BBC SPORT | OTHER SPORTS | Ruiz welcomes underdog tag

John Ruiz is rated a 2-1 underdog against champion Evander Holyfield for their World Boxing Association heavyweight title fight on Saturday - but the challenger would have it no other way.

"If I was the favourite, I wouldn't know what to do with myself," says the 29-year-old Ruiz, who has a record of 36-4 going into his 12-round rematch with Holyfield.

"I feel comfortable being the underdog."

The odds against Ruiz have shrunk dramatically since his first fight against Holyfield last August, when he was a long shot at nearly 10-1.

I was embarrassed by my performance last time

Evander Holyfield

Ruiz earned the rematch by putting forth a much better effort than expected, losing to a sluggish Holyfield by just one point on two of the judges' scorecards.

The 38-year-old Holyfield, who will be fighting in his 21st world title bout, is determined to put on a better show than last time.

"I was once in Ruiz's shoes," says Holyfield, who has a record of 37-4-1.

"I know what it is to be an underdog where nobody is giving you a chance, but this is still my time.

"I was embarrassed by my performance last time.

"I knew I could hurt him, so I just kept looking to get him out with one perfect shot instead of throwing combinations.

Holyfield starts as favourite in Vegas
"My style is about technique. It's not about making someone pay with one shot.

"I'm not that kind of fighter. Every time I do that, it seems I end up in a long, drawn out fight.

"I've got to go back to the basics and throw a lot of punches."

Even Ruiz was surprised by Holyfield.

"I really expected more from him," he said.

"I'm prepared for him to come out harder this time.

Come out swinging

"He used to be a boxer, but somewhere along the line he decided he's a brawler.

"I think he'll come out swinging and try to knock me out.

"That will work to my advantage, because what I do best is counter-punch."

Holyfield weighed in at 98 kg, 1.8 kg less than he weighed for their first fight, which was the heaviest he's been during his 16-year career.

Ruiz came in at 103 kg, 1.36 kg heavier than for their initial meeting.


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