During his visit to Jamaica, top heavyweight contender Evander Holyfield commended local fighters Alex Stewart and Donovan 'Razor' Ruddock for their talent and determination. Holyfield described Stewart as “a champion in the making”, though he cautioned that matching him against Mike Tyson might be too much too soon. He also noted that Ruddock remains a strong contender but will need to keep proving himself while waiting for his shot at the title.

Published Wednesday, July 4, 1990

Holyfield here on vacation

World Boxing Council (WBC) number one heavyweight contender Evander Holyfield arrived in Jamaica yesterday afternoon for a busy four-day stay.
Holyfield, who fights champion James 'Buster' Douglas later this year, will this morning meet the Acting Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and Minister of Labour, Welfare and Sport Portia Simpson.
The world-rated heavyweight, who is making his first visit to the island, will also visit the Dragon and Guinness boxing gyms before departing on Friday evening to begin training in Houston for his world title fight against Douglas.
Holyfield is confident of victory over Douglas in their upcoming fight.
“My aim right now is to be the champion of the world, and that is what I am now working at. I am a better fighter now, and I feel I will be the champion of the world. I don’t care what people think, but I wanna prove to them that I am a better fighter, and I will prove this against Douglas when the time comes.”
The Atlanta-based American had kind words for Jamaican Alex Stewart. “Stewart surprised me when we fought, and he proved to the world that he is a champion in the making.”
Holyfield said, however, that he thought they were pushing Stewart a bit too far by matching him against former champion Mike Tyson.
“It would have been better to fight other ranked boxers,” Holyfield said.
The American said another highly ranked Jamaica-born boxer, Donovan ‘Razor’ Ruddock, will have to wait his turn. “I have been number one for a year and a half. Ruddock will have to wait and continue to fight and press for a chance at the crown, as the mandatory defence will be against Tyson.”
Holyfield said that former world champion George Foreman is a smart fighter. “He will be looking to become champion again, and he is currently building himself up for the future.”
Others arriving with Holyfield were his trainer Charles Jordan, mother, Annie Laura Holyfield, and children, Ashley Evander and Ebboen.
Among the members of the local board who met Holyfield at the Norman Manley Airport were Calvin Campbell – secretary, Captain Tony Morris – 1st Vice-President, Guy Morris, and Carl Pottinger.

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