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John Ruiz defends his WBA Heavyweight Title against Evander Holyfield in the 3rd fight of the trilogy on HBO Boxing,
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00:00:00Bigger things, meanwhile, still to come tonight, John Ruiz risks his heavyweight title belt
00:00:09and risks it against a man who has himself won the real heavyweight championship of the
00:00:16world three times in his career, Evander Holyfield, getting ready to call to action
00:00:23one more time, next against Ruiz.
00:00:27As we mentioned to you earlier, it is our view here at HBO Sports that you know as well as
00:00:32we do
00:00:33that the legitimate heavyweight champion of the world is Lennox Lewis. Nevertheless, these two guys
00:00:39tonight will go into the ring after a ring announcer here has announced that the fight takes place for
00:00:44the heavyweight championship. That's because Ruiz holds the WBA belt, which was stripped from Lennox
00:00:50Lewis after Lewis's victory in the second fight against Holyfield because Lewis chose other
00:00:56business rather than the mandated WBA fight against Ruiz. And Larry, we've made ourselves
00:01:02clear on this point, but there are people who call it a heavyweight championship fight.
00:01:07Why is that?
00:01:09Because hype does fool some of the people some of the time. So when Evander Holyfield, an all-time
00:01:17great fighter, once upon a time lost his recognized heavyweight championship, the very next thing
00:01:24he did was fight for another heavyweight so-called championship against a fighter who was barely
00:01:33recognized by neutral observers in the game, John Ruiz. And that was for a championship.
00:01:40Right. And rhinestones are a girl's best friends. Nevertheless, we are here curious to see whether
00:01:49Evander Holyfield can surprise us once again, can stave off the inevitable, the last roundup against
00:01:57a younger opponent. Jim, that's what the fight is about. That's our storyline, and we're sticking to it.
00:02:06That's what the fight is about. But the dialogue this week has been about the nature of the first
00:02:11two fights, and specifically the question of fouls. The agenda for Ruiz and his handlers here try to
00:02:18call attention to what they say are Holyfield's constant illegal tactics in the ring. Let's take a
00:02:24look at action from the first two of the fights between these two fighters and try to see what it
00:02:29is
00:02:30that they're talking about. They first met August 12 of 2000. Holyfield was a heavy favorite in the
00:02:36fight. And early on, Evander seemed sharp enough to land his combinations against Ruiz. But as the
00:02:43fight went on, Ruiz began to establish himself more from the outside, landed his jab. And then,
00:02:51as the rounds went by, the fight got rougher and rougher, messier and messier. Ruiz going to the
00:02:57canvas there. Holyfield hitting Ruiz with an elbow in the face there. And eventually, despite the
00:03:03protests of Ruiz and his corner, Evander Holyfield got a unanimous decision in the fight. Then they
00:03:09met again in March of this year. And this time, Ruiz seemed to seize more of the initiative earlier in
00:03:16the fight. Ruiz, with greater confidence than had been the case in their first battle, staggered Holyfield
00:03:22and had him in trouble. Then Evander landed in the 10th round, two punches, the first of which referee Joe
00:03:30Cortez decided was low. And Ruiz had several minutes to recover from that, following which he hit Holyfield with his
00:03:37own low blow. Then in the 11th round of the fight, Ruiz landed a big right hand, became the third
00:03:44man to have scored an
00:03:45official knockdown against Holyfield. And partially on the strength of that, and a deducted point for low blows in the
00:03:5210th. Ruiz won a
00:03:54unanimous decision in the fight. George, it's a very interesting thing that happens. Holyfield has a long, great and glorious
00:04:00career. You fought him 10 years ago. For the longest time, he was seen as such a noble warrior that
00:04:06the notion of fouls was never
00:04:08really an issue. Now, late in his career, there's this constant discussion as to whether Evander Holyfield is a dirty
00:04:14fighter. Is he? Look, Larry Merchant gave me a word. What is this? Flagrant Larry? Flagrant. Evander Holyfield was the
00:04:21victim of
00:04:22the most flagrant foul in all of professional sports. And he never raised an eyebrow. He never complained. Now, all
00:04:28of a sudden,
00:04:29guys are saying he's a fowler. And he's still not saying a word. And I want to make certain that
00:04:34tonight we don't be
00:04:35flagrant as Larry and trying to take away his glory. He's fighting for the oldest title in the whole heavyweight
00:04:41division. The WBA is older than them all. And I'm not one of those wheeze who say I don't recognize
00:04:45it. All right. Well, how
00:04:46many heavyweight champions are there, George? I had that same belt, huh? Yes, that's right. And does that mean that
00:04:53it is
00:04:53necessarily the legitimate title? Well, we're reporters. Let's tell it like it is. It's a title fight. Okay. We're not
00:04:59orators or dictators. All right. Let's take a look at the tail of the tape now between Evander Holyfield
00:05:06and John Ruiz. And you can see that Ruiz has a 10-year age advantage, which Holyfield says doesn't
00:05:13mean much. They're equal in height, two and a half inch measured reach advantage for Ruiz. And he weighed
00:05:19in 13 pounds heavier than Holyfield at 232. Punch that numbers, Larry. Here's a look at how their numbers
00:05:28added up in the first two fights virtually the same in terms of total punches. In jabs, Ruiz had an
00:05:38edge.
00:05:39When we asked him why he didn't use his jab more, which is more of his style, and he went
00:05:44toe to toe
00:05:45so much with Holyfield, he said that he felt he had to do that in order to get the respect
00:05:52of everyone.
00:05:53Will he go back to his more natural style tonight?
00:05:59And as we go to Harold, a word about the discussion of fouls that has led up to the fight.
00:06:04Harold?
00:06:05Okay, Jim. Yesterday's rules meeting turned into a very vicious shouting match directed mostly at
00:06:10referee Steve Smoga. The Holyfield people made it very clear that they were against the
00:06:14appointment of Smoga, who they consider a local referee, and they questioned him on specific
00:06:20situations, which mainly considered Ruiz coming in with his head down. And after Smoga became
00:06:25infuriated, they called the meeting off. I assured the Holyfield people that Smoga was
00:06:30one of the finest referees in the world.
00:06:37Evander Holyfield won the heavyweight championship from Buster Douglas in 1990.
00:06:45Lost it to Riddick Bowe. Won it back from Riddick Bowe. Lost it to Michael Moore. Won it from Mike
00:06:53Tyson.
00:06:56And then eventually lost it to Lennox Lewis.
00:07:00This is a fighter who was born with three aces as an athlete.
00:07:06In sheer will and determination, turned it into a royal flush as a prize fighter.
00:07:13What cards does he still hold after so many years, so many fights, so many punches?
00:07:27No one has done more in the last 10 years to support the public appeal of the heavyweight division.
00:07:34Remember, this is the man who fought Lewis twice, fought Bowe three times, fought Tyson twice,
00:07:42fought Moorer twice. No one else has had such a rich competitive dossier.
00:07:52And for the record, he now will have fought John Ruiz three times.
00:07:56And Ruiz is from up the road in Chelsea, Massachusetts.
00:08:01So this house will be ardently pro-John Ruiz, as you're about to hear.
00:08:07They call him the quiet man, and he has much to be quiet about.
00:08:14But he can take pride in the fact that since that devastating knockout by David Tua,
00:08:21he's worked hard to be the best he could be.
00:08:24He's an improved fighter.
00:08:26And he may be too much for an old fighter.
00:08:40So they're in the ring for volume three.
00:08:44And now let's go to ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. for the official introduction.
00:08:54Ladies and gentlemen, a very good evening to you,
00:08:58and we welcome you to Foxwoods Resort and Casino here in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
00:09:04It's time for the featured bout of the evening brought to you by Don King Productions
00:09:10in association with Foxwoods Resort and Casino, HBO Sports,
00:09:15and Budweiser, the undisputed king of beers.
00:09:20This bout coming away is sanctioned by the World Boxing Association President,
00:09:24Gilberto Mendoza, Supervisor Bolivar y Casa,
00:09:28along with the Athletic Commission of the Mashantucket, Pequot Tribal Nation,
00:09:32the Chairman Joey Carter, Vice Chairman Richard Butler,
00:09:35Executive Director Joe Letellier, and Commissioner Peter Timothy.
00:09:41Introducing our three judges scoring this bout from ringside,
00:09:44we have from Brick, New Jersey, Tommy Kazmarek,
00:09:47from West Nyack, New York, Julie Letterman,
00:09:50and from Port Charlotte, Florida, Don O'Neill,
00:09:54and the third man of the ring, our referee in charge,
00:09:57working in this is 95th world title bout, Steve Smoker.
00:10:04All right, fans, here we go, 12 rounds of boxing for the main event of the evening.
00:10:12And now, ladies and gentlemen in attendance and boxing fans joining us around the world,
00:10:19live from Foxwoods Casino, it's time for the WBA Heavyweight Championship of the World.
00:10:35Introducing to you first the challenger on my right,
00:10:39fighting out of the blue corner, wearing purple trunks,
00:10:42fighting out of and representing his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia.
00:10:48His weight, 219 pounds, his record, 37 wins, 5 losses, 1 draw,
00:10:5525 of his wins coming by way of knockout.
00:10:59Having held the heavyweight title and unequaled four times,
00:11:03he is known as one of boxing's great warriors.
00:11:07Here is the former undisputed cruiserweight world champion
00:11:12and the former four-time heavyweight champion of the world.
00:11:17Please welcome tonight's challenger, introducing Evander,
00:11:22the real deal, Holyfield.
00:11:34And his opponent across the ring on my left,
00:11:37fighting out of the red corner, the defending world champion,
00:11:42wearing black trunks, hailing from Chelsea, Massachusetts,
00:11:46by way of Savannah Grande, Puerto Rico.
00:11:52His weight, 232 pounds, his record, 37 wins, 4 losses, 27 wins coming by way of knockout.
00:12:02Tonight, he is making the first defense of his title,
00:12:05the man who made boxing history as the first Latino to capture the heavyweight crowd.
00:12:10Here is El Primer Campeon Latino de peso completo.
00:12:16Please welcome the WBA heavyweight champion of the world,
00:12:21known as the Quiet Man,
00:12:23introducing Johnny Ruiz.
00:12:30He's right, jump right on.
00:12:32Let's move yourself, jump right on.
00:12:35He's right.
00:12:35Once again, our referee in charge, Steve Smoker.
00:12:38Quiet.
00:12:40Gentlemen, obey the rules, protect yourself, obey my commands.
00:12:44God bless, touch gloves.
00:12:45Touch them.
00:12:47Quiet.
00:12:48The good news about low expectations is that they can be easily exceeded.
00:12:55So as a fight, just a heavyweight fight,
00:12:59we may get a fight.
00:13:12They fought 24 tough action rounds already.
00:13:16Tommy, Tommy, Tommy.
00:13:17Both guys have sweat on their body.
00:13:20That's a good sign.
00:13:22John Ruiz.
00:13:23John Ruiz.
00:13:24Legs to himself after the tour fight that he would never start slowly again.
00:13:28John Ruiz now begins every fight in his first position,
00:13:32ready to run across the ring and engage.
00:13:34He did it in both of the first two Holyfield fights,
00:13:37and already they have to be broken apart.
00:13:39There were 14 clinches in round one of the second fight.
00:13:44Holyfield has not been able to get a jab out yet
00:13:47because Ruiz is charging right into his left side.
00:13:49Step out, step out.
00:13:52It's a hook and a clinch.
00:13:55Very cool punch.
00:13:56Step, step, step, step, step.
00:14:01That's a good idea for Ruiz because, where's Ruiz?
00:14:05Put your hands out, John.
00:14:06Ruiz, because Holyfield is a good combination fighter.
00:14:09He likes to be able to throw three or four.
00:14:12So you throw one clinch.
00:14:16Ruiz landed a right hand across the top.
00:14:21Don't punch, don't punch.
00:14:23Holyfield again, finding difficulty mustering punching room
00:14:27against Ruiz for exactly...
00:14:29And there's another right hand shot.
00:14:33Brandon Holyfield's best shot is his left hook to the bottom.
00:14:38No, no, no, no.
00:14:39Oh, yes, it was.
00:14:41That punch clipped it.
00:14:42It's not.
00:14:44It was a solid left hook to the side of Ruiz's cheek.
00:14:49Holyfield does not get credit for a knockout.
00:14:57Don't punch, don't punch.
00:14:58Step, step, step.
00:15:08Don't punch, don't punch.
00:15:09Step, step.
00:15:15That was Ruiz's left hook that time.
00:15:17Yep.
00:15:19Changed up a little bit.
00:15:20Effective, too.
00:15:21Normally he tries to pot shot with the right hand from out there,
00:15:23but Holyfield didn't see the left hook coming.
00:15:26Hands up, coming out.
00:15:30And a body shot from the left side by Ruiz.
00:15:33Generally speaking, Ruiz getting off first.
00:15:38What he did was...
00:15:40There we go.
00:15:41Holyfield with his elbow up underneath Ruiz's chin.
00:15:44Watch your heads.
00:15:45You don't...
00:15:45If you stop holding, you won't get elbowed.
00:15:47You let him go.
00:15:49Let's go.
00:15:54Get your elbow down.
00:15:56Break, break, break, break.
00:15:58Come on.
00:15:59Evander, come on.
00:16:00I know, I know.
00:16:01Johnny stopped holding him.
00:16:03Let's go.
00:16:04Holyfield is frustrated because this guy throws one shot and clinches and holds him.
00:16:10And just when he expects him to clinch and hold again, he jabbed him.
00:16:17Hurry.
00:16:18Don't punch, don't punch.
00:16:28I counted 13 clinches.
00:16:32Holyfield basically said to us yesterday about all the alleged fouls.
00:16:36He said, look, these things are happening because John gives me no choice.
00:16:39He puts himself in positions where all I can do is push him away.
00:16:46Get in the bullshit now.
00:16:48Come on.
00:16:48Stop boxing with this thing.
00:16:50Get the jab going.
00:16:51Kick it away from the jab.
00:16:51Get it going.
00:16:53Get it going.
00:17:02You know what you got to do, man.
00:17:04You're a great player.
00:17:05Put the water.
00:17:07You keep on playing.
00:17:10One right hand landed flush on Holyfield's jaw and a clinch.
00:17:19Ruiz throws one.
00:17:21Every once in a while, two punches before falling into a clinch.
00:17:27Now that's where Ruiz says, he's elbowing me.
00:17:31And that's where Holyfield says, what choice do I have?
00:17:34Who's right, George?
00:17:35He's trying to push him away.
00:17:39Holyfield's got to just throw in shorter shots and not wait for the long range shots.
00:17:43And he won't get into the team.
00:17:47With left hand by Holyfield.
00:17:49Ruiz counters back with a right of his own.
00:17:52CompuBox numbers in round one.
00:17:54Ruiz nine out of 35.
00:17:55Holyfield 11 out of 36.
00:17:58That's about the pace at which they fought the first two fights.
00:18:01Just a little under 40 punches per round.
00:18:05Now he's got Holyfield hesitant to throw his left jab because he's countering on top.
00:18:09You don't want to take the champ, Evander's left jab away from him.
00:18:13Then he can't do anything.
00:18:23Holyfield understands that Ruiz is waiting for one right overhand right on top of his jab.
00:18:39Don't punch, don't punch, don't punch.
00:18:41Step out, step out.
00:18:56Don't punch, don't punch, don't punch.
00:18:58Step out, guys.
00:19:11All right, right hand over the top by Holyfield.
00:19:16Uppercut lands inside.
00:19:18Ruiz clinching again.
00:19:22Holyfield looking as though he wants to box a little more tonight than was the case in the first two
00:19:27fights.
00:19:27He needs to bounce around and get his rhythm in his legs.
00:19:30That's when he does well.
00:19:31When he gets rhythm in his legs.
00:19:33And he's not been able to do that tonight.
00:19:34Whenever he tries, Ruiz just charges in and holds it.
00:19:40He has to start all over again.
00:19:46Ruiz moves his body in a little jerky style.
00:19:49You just can't get one shot playing for him.
00:19:51He can't go punch, stop, stop, stop, stop, stop.
00:19:56Holyfield should just be throwing just any shots.
00:19:58Don't wait for effective punches.
00:20:00Just throw anything.
00:20:01That's what his corner has been telling him in the first two fights.
00:20:03Let your hands go and just land anything you can.
00:20:06He's playing the old punches, one-two stuff.
00:20:09I'll get you one, I'll get you another later on.
00:20:15Ruiz.
00:20:17Ruiz, as he did in round one, starting with the left hand and then grabbing.
00:20:22Hard right hand of the body by Ruiz.
00:20:25Unexpected for a body shot by Ruiz.
00:20:34And Holyfield telling Steve Smoker that Ruiz's last shot was low.
00:20:39Give me that X-12.
00:20:40Good job, good job.
00:20:41Right here, Tony.
00:20:43Good job, brother, good job.
00:20:45Listen, you've got to work with him.
00:20:46You've got to jab.
00:20:47You're waiting too long.
00:20:48He's changed his whole taxes on you.
00:20:50He ain't coming like he used to come.
00:20:51You've got to make him come with that jab.
00:20:52High jab.
00:20:53Follow the right hand.
00:20:54Bang, bang, step over.
00:20:55You've got him, Johnny.
00:20:56You've got to do it.
00:20:57You've got to do it.
00:21:02You've got to throw combinations, baby.
00:21:04You've got to throw combinations.
00:21:05Bing, bing, bing, bing, bing, bing, bing, bing, bing, bing.
00:21:15Half a step when he's coming in and then let him go.
00:21:19Let him go.
00:21:21He's going to start running.
00:21:24End of the round, a low blow by Ruiz, undetected by the referee.
00:21:31But pointed out by Holyfield to the referee.
00:21:35CompuBox numbers in the first two rounds find Ruiz throwing 28 jabs.
00:21:39He averaged 20 a round in the first two fights,
00:21:42so he's got a little more sparing with the jab here.
00:21:44Landing nine.
00:21:45Holyfield, according to CompuBox,
00:21:47has been short with all 26 of his jabs in the first two rounds.
00:21:52Now, Evander trying to boogie in,
00:21:55rolling the shoulders side to side.
00:21:58And get some combination punching going.
00:22:01Holyfield seems to say,
00:22:02I know I can whip this guy, but I just can't do it.
00:22:06His hit with jab unexpectedly.
00:22:12The secret is he's got to throw combinations.
00:22:15He's trying to do it with one shot.
00:22:19That's the mistake you make when you feel superior to an opponent.
00:22:22You throw one shot at a counter.
00:22:26Evander made clear to us yesterday that he feels superior to Ruiz.
00:22:31That's the problem.
00:22:32You've got to almost turn this into him.
00:22:33Well, what he said, George, was that Ruiz,
00:22:37and he isn't, and he doesn't.
00:22:38I'm not took by Holyfield.
00:22:42He's going to punch.
00:22:43Don't find Evander has never knocked opponents.
00:22:45He says he has fewer skills than any fighter he's fought since early in his career,
00:22:50which means he's so awkward that he's having a hard time
00:22:54trying to find a rhythm,
00:22:55just like we see here.
00:22:57One punch back to him.
00:22:58How do you find a rhythm in that kind of thing?
00:23:01I think that's a great job for Ruiz.
00:23:03Just don't let him get a rhythm.
00:23:05And I think that's how he's been successful in his fight.
00:23:08It's the second low blow by Ruiz.
00:23:12Break the rules of rhythm.
00:23:14Just don't do what he's expected of you.
00:23:16Do something else.
00:23:18He beats Evander to the jab every time.
00:23:27And sooner or later, his trainer's going to tell him,
00:23:29you know what, you're landing good left hand,
00:23:31and then throw the right behind him.
00:23:33That time he led with the right
00:23:35and landed it right up the pipe.
00:23:38John Ruiz does mix it up.
00:23:40Sometimes he starts with the jab.
00:23:42Sometimes he throws a right-hand lead.
00:23:44We've seen him throw a left hook lead.
00:23:46We've seen him lead with an uppercut.
00:23:48A little of everything.
00:23:49Evander's so dependent upon the knockout
00:23:51that he is not trying to win one round.
00:23:57Stay up, John, stay up.
00:23:59Well, and you've got to question that tactic
00:24:01given that both of the first two fights went the distance.
00:24:05He's looking for a knockout.
00:24:06And that's what I said.
00:24:07Once you feel superior to a guy,
00:24:09nothing can tell you to box him and win a round.
00:24:14Keep the punch, don't punch, guys.
00:24:17Very good.
00:24:18You're right, George.
00:24:19I think he is looking for that big punch.
00:24:23And he has an opponent.
00:24:24It's very hard to land solidly on it.
00:24:29And very hard to land more than two or three punches at a time.
00:24:32Mark your calendars for these upcoming shows.
00:24:34Every Thursday night, don't miss Inside the NFL
00:24:37as we take you through the last month of the regular season.
00:24:39Get you ready for the playoffs.
00:24:40If you missed the premiere,
00:24:42catch a replay of Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.
00:24:44We'll show you what's happened in the lives
00:24:45of Bobby Chacon and Danny Little Red Lopez
00:24:47since their memorable featherweight fight 27 years ago.
00:24:50And tune in for upcoming replays of The Game of Their Lives,
00:24:53a documentary which examines professional football in the 1950s
00:24:57and how that decade shaped the game,
00:24:59which is a multimillion-dollar business today.
00:25:01Sports of the 20th Century returns January 21
00:25:04with the premiere of Picture Perfect,
00:25:07the stories behind the greatest photos in sports.
00:25:10Through photography, this documentary takes a look back
00:25:13at some of all of sports' most compelling moments.
00:25:16Picture Perfect premieres January 19 only on HBO.
00:25:30Make that premiere on January 21 for Picture Perfect.
00:25:34Not January 19, January 21, as the graphic said.
00:25:41That's the first combination Holyfield attempt
00:25:44a one-two that he just didn't do.
00:25:50You never get a combination going,
00:25:52a fight can change for Holyfield drastic.
00:25:55One, two, three.
00:26:04Don't punch, don't punch.
00:26:06Holyfield said it would be an ugly fight.
00:26:28Holyfield has got to be careful charging a guy
00:26:30who's already dropped him.
00:26:32Don't walk straight into him.
00:26:33Keep your bouncing up.
00:26:35He's landed another shot just below the belt.
00:26:38So far, Steve Smoger has not even worn Ruiz below those.
00:26:46Holyfield looking for an opportunity
00:26:48to land a big shot against Ruiz.
00:26:50But Ruiz beating into the punt to get him.
00:26:54No punch, no punch.
00:27:07Ruiz moving his head.
00:27:08Don't punch, no punch.
00:27:11No punch.
00:27:19Ruiz moves his head.
00:27:21Up, down, around.
00:27:23and you just can't get a good aim when they do that.
00:27:26He does have good head movement.
00:27:28And he does it so naturally.
00:27:30He's not following a bog and weave.
00:27:33Oh, it's still caught him with a big uppercut.
00:27:35Ruiz came back with a flashing right hand of his arm.
00:27:43One of the better exchanges they've had.
00:27:46In any of his fights.
00:27:47In 28 rounds.
00:27:50And a very good moment for Ruiz
00:27:52because he got nailed first and came right back.
00:27:57Now, Ruiz is getting caught with straight lead right hands all of a sudden.
00:28:02That means they're here to stop moving.
00:28:12Or Holyfield has timed his rhythm.
00:28:16Maybe both.
00:28:21He's starting to use his left jab a little bit better, Holyfield.
00:28:24He's a good body puncher, Holyfield.
00:28:29No, no, no, no, no.
00:28:31He's a good body puncher because he commits to every punt.
00:28:35Evander Holyfield wants to hit you.
00:28:39And John Ruiz wants to hit you back.
00:28:48Come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, you keep your hands
00:28:59moving, okay, say I love it, keep your hands moving, this guy ain't gonna do nothing for you.
00:29:05As we do nothing, keep your hands moving, keep your hands moving.
00:29:07Keep your hands moving, keep your hands moving.
00:29:07Keep your hands moving a little bit.
00:29:08That's the only weapon he's got.
00:29:11Be good for the water, try to get a water.
00:29:13Okay, come on, baby.
00:29:15Come on, baby.
00:29:17If we had more exchanges like the one you're about to see.
00:29:21We might have a real fight.
00:29:34only field through 41 power punches in round four that's a very high output for him
00:29:50you want to close in on Louise but he's afraid that he's going to catch him with a straight right
00:29:56hand
00:30:15remember that Ruiz knocked Holyfield down with a right hand in the 11th round of their second fight
00:30:21in Evander's entire career only Burt Cooper in Atlanta and Riddick Bowe in Las Vegas
00:30:29scored official knockdowns against Holyfield prior to Ruiz doing so earlier this year
00:30:47all the field better be aware that you cannot box and take a man's title belt from him you're
00:30:51going to have to get out there and fight for it
00:31:08he times him just when he gets confident hitting the left hook right hand
00:31:18so we talked about timing the opponent's rhythm and you're saying that Ruiz is able to judge
00:31:24Holyfield's rhythm as he bobs in and he does it more effective because he doesn't throw power
00:31:30with his shot he throws his hands Holyfield has no idea they're coming there's a jab Ruiz
00:31:39Ruiz not throwing the jab as often tonight as was the case in the first two fights when he does
00:31:45up the jab output he tends to keep Holyfield at range and on the defensive
00:31:56and Evander retaliating with two heartfelt body shots
00:32:01in the heavyweight division he gets a terrific level just never believed in it
00:32:40he wants to flow the pace up don't let it
00:32:46deep breath come on hold him in hold him in hold him in let him out slow you gotta keep
00:32:54stepping
00:32:55up keep him going backwards you can let your hands go
00:32:59visualize the way you track that guy the last day of camp
00:33:02where you track him go you throw the right hand to the body you gotta hit him with the left
00:33:08hand
00:33:08first if you can't hit him with the left hand you're not gonna hit him with the right
00:33:12hit him with the left hand touch him and then bing bing get the wide right
00:33:16bing bing bing bing on the move bing bing bing on both sides right now get working get busy
00:33:24these have been very very difficult rounds to score
00:33:30and the pace is slowing in round five
00:33:33ruiz by copy box numbers only through 26 punches holyfield only 34
00:33:41if they're gonna throw fewer and fewer punches it's gonna be important particularly for holyfield to try
00:33:47to make every punch count he landed another left hook there george that left hook hurt he looked for
00:33:53the referee to say below the belt but it was right on it very good the belt and the stone
00:33:57that's going to be able to hit him with the right hand he's going to be able to hit him
00:33:59with the right
00:34:04number we throw his left jab he can't miss holyfield i've never seen anything like
00:34:19go to the body so he can throw the left hook on top now
00:34:32and i gotta tell you for a guy whose chin was questioned in the middle of his
00:34:52career particularly after the brief knockout against two of john ruiz has a good beard and takes a good shot
00:34:59so far so good
00:35:05right hand by ruiz
00:35:07counter right hand perfect
00:35:10don't punch don't punch very good very good
00:35:18short bursts of action
00:35:29short bursts of action
00:35:30.
00:35:42.
00:35:49.
00:35:51.
00:35:51.
00:35:51.
00:35:58Holyfield tells you he does not want you moving to his left.
00:36:02If you move to his left, he'll throw a burst of shots
00:36:05to make you go in the opposite direction.
00:36:07That's why Luis should continue to his left side.
00:36:12And whether accidentally or not,
00:36:16Holyfield did catch Luis with an elbow right on the nose
00:36:19in the previous exchange.
00:36:23Don't touch, don't touch.
00:36:25Step way out.
00:36:27With so many clinches, it's amazing that there haven't been
00:36:30more of them in this fight.
00:36:34You mean more elbows and butts and what have you.
00:36:38Right.
00:36:38The what have you is the right word.
00:36:45All right, baby, listen.
00:36:48Try to take the fight, y'all.
00:36:50You got to move.
00:36:51You can't stay in front of him.
00:36:53Stop moving your hands now.
00:36:56Come on.
00:36:57He's there to be here.
00:36:58That's why you move your hands.
00:36:59Move your hands in your head.
00:37:04You're getting off and you're stepping up
00:37:06and you keep this guy going backwards.
00:37:09One round like the last day in the camp
00:37:10and that's it.
00:37:11Lead punch several times.
00:37:13Wide right to the body.
00:37:14He's fading right in for the whole time.
00:37:16Seven coming.
00:37:20Good right hand by Holyfield, but he's been unable to land
00:37:24more than one punch at a time.
00:37:3730 rounds in the books now between Holyfield and Ruiz.
00:37:41All of them rough rounds.
00:37:43Six more rounds scheduled in this one.
00:37:45Harold Lederman, how do you have a cool six?
00:37:48Okay, Jim.
00:37:49I've got it.
00:37:50Three rounds apiece.
00:37:5257-57.
00:37:53Jim, I've got to tell you something.
00:37:54This fight's easy to score.
00:37:55When Evander Holyfield punches, Evander Holyfield wins.
00:37:59When they get squared up in front of each other,
00:38:01just like they are now,
00:38:03and Johnny Ruiz gets the first punch in,
00:38:05Holyfield don't do a damn thing.
00:38:06That's how he lost rounds two, three, and four.
00:38:10He came back in five and six,
00:38:12started to move his hands,
00:38:13got in the better left hooks,
00:38:15and run those rounds easily.
00:38:16The first round was a wrestling match.
00:38:18I thought Holyfield did score a knockdown.
00:38:21Smogin missed it.
00:38:22He isn't mad.
00:38:23He won the first round three to three.
00:38:29I don't know why Ruiz corner hasn't ever told him
00:38:31to move to Oleville's left.
00:38:40Holyfield has no defense on his left side.
00:38:43None whatsoever.
00:38:47Which is why Ruiz has been so effective
00:38:49with straight right hands.
00:38:50Yeah.
00:38:51That's the reason.
00:38:52We've got to find out why.
00:38:53See, now when he goes over there,
00:38:55Holyfield gets desperate
00:38:56because he doesn't want him over there.
00:38:59And Ruiz goes back to moving to his left.
00:39:02Now, it's the natural tendency
00:39:03of a conventional fighter
00:39:04to want to move to the left.
00:39:06Right, but if you go over to that,
00:39:07there's all kind of good things
00:39:08if you step over to the event of his left hand.
00:39:11Everything he doesn't see really
00:39:12doesn't concentrate on that side.
00:39:14Yeah.
00:39:17And Ruiz seemed to know somewhat about it
00:39:19because he steps over there occasionally
00:39:21just to look things over.
00:39:24He's no punch, no punch.
00:39:25Very good, guys.
00:39:28It was on exactly that kind of step over
00:39:30to Evander's left side.
00:39:32He was able to land the right cross
00:39:33that dropped Holyfield
00:39:35in the 11th round of the second fight.
00:39:37There you go.
00:39:37Just like that.
00:39:38Step over, and good things are happening.
00:39:40He could do it all night,
00:39:41but if for some reason,
00:39:42he's trying to conceal
00:39:44that he's effective over there.
00:39:46It was right there,
00:39:47that little half step to the right side
00:39:49followed by a right cross from Ruiz,
00:39:50that's very effective for him.
00:39:52Go punch, go punch, go punch.
00:39:52But as George points out,
00:39:54doesn't do it very often.
00:39:56As though he's waiting to unveil it.
00:39:59You see the right hand does not miss.
00:40:02Go punch, go punch, go punch, go punch, go punch.
00:40:23He's always been a good combination puncher.
00:40:25One, two, three, four, five, six.
00:40:28I don't know who's winning this fight,
00:40:30but I know who's losing it.
00:40:32We are.
00:40:33The people who have to watch it.
00:40:38Because it speaks for itself.
00:40:41Fights.
00:40:42Jim, it's a boy.
00:41:02You can do it.
00:41:13Bing, bing, bing, bing, bing, bing, bing, bing, bing, bing, bing.
00:41:16You gotta be rough.
00:41:17You gotta be quick.
00:41:17You gotta throw.
00:41:18You're like custer at the little big horn.
00:41:20Let's go, man.
00:41:21I can get it going.
00:41:22Come on.
00:41:23Move them hands.
00:41:24Let's go, man.
00:41:25Come on.
00:41:26Move those hands.
00:41:30Constant litany from Holyfield's corner men.
00:41:32Throw combinations.
00:41:33Move your hands.
00:41:36Another slow-paced round in round seven.
00:41:39Ruiz threw only 28 punches.
00:41:40Holyfield threw only 33.
00:41:43I wrecked my case.
00:41:45In effect, you're telling the 39-year-old fighter
00:41:48that he's gonna have to step up his level of activity
00:41:51and take it to a higher energy level
00:41:53against the guy who's 10 years younger.
00:41:56But if anybody could do that,
00:41:57you would suspect it would be Holyfield,
00:41:59given his incredible conditioning over the years.
00:42:03And, uh, contrary to what Larry said,
00:42:06I think this is very exciting to see a guy of this caliber
00:42:10outfox a great fighter like Evander Holyfield.
00:42:13He's actually doing the outfoxing of him.
00:42:16Yeah, I was gonna say,
00:42:17I've seen more boring heavyweight fights.
00:42:19No, but it's not about...
00:42:21It's something you just gotta watch unveil itself.
00:42:26Holyfield is still a good hooker,
00:42:28a good everything,
00:42:29but he's allowing this guy
00:42:30to overthrow his right hands on top of his jab,
00:42:34step over to his left
00:42:35and throw right hands on his chin.
00:42:38very unusual.
00:42:46Nobody in the division
00:42:47has had as many hard rounds
00:42:49over the years
00:42:50as Holyfield.
00:42:5210 of his last 16 fights,
00:42:54George, have gone 12 rounds.
00:42:56Could it have been
00:42:58too much
00:42:59over all the years?
00:43:00Yeah, there are a lot of reasons,
00:43:01but the point of this guy
00:43:03still giving his best
00:43:04because he's the aggressor
00:43:05trying to land that big shot.
00:43:11And Ruiz is taking...
00:43:13He's taking initiative.
00:43:14He's coming to the guy,
00:43:16jabbing him,
00:43:16cooking him.
00:43:17Holyfield can't seem
00:43:18to figure out what he's doing.
00:43:20Yeah.
00:43:20So what intrigues you
00:43:21is that Ruiz is tactically
00:43:23outflanking
00:43:23the vastly more experienced,
00:43:25more knowledgeable fighter.
00:43:26Holyfield is still a good fighter.
00:43:29And he just can't seem
00:43:30to get this guy.
00:43:31All right, John.
00:43:33Styles make fights.
00:43:34Maybe Ruiz has
00:43:36Holyfield's number.
00:43:37That's what happened.
00:43:40Don't punch, don't punch.
00:43:49Ruiz hits him with a one-two
00:43:50and then grabs him.
00:43:52Now the combination
00:43:53is in to the body.
00:44:01Holyfield doubling up
00:44:02with the left hand.
00:44:04Don't punch, don't punch.
00:44:05I'm here.
00:44:13Whenever he hits Ruiz with anything,
00:44:15Ruiz makes him pay after.
00:44:17Yeah, get up.
00:44:19Tough round to score.
00:44:20First minute of the round
00:44:21was very kind to John Ruiz.
00:44:23In the last minute of the round,
00:44:24Holyfield stepped up
00:44:25with his combination putts in.
00:44:27Don't punch, don't punch.
00:44:28Step out.
00:44:29We've got the hammer.
00:44:30Low spike.
00:44:35The referee is doing a good job.
00:44:38Stand out of the way.
00:44:39Give me a basketball.
00:44:40I've got it right here.
00:44:43Why are you trading with this guy?
00:44:44Move around and move around
00:44:45and move around.
00:44:46Start using that jab.
00:44:47You're lazy.
00:44:48He's walling you to sleep.
00:44:49Go, go, go.
00:44:50He's carving a jab out,
00:44:51dead counting you with the right hand.
00:44:52You've got to move.
00:44:53You're moving the wrong way.
00:44:56Come on, let's go.
00:44:58Go ahead.
00:45:01If you go out there
00:45:02and let him get off first
00:45:03or walk you down,
00:45:04this guy's going to pick up
00:45:05his confidence, okay?
00:45:07He's only trying to go the distance.
00:45:10You understand?
00:45:11Don't let him.
00:45:12He's only trying to go the distance.
00:45:14He knows what happens
00:45:15if he goes the distance.
00:45:16You know what to do with Matt.
00:45:17Come on.
00:45:17You've got to do it more often.
00:45:19It's mad.
00:45:20Don't let this guy.
00:45:21Come on, babe.
00:45:22Come on.
00:45:23Get them hands moving.
00:45:23Get that left hand up on the way.
00:45:27CompuBox numbers in round eight.
00:45:29Holyfield seemed to have land
00:45:3117 out of 40.
00:45:32His highest land number tonight.
00:45:3743%.
00:45:37Ruiz, 11 out of 39.
00:45:39And you heard both corners.
00:45:41You heard Norman Stone,
00:45:42the manager of John Ruiz,
00:45:43saying you're moving the wrong way,
00:45:45echoing what George Foreman
00:45:46has been telling us
00:45:47about the need for Reese
00:45:48to move, Ruiz to move
00:45:50to his right
00:45:50as he's trying to do right now.
00:45:53And you heard the guys
00:45:54in Holyfield's corner.
00:45:55Kenny Weldon saying
00:45:56he's just trying to finish
00:45:58because he knows what happens,
00:45:59meaning that they don't expect
00:46:01Evander to get a decision
00:46:02here in Ruiz's backyard.
00:46:04He's going to move to New York.
00:46:09Moving to the Holyfield's left now.
00:46:12Holyfield tries to aim
00:46:14and seems not to be able to see.
00:46:17Boy, give Ruiz credit
00:46:18for following instructions.
00:46:20Well, they said you're moving
00:46:20the wrong way,
00:46:21moving the other direction,
00:46:22and he is determined now
00:46:24to move to his right
00:46:25onto Holyfield's left side.
00:46:27Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
00:46:29A little lower then,
00:46:31okay, but you know it's okay.
00:46:33Okay, going forward.
00:46:35This play.
00:46:40He has that right hand.
00:46:42It's all night if he stays on the band to hold it feels left side
00:46:48He's again moving in that direction and again planting and firing the straight right
00:46:55Bowls down bow stands up balls down for hard
00:47:00Hard got to get a good shot on if you're looking for one shot
00:47:03You just got to make yourself profile now Holyfield succeeds in moving Ruiz back in the other direction
00:47:10Let's see if he can make it pay off for
00:47:18Ruiz beating Holyfield to the punch with a one-two combination
00:47:22That's one of the few times in his career that someone has beat him to punch
00:47:47Once upon a time Holyfield could do that all night long
00:47:52You cannot fight except in short spurts anymore
00:47:56I'm going to go for it
00:48:09Little low, little low, little low, little low, it's all right, it's all right, come on
00:48:26Go, go fox, go fox
00:48:27Go, go
00:48:28Round two
00:48:34Well this is our last HBO Boxing Telecast for the year 2001, so stick with us at the end of
00:48:40the evening when we will give you a lengthy year-end boxing feature
00:48:43and will chronicle everything that took place in the ring,
00:48:46including upheaval and reversal at the top of the heavyweight division.
00:48:51April 21, South Africa.
00:48:53Hasim Rahman knocking out Lennox Lewis.
00:48:56November 17, Las Vegas.
00:48:58Lennox Lewis knocking out Hasim Rahman to reclaim the heavyweight crown.
00:49:04That and many other juicy highlights yet to come tonight in our year-ender.
00:49:08You understand?
00:49:09Just pick up the tempo.
00:49:10Pick up the tempo.
00:49:11Get in a better rhythm.
00:49:12Get in a quick rhythm.
00:49:14This guy can't change rhythms.
00:49:16He's in the same rhythm all the time.
00:49:18Yeah, pick it up.
00:49:20Come on, come on.
00:49:21Don't let that run.
00:49:22There you go.
00:49:26Catch him with the ring.
00:49:28The one, two, four, one.
00:49:38Relatively low voltage, at least in terms of copy box numbers.
00:49:43Holyfield landing 116 punches through nine rounds.
00:49:46Ruiz 105.
00:49:48Harold, how do you have it scored?
00:49:49Coming to the last three.
00:49:50Okay, Jim.
00:49:51In rounds eight and nine, I think Kenny Weldon in that corner got to abandon Holyfield.
00:49:56Because he's starting to move his hands, throw nice hooks, nice combinations, and like I keep saying, when he punches,
00:50:02he wins.
00:50:03And now there were good combinations, good left hooks.
00:50:06I thought he pulled out rounds eight and nine, provide rounds to four, 86, 85, and van the Holyfield.
00:50:13Harold Lederman, Holyfield's corner man suggested to him between rounds that they didn't think he could win a decision here
00:50:20in Ruiz's backyard.
00:50:22What's your take?
00:50:23Can Evander win a decision here tonight?
00:50:25My God, he's the judge, Jim.
00:50:27You're putting me on his back.
00:50:28He's the putter.
00:50:28Yes.
00:50:29Evander Holyfield can win a decision anywhere.
00:50:32Good judges tonight.
00:50:33All right.
00:50:34We'll see.
00:51:00He's going to have to knock him down.
00:51:05He's not going down by the wrestling tonight.
00:51:07Luis is standing on his feet pretty good.
00:51:11Don't punch.
00:51:19Whoa.
00:51:20Big right hand by Ruiz.
00:51:28No punch.
00:51:30Right back.
00:51:32Right back.
00:51:32Right back.
00:51:33Right back.
00:51:34Good.
00:51:36Roughly got in my way.
00:51:39Don't punch.
00:51:39Don't punch.
00:51:40Come on.
00:51:41All right.
00:51:45It's evident that Ruiz has matched up the right-hand punches tonight.
00:51:48Don't punch.
00:51:49Don't punch.
00:51:49Don't punch.
00:51:56Don't punch.
00:51:59Don't punch.
00:52:01Holyfield just stepped back.
00:52:08that he can get him.
00:52:41Pick it up, baby, pick it up, and 12, and Vaseline, come on, lock him now, lock him, you
00:52:51with us, you with me, you got two fucking rounds in this fight, two rounds, two rounds,
00:52:57you gotta pick it up, you hear me, two rounds, that's it, you can't beat me, two rounds,
00:53:03you know how to do it, you know how to do it, just fight the way you know how, if
00:53:08we go
00:53:08on home, quit thinking about it, quit thinking about it, just go out there and do it, don't
00:53:11think about nothing, you got two more rounds, get your feet underneath you, real quick rhythm,
00:53:16come on, champ, finish strong, jump right back on it, jump right back on it, given the absence
00:53:24of any serious action in this fight, that flurry had the crowd going wild,
00:53:43both corners want their fighters to pick up the action, let's see if they can,
00:53:51hit, don't punch, don't punch, don't punch, don't punch, man.
00:53:55Harold Lederman has the fight, even on his guard, coming to the two championship rounds,
00:54:01rounds 11 and 12.
00:54:04If they go the distance, it'll be the 11th time in his last 17 fights that Evander Holyfield
00:54:10The world has gone 12 full rounds.
00:54:11Here, don't punch, don't punch, don't punch.
00:54:28Both fighters are veterans that go in the distance.
00:54:31It's the sixth time that Ruiz has gone into round 11.
00:54:36Here, don't punch, don't punch.
00:54:38He scored a knockout of Tony Tucker in the 11th.
00:54:42And for Holyfield, it's the 15th time in his career
00:54:46that he will have gone into the championship rounds.
00:54:48Here, don't punch, don't punch.
00:54:49Very good, very good.
00:54:56Ruiz still believes that he can make Holyfield run into his own right hand.
00:55:02He's saving up for one good right hand.
00:55:18Ruiz, Ruiz, Ruiz, Ruiz.
00:55:27Great, great, great, great one here.
00:55:31Lots of the crowd chanting Ruiz, Ruiz, Ruiz.
00:55:35Hey, don't punch, don't punch, don't punch.
00:55:37Round 11 has been a slow round compared to its predecessor.
00:55:51I'm here, I'm here.
00:55:53Step, step, step, step, step.
00:55:56What's that referee's name?
00:55:57He's done the best job I've ever seen him do.
00:55:59Here, Steve Smoker, same man, a referee.
00:56:02Bernard Hopkins and Felix Trinidad on September 29.
00:56:05We did a better job here tonight.
00:56:07He is good tonight.
00:56:10Here, don't punch, don't punch.
00:56:11I'm here.
00:56:12Step out, step out, step out.
00:56:16Here, don't punch, don't punch, don't punch.
00:56:36Slow round, not an easy round to score.
00:56:40Last round, kid.
00:56:42Buck him and hit him.
00:56:44Step over with that right here.
00:56:45Give me the best one.
00:56:45Come on, come on, Johnny.
00:56:47Last round, kid.
00:56:48This is fucking it.
00:56:50Come on, baby.
00:56:53Three, four, no one punch.
00:56:55We got to have that left hand up, because all this guy's got is that right hand, and he's going
00:56:59to be humming it.
00:57:01Now, hey, you get this guy going.
00:57:03You get this guy going.
00:57:03Last one, we'll touch him in the center.
00:57:04Last one.
00:57:05Last one.
00:57:06Don't let him tie us.
00:57:07Stand up.
00:57:08We've got an even fight here, Josh.
00:57:11Don't do this, Tony.
00:57:12This is the one.
00:57:12Don't do this.
00:57:13Don't do it.
00:57:13They're in the big, Johnny.
00:57:14You can grab it.
00:57:15Let's get this round, come on, Holly.
00:57:20All over your feet.
00:57:20Let's go, come on.
00:57:21Get down, get small.
00:57:23Get small.
00:57:24Get small on track and get small.
00:57:26Get small.
00:57:26Get the eggs your whole life.
00:57:28This is your whole life.
00:57:29You're on a trip.
00:57:30You're on a trip.
00:57:31You're on a trip.
00:57:33God bless you both.
00:57:35God bless you both.
00:57:47CompuBox numbers in round 11 were almost dead even.
00:57:51Ruiz nine out of 34.
00:57:52Holyfield eight out of 32.
00:57:54Logic tells you the fight could conceivably be on the table here in the 12th round.
00:57:59Harold, how do you have a score?
00:58:00Okay, Chip.
00:58:02Six rounds to five.
00:58:03105-104, Johnny Ruiz.
00:58:06Because in rounds 10 and 11, he did the punch it.
00:58:09A band to hold the field.
00:58:10When they get squared up in front of him, Ruiz got a punch.
00:58:13Landed clean shots.
00:58:15It was obvious to me that he won those rounds.
00:58:19Ruiz is starting to win with the jab already.
00:58:22Hold the field just waits and waits and waits for the big shot.
00:58:26No punch, no punch.
00:58:27Steps, steps, steps.
00:58:33Watch your heads, guys.
00:58:35Watch your heads.
00:58:38Watch your heads.
00:58:41Watch your heads.
00:58:43Watch your heads.
00:58:46People keep asking Evander Holyfield when he's going to retire.
00:58:50He says that from an old man, let somebody really beat me up.
00:58:55Well, he hasn't been beaten up tonight.
00:58:58So, win or lose, we may see him again.
00:59:00No more.
00:59:01No more.
00:59:02No more.
00:59:06I don't think there's any question about it.
00:59:12He'll fight again.
00:59:16Good left hook by Holyfield.
00:59:19Another left hook.
00:59:23Ruiz was holding on then, holding on.
00:59:25The blood is pouring from the nose of John Ruiz.
00:59:28The blood is pouring out because Holyfield shattered the nose with that left hand shot.
00:59:34I mean, he's got him holding on.
00:59:38A minute to go.
00:59:40Ruiz is spitting blood out of both his nose and his mouth.
00:59:49It can't hurt in a very close fight to have shattered your opponent's nose in the 12th round.
00:59:57Ruiz appears to be hurt a little bit and just trying to hang on here.
01:00:03Holyfield just can't seem to get him with the big shot.
01:00:08Well, it shouldn't be one big shot.
01:00:11It should be a four or five points combination.
01:00:13It's not a career built on the one big shot.
01:00:15Never.
01:00:18We give it to Ruiz.
01:00:19He's bleeding.
01:00:21He's fighting.
01:00:22He's holding.
01:00:22He's not giving up.
01:00:23He's dead.�
01:00:24can't live here, Johnny. Let's
01:00:24go, Javi. Last 10
01:00:27seconds. Go.
01:00:33no, no, no, no. It's
01:00:34over, it's over, it's over, it's over. They've
01:00:35gone 36 rounds against each other. 36 rough,
01:00:41slow-paced, hard-caught rounds. Hey, everything!
01:00:45no, this is him. Ain't no doubt
01:00:48about that, no doubt about it.
01:00:55That's why I've always said let the people declare who's champion well both corners are going to claim victory here
01:01:01You think these guys are champions? They fought like you
01:01:05Well, you and I couldn't disagree more about that
01:01:09Well, once you have one boxing match
01:01:18No, no, let's see if you can agree about one thing. All right, let's let's see if we'll look at
01:01:24a replay of the instance in
01:01:26I believe it was the first round round one when Ruiz went to the canvas and you at the time
01:01:32George said you felt
01:01:32Holyfield should have been credited with a knockdown here. Let's take a look and see
01:01:38That is on top of the head, but at the same time he was wrestling with him with the other
01:01:43arm
01:01:43Yeah, that's what the referee out. Yeah, Ruiz was off balance. I don't know that that's a knockdown. That's a
01:01:49punch right there
01:01:50So you would still call it a knockdown George? No, no, I'm not a referee. Okay, I don't make count
01:01:55Well, the bottom line is that he did not get a credit for a knockdown there and it looked highly
01:01:59questionable in replay
01:02:02and consequently not a two-point round so
01:02:04Here's the overall as according to Harold letterman. He sees it as a draw 114 to 114
01:02:13And we'll find out what the three judges have done here in just a moment remember
01:02:17Ruiz lost the first fight on a unanimous decision to Holyfield much of the crowd food and our colleagues at
01:02:25Showtime
01:02:26Thought that that was not a justifiable decision then in the second fight
01:02:31Unanimous decision for Ruiz and Holyfield's people said how can that be the case when it was just like the
01:02:37first fight and our man did better
01:02:39So either way, it's likely to engender more controversy because I suspect that both sides are gonna claim that they've
01:02:45won this fight
01:02:46You know something Jim the crowd stood on their feet at the end of this fight
01:02:50They are the ones who pay they're the one who watch HBO
01:02:54They say it's a good fight. That's all that matter a lot of them were standing partially because George
01:03:00They're from up the road in Massachusetts and John Ruiz is their hometown guy
01:03:04They have a tremendous affiliation with him
01:03:06He comes from Chelsea, Massachusetts
01:03:08Or maybe they were cheering because they think they may have seen Evander Holyfield for the last time all kinds
01:03:14of reasons
01:03:20Let's quickly take a look at what we think is the shot that may have shattered Ruiz's nose in round
01:03:2612 that
01:03:27Uppercut underneath there by Holyfield
01:03:30Various. Oh no, I missed with the right hand so it had to be the left uppercut earlier
01:03:36Nope. Oh, there you go. That's it. The left hook right there was the shot that shattered Ruiz's nose in
01:03:42the 12th round and Harold
01:03:43When when blood drips like that from one fighters nose in the 12th round after a big shot
01:03:47It's likely the other guy's gonna win the round right very well. Yeah more often than that Jim exactly
01:03:53Let's go to ring announcer Jimmy Lennon jr. and find out how the three judges scored the fight
01:03:57Ladies and gentlemen after 12 rounds of action. We go to the score cards here is the judges decision
01:04:06Judging side at julie letterman scores about 116 to 112 in favor of a vendor of Holyfield
01:04:16Judging ringside dawn o'neill scores about 115 to 113 in favor of Johnny
01:04:24Johnny Ruiz
01:04:26Judging ringside Tommy Kaczmarek scores about 114
01:04:33114
01:04:34114 even a draw
01:04:36The decision is even a draw
01:04:39The champion retains his title
01:04:49Appropriately
01:04:51Inconclusive
01:04:53Final CompuBox numbers
01:04:58And you will see that Evander Holyfield threw more punches
01:05:02And landed more punches
01:05:04But Ruiz
01:05:06Connected at a higher connect percentage
01:05:12Both fighters fighting at a very slow pace averaging under 40 punches per round
01:05:20Ruiz as has been the pattern bid for their first two fights and was the pattern again tonight Ruiz landing
01:05:26more jabs and fewer power shots
01:05:28Holyfield with the edge in power shots
01:05:31But generally landing them one punch at a time as opposed to in combination
01:05:36Let's go into the ring for larry merchant
01:05:39Thank you very much jim
01:05:42John
01:05:42How did you think the fight was going?
01:05:55Did you think it was that close at the end that you had to win the late rounds?
01:05:59Are you satisfied with a draw?
01:06:02I always had to win those late rounds
01:06:03I mean I was always I was trying you know what I mean
01:06:06He got me with a good shot
01:06:08But I kept going you know what I mean
01:06:10You know I'm glad I came out on top
01:06:13You know I I
01:06:15I used to keep going with my career now
01:06:17Did you try to box him more in this fight than you had in the previous fights which is more
01:06:23your style?
01:06:24No I went out there
01:06:27And fought his fight
01:06:28You know me I was uh
01:06:30My manager told me I was doing the wrong thing
01:06:32But you know for some reason I just wanted to go out there and just keep fighting
01:06:37Now you're one one and one
01:06:39In your three fights with Holyfield
01:06:41So does this mean
01:06:41We're going to be treated to a fourth fight between you and Holyfield?
01:06:46That's all up to Don King
01:06:47You know what I mean
01:06:48Whatever he says
01:06:48It goes
01:06:49You know what I mean
01:06:51Don King is our promoter
01:06:52You know what I mean
01:06:52He's the best promoter out there
01:06:54And that's that's why
01:06:55If
01:06:56Will you fight
01:06:57Kirk Johnson who's the mandatory challenger next?
01:07:00Oh definitely
01:07:01I will find
01:07:02Kirk Johnson
01:07:03You know what I mean
01:07:05Holyfield was a tough fight today
01:07:06I mean it was
01:07:07He came out to fight
01:07:08You know
01:07:09That's what I appreciate about him
01:07:10That he always comes to fight
01:07:11And um
01:07:13You know I gotta love him for that
01:07:15Thank you very much John
01:07:16Jim
01:07:19Alright so once again
01:07:21After 36 rounds of action between John Ruiz and Evander Holyfield
01:07:27Little or nothing is settled
01:07:29Holyfield the winner on a controversial decision in the first fight
01:07:32Ruiz's corner crying
01:07:34Robbery
01:07:35Ruiz the winner on a decision in the second fight
01:07:37Holyfield's corner saying
01:07:39Who's kidding whom?
01:07:40And now in the third fight
01:07:41Two judges see it opposite ways
01:07:44The third judge calls it a draw
01:07:46Again
01:07:47No scratch
01:07:48Three fights
01:07:49They're even
01:07:49Let's go back to Larry
01:07:51Again
01:07:52Thank you Jim
01:07:54Evander
01:07:54Did you think the fight was this close?
01:07:57Well no I didn't
01:07:58I didn't think the fight was close
01:08:00I put the pressure in heat
01:08:05You know I threw more punches
01:08:06I felt that
01:08:08You know I made the fight
01:08:09You know and so
01:08:10But still I realized that
01:08:11Anytime you get into the judge's hand
01:08:13That's you know that's the chance of your wrist
01:08:16You know I
01:08:16Why was it so difficult for you
01:08:18To get to this guy?
01:08:20Is it that he's just so awkward?
01:08:22Well he's a very awkward guy
01:08:23You just
01:08:25You know most of the fighters
01:08:26You can pick up what they're going to do
01:08:28To anticipate
01:08:29A way to get at it with him
01:08:30It was just
01:08:31Just very hard
01:08:32And I watched the tape over and over
01:08:34And over and over and over
01:08:35And over
01:08:36And still
01:08:37This awkwardness
01:08:38This awkwardness
01:08:39Which is
01:08:39Just a big difference
01:08:41To keep him
01:08:41Like I tried to
01:08:42Not to
01:08:43Load up on the punches
01:08:45Throw ease of punches
01:08:46Try to bait a man
01:08:47And all that
01:08:48But you know
01:08:48He was able to
01:08:50When I heard him
01:08:51He was able to put himself in position
01:08:52Do you feel
01:08:53That this decision
01:08:55Was a wrong decision?
01:08:57Of course
01:08:58I feel that's the wrong decision
01:08:59But
01:09:00But each and every time
01:09:01I go to the judges
01:09:02You know I
01:09:02I realize that
01:09:04I stand a chance for
01:09:05The judge to make a decision
01:09:06I'm overcomer
01:09:08And you know
01:09:08And I
01:09:09And I
01:09:09And I
01:09:09And I
01:09:10And I
01:09:10And I
01:09:10And I
01:09:11And I
01:09:11And I
01:09:20Any
01:09:20You certainly didn't get beaten up tonight
01:09:22Does this mean
01:09:23You're going to fight again?
01:09:25Well not because I didn't get beat up
01:09:26I'm a fight again because my goal
01:09:28Is to be honest reallyADway champion world
01:09:29And, you know, things like this happen to everybody, good people and bad people.
01:09:34But, you know, I don't quit, and I will continue to get down the road to be the headweight champion
01:09:41of the world.
01:09:41Thank you very much, Evander, as always.
01:09:45Just these final thoughts.
01:09:47No great champion really feels he's beaten until he's beaten up.
01:09:53Evander Holyfield was hardly beaten up tonight.
01:09:57He's been one of the greatest warriors there ever were.
01:10:00But at the same time, I'm reminded of something Muhammad Ali said late in his career when they asked him,
01:10:07why do you keep fighting, Muhammad?
01:10:10And he said, how come nobody asks David Rockefeller why he keeps trying to make money in his business?
01:10:18And you've seen what happened to Muhammad Ali.
01:10:22Jim?
01:10:23All right. Thank you very much, Larry.
01:10:24All right. George, you have a comment about the draw decision?
01:10:27Well, it was a good fight, and the people in the area are happy.
01:10:30Foxwood, cream of the crop.
01:10:32You get good food, good boxing matches, and I'm here to eat tonight.
01:10:35I think they'll take good care of you, George.
01:10:36They need my grill.
01:10:37Uh-oh.
01:10:38And are you perfectly happy with the notion that you probably will be seeing Evander Holyfield in the ring again?
01:10:42Well, I'd like to see Evander Holyfield come on and work with you at HBO.
01:10:47Give old Larry a couple of rounds.
01:10:49No, George. That's your job.
01:10:52All right. Thanks very much.
01:10:54We'll have a final word on what happened here in the ring in just a moment,
01:10:58and a look at the entire year of 2001 in boxing.
01:11:01What a tumultuous year it's been.
01:11:03First, let's look ahead to some upcoming programs right here on HBO.
01:11:09Don't miss the show that the critics are calling enthralling, wonderfully addictive, and wickedly absorbing.
01:11:15Action!
01:11:15Project Greenlight is riveting.
01:11:17A compelling insider's guide to filmmaking.
01:11:19This movie is teetering on the brink of film.
01:11:21It's got a hero, it's got stars, it's got drama.
01:11:24If I'm not the guy, they're gonna smell it.
01:11:26Greenlight strikes gold.
01:11:28I'm gonna do this shot to say I don't wanna do it.
01:11:30Why is two million too much?
01:11:32This is a car wreck.
01:11:33Catch the all-new series Project Greenlight every Sunday night at 10,
01:11:36and find out why winning is only in the beginning.
01:11:47Late at night, you'll find them.
01:11:49A different breed.
01:11:51They have a hunger for respect.
01:11:53A hunger that masks fear.
01:11:56A hunger that will not die.
01:12:00And those who come out after dark,
01:12:02those who have the heart and soul,
01:12:04can find redemption here.
01:12:07Don't miss the next HBO Boxing After Dark.
01:12:11Welcome back.
01:12:12Before we leave the air tonight,
01:12:13we'd be remiss if we did not add our voices
01:12:16to all of those others
01:12:17which are grieving and issuing condolences this week
01:12:21in the wake of the death of a long-time institution
01:12:23and one of the best-loved men in boxing,
01:12:25Jay Edson, long-time ring supervisor
01:12:28for Bob Arum's top-ranked boxing,
01:12:31a man who was a fixture at championship fights
01:12:33over the course of the past 40 years.
01:12:36One of the nicest people you'll ever meet.
01:12:38He passed away this week from pancreatic cancer,
01:12:40and we will all miss him a great deal.
01:12:43Earlier this evening in our website poll,
01:12:45we asked all of you to vote on the question of
01:12:47what was the best and most memorable fight you saw on HBO
01:12:50in the year 2001.
01:12:52We gave you a list of nominees,
01:12:53and here is how you chose.
01:12:5557% of you choosing Bernard Hopkins'
01:12:58brilliant performance against Felix Trinidad
01:13:01over the others listed here.
01:13:04The equally shocking upset
01:13:06by Marco Antonio Barrera
01:13:08over Prince Nassim Hamed,
01:13:10second in the voting
01:13:11ahead of the two heavyweight championship fights.
01:13:14Well, it has been an unbelievably tumultuous year in the ring.
01:13:18The ultimate validation of Larry Merchant's phrase
01:13:20that boxing is the theater of the unexpected.
01:13:24Let's take a look back at everything we've seen.
01:13:41In the ring, 2001 was a year of surprises.
01:13:45Upsets littered the boxing landscape
01:13:47as one man's shattered dream
01:13:49became another's greatest moment.
01:13:52Big left hand by Barrera inside.
01:13:54Stuns Prince Nassim.
01:13:57Scintillating rounds for the Mexican star.
01:13:59This fight's going the way it's wrong right now.
01:14:01You lose your heaven.
01:14:02Look at the right hand by Barrera.
01:14:04He wants to close the show with authority.
01:14:10I will return.
01:14:18You've got to put me on the stretcher for me to go out.
01:14:21You want me to say exactly what I'm thinking?
01:14:23Yeah.
01:14:25Shit, you better get up.
01:14:27I'm definitely prepared.
01:14:29I even took a couple days out to do a movie.
01:14:322001's biggest upset
01:14:34was authored by an unlikely heavyweight challenger
01:14:37against an unusual backdrop, South Africa.
01:14:44He's got a brand new heavyweight champion
01:14:46and he's from the United States.
01:14:49For Lennox Lewis,
01:14:51it was a crumble in the jungle.
01:14:54If you don't beat the count,
01:14:56they stop the fight.
01:14:57Simple as that.
01:14:57But this is always the next time.
01:15:09Target practice
01:15:10as Delaware goes to the body and the head.
01:15:13Drives Gotti into the ropes.
01:15:26The once glorious middleweight division
01:15:28got some much-needed attention.
01:15:30via a four-person tournament
01:15:32designed to crown the first undisputed 160-pound champion
01:15:35since Marvin Hagler.
01:15:38As expected,
01:15:40Felix Trinidad and Bernard Hopkins
01:15:41would meet each other
01:15:42with the undisputed title on the line.
01:15:45Sunday morning!
01:15:46Everybody in Puerto Rico
01:15:48will have a flag that has to.
01:15:52The events of September 11
01:15:54forced a postponement of Trinidad Hopkins.
01:15:56And two weeks later,
01:15:58with New York City still nursing its wounds,
01:16:00Madison Square Garden
01:16:01played host to an emotional
01:16:03and extraordinary night at the fights.
01:16:05And the success continued.
01:16:09What an awesome job!
01:16:11What a great, great fight!
01:16:14Hopkins imposing his will
01:16:15and his skill
01:16:17on the man who is tonight
01:16:18the lesser fighter.
01:16:20I am the American dream.
01:16:22I am the American story.
01:16:32From looking at his ass,
01:16:33he just about wants to quit right now.
01:16:35But he doesn't know how to handle this.
01:16:37The court-ordered rematch
01:16:38between Lennox Lewis
01:16:39and Hasim Rahman
01:16:40was preceded by pre-fight hostility.
01:16:43But there would be no surprises this night
01:16:46because by then,
01:16:47no one knew what to expect.
01:16:50Boom!
01:16:52What a Rahman get up!
01:16:54Or have the titles been turned!
01:16:56It's over!
01:16:58Lennox Lewis got revenge!
01:17:01He's had to be Rahman now.
01:17:04I want Tyson.
01:17:05Definitely want Tyson.
01:17:06As unlikely as a Lewis Tyson match
01:17:09once appeared,
01:17:10the future of that fight
01:17:11may now look better.
01:17:13And if boxing has taught us
01:17:14anything at all in 2001,
01:17:16it is that anything is possible.
01:17:21And more boxing comes your way
01:17:23January 26th
01:17:24when Sugar Shane Mosley
01:17:25battles Vernon Forrest
01:17:26for the welterweight championship.
01:17:27A week later,
01:17:28the undisputed light heavyweight champion
01:17:30of the world, Roy Jones,
01:17:31returns to the ring
01:17:32taking on mandatory challenger
01:17:33Glenn Kelly.
01:17:34HBO,
01:17:35The Heart and Soul of Boxing.
01:17:37Earlier tonight,
01:17:38from the Foxwoods Casino,
01:17:40where George Foreman
01:17:41is going to go get a big meal now,
01:17:43you saw Tim Austin
01:17:44defend his bantamweight championship
01:17:46of the world
01:17:47against Ratanakai Borapin
01:17:49of Thailand.
01:17:50It was largely unmemorable stuff
01:17:52as Austin outclassed Borapin
01:17:55with his long jab.
01:17:56And then you saw
01:17:57John Ruiz and Evander Holyfield
01:18:00slug their way
01:18:01through another
01:18:01slogging,
01:18:02slow-paced,
01:18:03heavyweight battle.
01:18:05Similar,
01:18:06but slightly slower
01:18:07than their first two bouts.
01:18:09And in the end,
01:18:09the judges couldn't agree.
01:18:10It wound up in a draw.
01:18:13Next on HBO,
01:18:15stay tuned for
01:18:15Taxi Cab Confessions
01:18:16on the East Coast
01:18:17and the premiere
01:18:18of Proof of Life
01:18:19on the West Coast.
01:18:21And now for the entire
01:18:22HBO crew,
01:18:23I'm Tim Lafley
01:18:24saying goodnight
01:18:25from the Foxwoods Resort
01:18:26and Casino
01:18:27in Massantucket, Connecticut.
01:18:28The executive producer
01:18:29of HBO Sports
01:18:31is Rick Bernstein.
01:18:32The night's edition
01:18:32of World Championship Boxing
01:18:34was directed,
01:18:35or produced by
01:18:35Thomas Odufeld,
01:18:36I should say,
01:18:37and directed by
01:18:37Mark Payton.
01:18:38Feature producers
01:18:39John Crystal
01:18:40and Michael Reisman.
01:18:41The associate producers
01:18:42Israel De Herrera
01:18:43and Betsy Aronan.
01:18:45Assistance to the producers
01:18:46Spike Motia
01:18:47and Greg Stern.
01:18:48Production manager
01:18:49Mark Payton.
01:18:50Technical supervisor
01:18:51Bob Hunter.
01:18:52And the technical director
01:18:53was Doug Getz.
01:19:07Boots of Life
01:19:10There's a couple of
01:19:10In the evening,
01:19:14The sheriff and gal
01:19:22are going to
01:19:22a great place
01:19:22before the
01:19:22scene.
01:19:23The sheriff
01:19:23is a great
01:19:24opportunity
01:19:24to make
01:19:24see you
01:19:24a great
01:19:24time around
01:19:25what
01:19:25they
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