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Holyfield loses to Ruiz--Refuse to retire.

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News Item: John Ruiz beats Evander Holyfield for WBA Heavyweight title. Afterwards, Holyfield refuses to retire.

It was a fight pitting a boxer who can't fight anymore, against a boxer who could never fight in the first place.

First of all, and most important to fight fans, it wasn't a great fight worth of a pay-per-view designation at $44.95 a pop. It was a nice fight, mostly boring. But in spots, it was packed with drama and excitement. Ali-Frazier it wasn't, but it wasn't the Three Stooges either.

And secondly, make no mistake, Ruiz won the fight clearly, knocking Holyfield down and almost out in the eleventh round.

Yet Ruiz would've been no more than a sparring partner for the Holyfield of five years ago. There are probably 10 heavyweights in the world today who would have an easy time against the plodding Ruiz. Them and about half a dozen crusierweights, and certainly light heavyweight champion Roy Jones Jr.

The fight was up for grabs, when in the tenth round, Holyfield hit Ruiz barely low with a left hook, then followed with a left hook to Ruiz' chin. Ruiz went down like he was shot, rolling under the ropes. Referee Joe Cortez immediately said the knockdown was caused by a low blow, but replays showed the first punch may have been slightly low, but the second punch on Ruiz' chin, seemed to have caused all the damage. Cortez took a point away from Holyfield, and gave Ruiz a full five minutes to recover. That was the turning point of the fight.

Ruiz came back most invigorated and immediately hit Holyfield so low, the punch almost landed on Holyfield's knee. Cortez warned Ruiz, but took no points away.

Holyfield started strong in the 11th, but a sudden Ruiz overhand right on Holyfield's left temple dropped Holyfield onto his back. His left eye dripped blood and his face showing the pain of 18 years spent in the boxing ring. He was up at eight, but spent the rest of the round holding onto Ruiz for dear life, one time even throwing Ruiz into the turnbuckle.

Holyfield started the 12th and final round strong, but the 29 year-old Ruiz had more left and he punished Holyfield until the final bell.

Yet, the bad taste left in this boxing fan's mouth was caused by the 38 year- old Holyfield's post-fight interview, in which he told us all, he will be back to be beaten up another day.

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