Certainly not in the same class as the ATG's of the division. While it is true that he often held on to his foes (this because he had a low threshold of pain) nobody held it against Ali when he did the same. While I do not like it when boxers do that, let's face it - it ain't cheating if the ref don't call it. A legit champ? Yes. A great one? No. HOF'er?? That remains to be seen ...
That was one of Ruiz's most entertaining fights, ever, actually. You wanna talk unwatchable? Check out his match with Oquendo. :smoke
Good post. I think Spinks & Hopkins used a broken rhythm also. Floyd says he doesn't like to fight out of a rhythm because the opponent can read it and time you.
Holyfield and Golota were past their primes. Ruiz was mediocre in an era of aging talented, atg heavyweights. Ruiz in this era would of been constricting every heavyweight except for Wlad. He'd only have a loss to Wlad and beat everyone else. Probably better suited for mma.