John Ruiz, a heavyweight legend.

Ruiz captured a belt on multiple occassions and had more high profile fights. I think that's what he meant.

 

It's true, but he never was the real heavyweight champion. It's close.

 

This is an excellent post. Well said.

 

It's arguably better.

 

I agree. The Holyfield trilogy helps Ruiz's case and was fairly high profile, though.

 

The Louis that faced and crushed Baer would've done the same to Ruiz. Ruiz's clutch and grab tactics may have caused Joe some problems early but Joe would figure John out soon enough and land the coup de grace somewhere around mid fight.