John Ruiz, the former two-time WBA world heavyweight champion, has picked Evander Holyfield as the best fighter he ever faced. Ruiz's choice stands out among a list of opponents that includes boxing legends like Roy Jones Jr and James Toney.
Holyfield, known as "The Real Deal," left an indelible mark on the sport. He made history as the first fighter to capture undisputed world championships in two weight classes - cruiserweight and heavyweight. This record stood unchallenged until last year. Holyfield also remains the only fighter to win the world heavyweight championship four times, a feat yet to be matched.
Holyfield's resume boasts victories over some of boxing's biggest names. He defeated Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe, Larry Holmes, and George Foreman, cementing his place among the sport's elite.
While Roy Jones Jr and James Toney also competed at heavyweight, winning versions of the world title, Holyfield's accomplishments set him apart. Toney's heavyweight reign was short-lived after he failed a doping test and was stripped of his title.
Ruiz faced all three of these boxing giants during his career. He lost decisions to both Holyfield and Jones, and was defeated by Toney in a fight that was later overturned due to Toney's positive doping test.
When asked about the best fighter he ever faced, Ruiz didn't hesitate to name Holyfield. He explained his choice:
"He had the big name and always went to war. He brought everything but the kitchen sink into the ring to use. He knew how to win and did everything to win."
Ruiz's assessment highlights Holyfield's comprehensive skill set and winning mentality. These qualities, combined with his impressive list of achievements, underscore why Holyfield is often considered one of the greatest boxers in history.
