Evander Holyfield remains the only four-time world heavyweight champion in boxing history, but one man believes ‘The Real Deal’ didn’t deserve to accomplish this impressive feat.
Holyfield cemented his status as one of the best heavyweights of his generation, rising to stardom during an era that produced the likes of Riddick Bowe, Michael Moorer, Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson.
He became the first fighter ever to win the undisputed world championship at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, a record that remained unmatched until May of 2024.
Another memorable night in the career of Holyfield came in August of 2000 when he defeated countryman John Ruiz via unanimous decision to capture the vacant WBA world heavyweight title and become the first four-weight heavyweight champion of all time.
The result sparked controversy however, with many people left bemused at the fact that Ruiz didn’t get the nod on the judges scorecards, which read 114-113 x2 and 116-112 in favour of Holyfield.
Speaking shortly after the fight, Ruiz expressed his frustration at the result before claiming he had been the victim of ‘highway robbery’.
“It was highway robbery without a gun. I won the fight, and he knows I won the fight. I was definitely robbed. I had control of the fight. I am very surprised by the judges’ decision. I don’t know what fight they saw.”
Ruiz did go on to get his revenge in their rematch just seven months later however, defeating Holyfield via unanimous decision to capture the WBA title and achieve his dream of becoming a world champion.
The American duo fought to a split decision draw in their third and final encounter in December of 2001 to bring an end to their rivalry.
