Editing John Ruiz (section)

===Ruiz vs. Holyfield===
{{Main article|Evander Holyfield vs. John Ruiz|Evander Holyfield vs. John Ruiz II|John Ruiz vs. Evander Holyfield III}}
Ruiz fought former champion Holyfield to fill the vacancy on August 12, 2000, losing by [[unanimous decision]] (this result made Holyfield the first to win a world [[heavyweight]] title on four occasions). Many observers and boxing reporters felt that the underdog Ruiz had done enough to win.

Due to this controversial decision, the WBA ordered an immediate rematch in early 2001, and Ruiz won the WBA title. Some critics still believe the decision was controversial (Ruiz was on the ground for a few minutes after Holyfield appeared to deliver a low punch to the groin). Footage following the match showed that the punch may have been legal, but it wasn't disputed.

Ruiz defended the title twice: a controversial draw in a third match against Holyfield where the press believed Holyfield to have won, and a disqualification victory against [[Kirk Johnson]] where the Canadian contender was disqualified for repeated low blows in the tenth round. Ruiz was accused in both the second Holyfield fight and the Johnson fight of faking low blows that actually seemed to be closer to his beltline than his groin (although Johnson was shown on replays to hit Ruiz below the belt several times).