MASHANTAUCKET, Conn. -- Evander Holyfield will continue to fight, but maybe never again for a heavyweight championship.

The 39-year-old Holyfield failed in his quest to become a champion for the fifth time early Sunday. John Ruiz kept the WBA title on a draw in their third -- and certainly their last -- fight in a bingo hall at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

"It was great fight, and I take my hat off to him," said Ruiz before he went to a hospital to have his busted nose repaired.

It wasn't a great fight -- too much mauling and clutching.

Each fighter thought he won, and Jim Thomas, Holyfield's attorney, was in high dudgeon, to the point he exchanged words with promoter Don King.

"This was travesty of justice," Thomas shouted at the media. "Everyone of you who called for an investigation of the Lewis fight, I sure hope you call for one now."

There were various probes and hearings after a draw between Holyfield and Lewis for the undisputed title that most people though Lewis won March 13, 1999, at Madison Square Garden.

This fight, following Holyfield's decision victory over Ruiz for the vacant WBA title and Ruiz's points win over Holyfield in the rematch, did not get the kind of attention that leads to investigation and legislative hearings.

"I felt in my heart I won every round," Holyfield said. "I don't know if I won every round, but I believe I won the fight."

Two rounds he didn't win were the 10th and 11th on the cards of judges Tom Kaczmarek of New Jersey and Donald O'Neill of Massachusetts, the same state that is Ruiz's home.

Kaczmarek scored the fight 114-114 (six rounds each), while O'Neill scored it 115-113 (7-5) for Ruiz.

Julie Lederman favored Holyfield 116-112 (8-4), giving him the last five rounds.

All three judges gave Holyfield the final round. If Ruiz had won that round on Kaczmarek's card, he would have won the fight.

Ruiz, who will turn 30 on Jan. 4, is due to make a mandatory defense against Kirk Johnson of Canada in March.

Holyfield said his goal is still to become the undisputed champion.

The aging fighter, however, could become an opponent for rising fighters looking for a reputation.

"Somebody will think, `I can make a lot of money if I knock out Evander Holyfield. He'll be 40. It will look good on my resume,"' Holyfield said.

As for retirement, Holyfield said, "When I leave this game everybody will say, `He did what he wanted to do.' I'll be happy."