John Ruiz gets a lot of flack for his fighting style, which Bernard Hopkins completely adopted to continue winning titles late into his 40s. But everyone was loading up on PEDs to beat Ruiz. Holyfield was using PEDs. Roy Jones was using PEDs. James Toney was using PEDs (and got caught). I always wanted to see John Ruiz defend his heavyweight title against David Tua. Tua wasted him in under 30 seconds when Ruiz first moved up to heavyweight and tried to box and move. Ruiz, with his later, mauling style, going chest-to-chest with Tua and tying him up a lot would've been interesting, IMO. I question whether Tua would've had as much success in a rematch. Nobody really did with Ruiz's style later on.
Over the years Ruiz earned a begrudging form of respect from me. Hated his mauling style but he did pretty damn good with what he was born with.
Ruiz fought nearly every top HW in his time. The only missing name was Lewis, who refused to fight that awkward style.
As if Ruiz was also not utilising top grade pharma - come off it. What's your response? "He doesn't have big muscles!"
That's true, and it doesn't mean that he wasn't on the good sauce. I know people who microdose testosterone and have zero definition. It's obvious that Ruiz wasn't as heavy on anabolic hot sauce compounds like W. Klitschko, Briggs etc. Anabolics are only one side of sauce. Salbutamol or a corticosteroid like prednisone will provide huge aerobic benefits without directly affecting the physique in any way.
I agree. Lennox didn't exactly keep a busy schedule at the end. Fought once or twice a year. Calendar-wise there was time to fit him in, but knowing he only had a few fights left, it makes no sense to waste one on Ruiz if you are trying to maximize your earning or even legacy before you leave. Same with Byrd.