the victory. Ruiz, who lost a close but unanimous decision to Holyfield in their first fight here on August 12, won the rematch by scores of 116-110, 115-111 and 114-111 on the three judge’s cards.

“Any other fight now is going to be a cakewalk, because Evander Holyfield is one tough guy. He doesn’t give up,” said Ruiz, who improved his record to 37-4. “He’s been an idol of mine every since I was growing up,”added Ruiz, inadvertently emphasizing their nine-year age difference.

“I hope he retires because I don’t want to see him again,” added Ruiz, who is of Puerto Rican descent and the first Hispanic fighter to hold a world heavyweight title. Holyfield had one point deducted from his score in the 10th round for a low blow. But the next round was the one that secured the win for Ruiz. A straight right to the head knocked Holyfield to the canvas, and the beating Ruiz put on the champion the remainder of the round had two judges scoring it 10-8 and the third 10-7.