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Holyfield-Ruiz WBA Heavyweight Title Fight Set for August in Beijing
Beijing will play host to a World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight title fight on August 5 between challenger Evander Holyfield and reigning champion John Ruiz, American promoter Don King said at a press conference Monday in Beijing.
The bout is the first world heavyweight title fight in China, and the third between the two boxers in a year. Holyfield won the first by a majority decision in August, while Ruiz snatched the title by a unanimous decision on March 3.
Four-time heavyweight champion Holyfield is determined to win the title for the fifth time, saying "I will put on a great performance before the people of China, and I hope no one miss it, because I'll be five-time champion of the world."
"On August 5, it's going to be a great fight between myself and Holyfield." said Ruiz, who is the first heavyweight champion of Hispanic heritage.
"We together are creating the history -- the first heavyweight championship fight in five thousand years of the great People's Republic of China," said the 69-year-old King.
King also said the World Boxing Council (WBC) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Hasim Rahman's title defense would be held in Beijing on August 5 as long as the bout is not blocked by the US courts.
Rahman won the titles by knocking out Britain's Lennox Lewis in South Africa last month, and Lewis has filed a lawsuit claiming that he is entitled to a rematch before Rahman fights anyone else.
"If the court sees otherwise we must abide by the court's decision. But as of now we are moving with all speed to bring Rahman here to perform in Beijing on August 5," he added.
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