The light at the end of the tunnel dimmed a bit more for past heavyweight champion Evander "Real Deal" Holyfield following a 12-round unanimous decision loss to journeyman John Ruiz.

While ‘Vander has truly made an indelible mark on heavyweight boxing history, that proverbial tunnel light is certain to turn totally dark on him, if he continues in what now appears a futile quest of once again re-unifying the heavy baubles.

On paper the resumé still glitters like a fifth of Dom Perignon … the names jump at you: Dwight Qawi who was relieved of the WBA Cruiserweight title via 15-round decision back on July of 1986 - and later, (Dec. 4, 87), stopped in four candles as Holyfield retained the WBA/IBF baubles.

And then 1988 … Carlos De León went in eight on April 9 and with that win ‘Vander unified the Cruiserweight division … he then closed the year on December 9 with a seven round KO of heavyweight Pinklon Thomas. 1989 saw Michael Dokes, Adison Rodrigues and Alex Stewart going short of the distance which led to the 1990 heavy title winner over Buster Douglas in three candles.

Holyfield then showed himself a special entity in facing every name in sight … there were wins and losses … defended with victories over Foreman, Cooper and Holmes before losing crown to Riddick Bowe on Nov. 13, 92.

The beat continued … wins and losses to Bowe … wins over Moorer and Ray Mercer … and them legendary winning meetings with Tyson … and then the Lennox Lewis double-dip before claiming the vacant WBA crown by decision over Ruiz in August of 2000.

But the Ruiz win wasn't convincing … thus the return and ’Vander showing his age … and in a bout that was close on the judges cards at the halfway mark widened in Ruiz favor after dropping Holyfield in round 11 … and then saw Ruiz continuing with the edge in the final candle for a unanimous decision win.

Would now be a happy ending to a short story were the "Real Deal" to ride off into the sunset in retirement while resting on his laurels … but not the case … instead he has declared this last one has simply placed him at the back of the line.

Sadly, he then punctuated the statement by telling all within earshot he now will have to be the only fighter ever to win the heavyweight titles for a fifth time.

I think not.

Semper fi,

Geo El

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