Having recently watched the Lewis - Tyson fight again, i listened to some comments being made after it. Some surprised me! i.e do you think that this should be the fight that cements Lewis's place in history as a great champion?

no...because lennox thinks he beat the 80's tyson...but everyone knows he beat washed up tyson

no...because lennox thinks he beat the 80's tyson...but everyone knows he beat washed up tyson

Prime Lewis beats any version of Tyson...
Bad match-up for Tyson, and Tyson himself knows he could never beat him...

Prime Lewis beats any version of Tyson...
Bad match-up for Tyson, and Tyson himself knows he could never beat him...

I'd have to disagree. On the theory of prime against prime i'd say that Tyson has a chance of beating any heavyweight in boxing history.
IMO not much emphasis should be placed on Lewis's win over Tyson, and it annoys me when people describe it as the fight that cemented his greatness in boxing etc. It was a great performance by Lewis against a shadow of Mike Tyson and that's what it should always be recalled as.
I don't place much emphasis on Ezzard Charles V Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano V Joe Louis, Ray Leonard V Hector Camacho, Larry Holmes V Muhammad Ali, Trevor Berbick V Muhammad Ali etc etc because one of the fighters in these fights was shot to bits.

prime lennox is garbage vs. prime tyson (1987)

Prime Lewis beats any version of Tyson...
Bad match-up for Tyson, and Tyson himself knows he could never beat him...

Interesting mind reading analogy. I was wondering if Foreman thought he could ever beat Holmes, also if Frazier knew he'd never beat Shavers. Could you slip trough their head for a second and give me the answer. Thanks.

I agree with yaman, joe frazier cant beat earnie shavers. People on this forum can try thier best to think of a scenario where frazier comes out on top but, he would simply swarm his way in and take shots that are much harder than the ones foreman was giving him. A puncher is joe's worst nightmare.

I'd have to disagree. On the theory of prime against prime i'd say that Tyson has a chance of beating any heavyweight in boxing history.
IMO not much emphasis should be placed on Lewis's win over Tyson, and it annoys me when people describe it as the fight that cemented his greatness in boxing etc. It was a great performance by Lewis against a shadow of Mike Tyson and that's what it should always be recalled as.
I don't place much emphasis on Ezzard Charles V Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano V Joe Louis, Ray Leonard V Hector Camacho, Larry Holmes V Muhammad Ali, Trevor Berbick V Muhammad Ali etc etc because one of the fighters in these fights was shot to bits.

It cements his legacy with the mainstream audience, true boxing fans knew he was all ready an all time great before that fight.

Prime Lewis beats Prime Tyson.

Interesting mind reading analogy. I was wondering if Foreman thought he could ever beat Holmes, also if Frazier knew he'd never beat Shavers. Could you slip trough their head for a second and give me the answer. Thanks.

It's not a mind reading analogy, Tyson himself admited he could never beat him, he admited that in an interview, and why do you think Tyson acted like that before the fight even started? So he could psyche himself out into beating Lewis...Before Lewis and Tyson fought Tyson was already mentioning Lewis' greatness ect...

It's not a mind reading analogy, Tyson himself admited he could never beat him, he admited that in an interview, and why do you think Tyson acted like that before the fight even started? So he could psyche himself out into beating Lewis...Before Lewis and Tyson fought Tyson was already mentioning Lewis' greatness ect...

Lol you're pretty hilarious.
LEWIS was the one that said he could never beat prime Tyson IN AN INTERVIEW. Give me the source to Tyson stating it the other way around please.
Why did Tyson act like that at the press conference? How about looking at proof instead of reading minds again. How do you know he psyched himself out into beating Lewis? You have no proof whatsoever.
The truth is that Tyson wanted to hype the fight up, and before the conference he talked about it with one of the managers. In fact, after the brawl was over Tyson asked him ''How did i do?''. That has nothing to do with him beating Lewis anyway.
To your original topic, Lewis beat a ghost that night. That's it.

pretty even argument here....
prime tyson - could obvo knock lewis out
prime lewis - abit more work than tyson, but again lewis could easy knock tyson out.
the question is.......who would have been ko'ed.

lewis - tyson was in no way a peak point in lewis' match ups.
main points were - lewis - rahman 1 and 2, and also maybe the klitchscko TKO win, very hard fight for lewis which [IMO] help his retirement decion.

im a very big lewis fan and id of loved to see a prime lewis - tyson fight although the possiblity of tyson ko'ing lewis would be higher, id of just hoped lewis would have been on form and boxed well.
peace.

Lol you're pretty hilarious.
LEWIS was the one that said he could never beat prime Tyson IN AN INTERVIEW. Give me the source to Tyson stating it the other way around please.
Why did Tyson act like that at the press conference? How about looking at proof instead of reading minds again. How do you know he psyched himself out into beating Lewis? You have no proof whatsoever.
The truth is that Tyson wanted to hype the fight up, and before the conference he talked about it with one of the managers. In fact, after the brawl was over Tyson asked him ''How did i do?''. That has nothing to do with him beating Lewis anyway.
To your original topic, Lewis beat a ghost that night. That's it.

There ain't nothing funny about Lewis completely dominating Tyson.
Lewis has the style to beat prime Tyson, Lewis was trained by Emanuel Stewart most of his career to fight his way around short powerful guys like Tua, Holyfield and Tyson, that was bread and butter for Lewis...
If you notice Lewis was never in trouble against short guys, rarely got hit flush by those kind of opponents... Tall guys like Briggs, Klitschko ect.. guys with longass reach like Rahman gave Lewis trouble... Tyson would never be able to beat him, I can't show you the interview where Tyson said that he could never beat Lewis since I saw it live but you can't give me that "prove it that he said it". There's no reason I would lie about it, I'm pretty sure a lot of people heard Tyson say that...Lewis can neutralize Tyson's hooks all night long...
I've been following Lewis since his Olympic appearances. I know what I'm talking about... Don't be fooled by Tyson's flashy performances in his short prime and weak opposition...(example Douglas) it just shows your boxing ignorance...

There ain't nothing funny about Lewis completely dominating Tyson.
Lewis has the style to beat prime Tyson, Lewis was trained by Emanuel Stewart most of his career to fight his way around short powerful guys like Tua, Holyfield and Tyson, that was bread and butter for Lewis...
If you notice Lewis was never in trouble against short guys, rarely got hit flush by those kind of opponents... Tall guys like Briggs, Klitschko ect.. guys with longass reach like Rahman gave Lewis trouble... Tyson would never be able to beat him, I can't show you the interview where Tyson said that he could never beat Lewis since I saw it live but you can't give me that "prove it that he said it". There's no reason I would lie about it, I'm pretty sure a lot of people heard Tyson say that...Lewis can neutralize Tyson's hooks all night long...
I've been following Lewis since his Olympic appearances. I know what I'm talking about... Don't be fooled by Tyson's flashy performances in his short prime and weak opposition...(example Douglas) it just shows your boxing ignorance...

:nonono: ...

Prime Mike Tyson beats Prime Lennox Lewis.

Prime Lennox Lewis was a very skilled fighter, though he wasn't too swift on his feet. If one watches him in the early-mid 90's (ie: flat-top Brit), Lewis' attacks were awkward (not the good kind of awkward), and telegraphed. He often stood with his legs wider than his shoulders and planted himself in place, hoping to dodge opposing punches with a parrying set of hands. Mike would catch up to him all night long, and attack his wide open body. Lewis would eventually start trying to push Mike away while pinning his elbows to his own ribs. This would no doubt leave openings for overhand rights and uppercuts, neither of which Lewis could take very well. Oh, and when I say "eventually" I mean round 5 or 6.

I wrote another post touching on this subject in a thread titled "What if..". I think in their primes in the 90's (which Tyson likely would have stayed in had he not gone to prison), Mike wins in usual fashion. As their careers wear on, however, Lewis begins to improve while Mike's enthusiasm for the game and his speed diminish. In a later rematch down the road, Lewis wins, though it wouldn't be as hotly debated (or self-vaunted by Lewis) as the real match.

Even so, Lennox Lewis beat Mike Tyson in 2002, nearly 11 years after his prime years were flushed to criminal trouble. Lennox, on the other hand, like a fine wine, aged very well by that point and got into good shape for the fight. He was obviously respecting Tyson, regardless of his age, and took the fight very seriously. It still took him 8 rounds to put away a man who was no more than a shadow and a memory, and who also didn't want to fight anymore.

Regardless of what's been said here, Lennox Lewis is and all-time great in the heavyweights; probably between 10-12th all time, though I think he would stand a decent chance anywhere in history given his size and skill.

Oh yeah, and as far as "...he said he could/couldn't beat him..." goes, that really doesn't prove anything.

Muhammad Ali told the nation on a talk show that Mike Tyson would beat him in their primes. While he would certainly have a chance (under Rooney), that doesn't PROVE he's right. Actually, we could go on for pages about the things Muhammad Ali said (and later changed his mind about) that probably aren't absolutely true. That being said, I don't even need to continue.

history wont be to kind to lewis, which is a shame cause he was good. Its just like evander holyfield and all the others who came after tyson, no interest, nothing that really stands out. Tyson is the dempsy of 80s,90s, ppl will be talking about him more even when hes dead and long gone way more than they'll be talking of lewis, holyfield. But anyways, tyson prime time kos lewis, if u watch legendary nights for this fight lewis says back then "he hoped he didnt have to fight this guy, cause he was like an animal"

ROBO #1 > Lewis!

Really tho i cant stand the ****er, and as far as im concerend his Tyson win means less than nothing.
He was hard man to beat tho

Oh yeah, and as far as "...he said he could/couldn't beat him..." goes, that really doesn't prove anything.

Muhammad Ali told the nation on a talk show that Mike Tyson would beat him in their primes. While he would certainly have a chance (under Rooney), that doesn't PROVE he's right. Actually, we could go on for pages about the things Muhammad Ali said (and later changed his mind about) that probably aren't absolutely true. That being said, I don't even need to continue.


yep thats right. although he said much different in private, or so I've read.

There ain't nothing funny about Lewis completely dominating Tyson.
Lewis has the style to beat prime Tyson, Lewis was trained by Emanuel Stewart most of his career to fight his way around short powerful guys like Tua, Holyfield and Tyson, that was bread and butter for Lewis...
If you notice Lewis was never in trouble against short guys, rarely got hit flush by those kind of opponents... Tall guys like Briggs, Klitschko ect.. guys with longass reach like Rahman gave Lewis trouble... Tyson would never be able to beat him,

That's what you believe and i have no problems with that. I do have problems with things like

I can't show you the interview where Tyson said that he could never beat Lewis since I saw it live but you can't give me that "prove it that he said it". There's no reason I would lie about it

As much as you love Lewis and believe he would beat Tyson, there is a million reasons for you to lie about it. I'm not calling you a liar, but you shouldn't even think about saying this when it's clear Lewis never said this, and he actually said the opposite about a prime Tyson, unless you have solid proof. Even if you have proof, you still have nothing credible like Brassangel said.

I've been following Lewis since his Olympic appearances. I know what I'm talking about... Don't be fooled by Tyson's flashy performances in his short prime and weak opposition...(example Douglas) it just shows your boxing ignorance

Believe me, i'm not biased concerning Tyson. You are with Lewis. You are so desperate for people to believe Lewis would beat Tyson, that you state things that have no proof or are either redicilous mind reading analogy's. No dissrespect to you though.

no...because lennox thinks he beat the 80's tyson...but everyone knows he beat washed up tyson

No he doesn't. Lennox was saying for a long time that Mike Tyson was a has-been, but people will not let go, so he will finish the job.

It's funny when it comes to Tyson or really any fighter that used to be good, he could struggle in a match, like he did vs. Both in which the commentators were saying "this is the sign of a shot fighter", then out of nowhere he lands a bomb, and "HE's BACK":rolleyes:


Lewis deserves respect and will be remembered as a "Great" fighter. I have said this before, but his biggest win was making Bowe back down, that was just incredible, and the best win a General can have.

Oh yeah, and as far as "...he said he could/couldn't beat him..." goes, that really doesn't prove anything.

Muhammad Ali told the nation on a talk show that Mike Tyson would beat him in their primes. While he would certainly have a chance (under Rooney), that doesn't PROVE he's right. Actually, we could go on for pages about the things Muhammad Ali said (and later changed his mind about) that probably aren't absolutely true. That being said, I don't even need to continue.

It's called being humble, plus, if he would of talked **** like "I would of kicked his ass in my prime", people would say it was sour-grapes. People tend to like more humble people because they are less threatening.

Rocky Marciano fans like to always mention how Joe Louis said he would never have beaten Rocky, even in his prime, but how many people really believe Joe Louis thought that or at least thought he would think that if he was younger?

There ain't nothing funny about Lewis completely dominating Tyson.
Lewis has the style to beat prime Tyson, Lewis was trained by Emanuel Stewart most of his career to fight his way around short powerful guys like Tua, Holyfield and Tyson, that was bread and butter for Lewis...
If you notice Lewis was never in trouble against short guys, rarely got hit flush by those kind of opponents... Tall guys like Briggs, Klitschko ect.. guys with longass reach like Rahman gave Lewis trouble... Tyson would never be able to beat him, I can't show you the interview where Tyson said that he could never beat Lewis since I saw it live but you can't give me that "prove it that he said it". There's no reason I would lie about it, I'm pretty sure a lot of people heard Tyson say that...Lewis can neutralize Tyson's hooks all night long...
I've been following Lewis since his Olympic appearances. I know what I'm talking about... Don't be fooled by Tyson's flashy performances in his short prime and weak opposition...(example Douglas) it just shows your boxing ignorance...


Tua was past his prime when he fought Lewis. He was fat, and couldn't throw the amount of punches he used to; come to think of it, he could barely put two punches together. Just remember, Tua broke records with the amount of punches he threw for a Heavyweight.
I would still favor Lewis, but the Tua leading up to IKE/for IKE, would of been a hell of a test.

Taller guys can be hammered to the body, making them smaller as the fight goes on, words by Lewis himself. Of course, a good uppercut when the smaller man comes in could deter the attacks, but I am sure with a good chin, if the smaller man knew that was what he had to do, he would take those risks.


Tyson had incredible speed with his feet, and liked to swarm his opponents, not giving them time to readjust/throwing them off balance and leaving openings.


I see you mentioned the Douglas fight, why is that not a surprise.
It can show you flaws in Tyson, but the one biggest flaw it shows not only for Tyson, but all fighters, is that when a fighter doesn't train, doesn't have a team around him, isn't motivated, bangs women the night before the fight, etc. he has a bigger chance of getting exposed.
Lets remember, isn't this what is blamed for Lewis's loss to Rahman?


The big difference between Tyson and Lewis was that Lewis took the long road to the top. This gave Lewis an appreciation for staying motivated, staying in shape, and just an all around appreciation for what he had, was achieving/achieved.


Trainers also are a big part of a fighter's success: You might even compare looking at Lewis prior to Emanuel Steward like Tyson after Rooney, at least for boxing skill analysis. The one big difference here of course after Tyson left Rooney, admitting , he wasn't motivated or "bored with boxing"


Tyson could throw every punch in the book, at incredible accuracy, speed, power, combinations, and timing, in his prime with Rooney.
I am sure Rooney would be able to work something out with Mike on how to beat Lewis.


Either one can really win this fight.

:nonono: ...

I wrote a reasonable post, don't even reply if you gonna put a silly smiley like that... It's disrespectful... If you have something to say then write something like I did.. Don't give me that bull****...

That's what you believe and i have no problems with that. I do have problems with things like



As much as you love Lewis and believe he would beat Tyson, there is a million reasons for you to lie about it. I'm not calling you a liar, but you shouldn't even think about saying this when it's clear Lewis never said this, and he actually said the opposite about a prime Tyson, unless you have solid proof. Even if you have proof, you still have nothing credible like Brassangel said.



Believe me, i'm not biased concerning Tyson. You are with Lewis. You are so desperate for people to believe Lewis would beat Tyson, that you state things that have no proof or are either redicilous mind reading analogy's. No dissrespect to you though.

Alright cool, I have nothing against you either, the feeling is mutual...
You have your reasons for stating your opinion and I have mine...
It's just a deadend argument...

Originally posted by Benny Leonard
It's called being humble, plus, if he would of talked **** like "I would of kicked his ass in my prime", people would say it was sour-grapes. People tend to like more humble people because they are less threatening.

Rocky Marciano fans like to always mention how Joe Louis said he would never have beaten Rocky, even in his prime, but how many people really believe Joe Louis thought that or at least thought he would think that if he was younger?

If you read my post, then you realize that this is exactly what I was stating.

Even though Ali may have felt differently in private, I'm sure Tyson actually had a lot less respect for Ali in private as well. That doesn't matter. The point was to show that a boxer's comments about another don't weigh the outcome of a match between them.

If you read my post, then you realize that this is exactly what I was stating.

Even though Ali may have felt differently in private, I'm sure Tyson actually had a lot less respect for Ali in private as well. That doesn't matter. The point was to show that a boxer's comments about another don't weigh the outcome of a match between them.

I apologize, I should have first stated, "I agree", then added on to your explanation.

Having recently watched the Lewis - Tyson fight again, i listened to some comments being made after it. Some surprised me! i.e do you think that this should be the fight that cements Lewis's place in history as a great champion?

i don't think so, he's had better fights, IMO.

Prime Lewis beats any version of Tyson...
Bad match-up for Tyson, and Tyson himself knows he could never beat him...

if mccall and Rachman can ko Lewis im sure as hell Tyson could have done so too

also i remember all the trouble that Briggs gave Lewis early on too.

still a 80's Tyson vs a 90's Lewis would be a very interesting match up

if mccall and Rachman can ko Lewis im sure as hell Tyson could have done so too

also i remember all the trouble that Briggs gave Lewis early on too.

still a 80's Tyson vs a 90's Lewis would be a very interesting match up

Anyone can KO anyone, they're heavyweights you can't make a valid argument like that... Yeah it would be a very interesting match-up considering Lewis' chin and Tyson's power but I still see Lewis KOing him the same way Douglas did, by neutralizing his punches and using his big height/reach advantage...

There ain't nothing funny about Lewis completely dominating Tyson.
Lewis has the style to beat prime Tyson, Lewis was trained by Emanuel Stewart most of his career to fight his way around short powerful guys like Tua, Holyfield and Tyson, that was bread and butter for Lewis...
If you notice Lewis was never in trouble against short guys, rarely got hit flush by those kind of opponents... Tall guys like Briggs, Klitschko ect.. guys with longass reach like Rahman gave Lewis trouble... Tyson would never be able to beat him, I can't show you the interview where Tyson said that he could never beat Lewis since I saw it live but you can't give me that "prove it that he said it". There's no reason I would lie about it, I'm pretty sure a lot of people heard Tyson say that...Lewis can neutralize Tyson's hooks all night long...
I've been following Lewis since his Olympic appearances. I know what I'm talking about... Don't be fooled by Tyson's flashy performances in his short prime and weak opposition...(example Douglas) it just shows your boxing ignorance...

In theory, what would have happened had Lewis been knocked out by Tyson?
What would people be saying then?

IMO boxing can sometimes be unforgiving, but Lewis claiming that the Tyson fight in 2002 was his defining fight is ridiculous IMO. Lewis deserves more credit for other victories in his career. Sadly he did not get the chance to face a prime Tyson or Riddick Bowe, and these would have been 'defining fights.' But we can't blame Lewis for those fights not happening. Furthermore, you question the quality of Tyson's opposition during his prime, but surely the manner of Lewis's two defeats can't easily be dismissed when determining how he stands in heavyweight history. Yes, he corrected both losses, and yes, other great fighters have been knocked down by inferior opponents i.e. Holmes, Ali, Foreman, Frazier, Patterson, Louis etc, but the difference is that these fighters got up to win e.g. Clay V Cooper, Holmes V Weaver, Foreman V Lyle etc. Obviously Tyson wasn't an expert in overcoming adversity either, but to claim that someone should not be fooled by 'flashy' performances during his prime is IGNORANT.
Tyson's prime was brief, but it was unforgettable and explosive and the level of opposition during this time compare favourably with most on the career record of Lennox Lewis, and no doubt they would do well in the current heavyweight division. I'm talking about the likes of Jesse Ferguson, James Tillis, Jose Ribalta, Bonecrusher Smith, Pinklon Thomas, Tony Tucker, Mitch Green, Tyrell Biggs, Tony Tubbs, Frank Bruno, Carl Williams, Larry Holmes (though obviously past his prime), and Mike Spinks. IMO when Tyson beat Spinks he would have tested any heavyweight in history, despite Spinks being a blown up heavyweight, and IMO Tyson and Lewis are in what i would call the third tier of heavyweight greats.

I have a lot of respect for Danny Williams too, because of the way he handled his win over an old Tyson. He admitted that it wasn't even close to a prime Tyson and such. And like Benny Leonard said the best, Lewis knew Tyson was all hype by that time, and he wanted to put it to rest, and he did(sort of, people will always think of a monster when Tyson fights) I don't think he ever tried to credit himself into letting people believe he beat a prime Tyson. He had much better wins on his record obviously.

I have a lot of respect for Danny Williams too, because of the way he handled his win over an old Tyson. He admitted that it wasn't even close to a prime Tyson and such. And like Benny Leonard said the best, Lewis knew Tyson was all hype by that time, and he wanted to put it to rest, and he did(sort of, people will always think of a monster when Tyson fights) I don't think he ever tried to credit himself into letting people believe he beat a prime Tyson. He had much better wins on his record obviously.

I agree (to your comments in bold), but Lewis shouldn't describe the Tyson fight as his 'defining' one. Credit where credit is due, Lennox Lewis was a great fighter,and it was a shame he never got to face Mike Tyson in his prime... Also a great fighter.

I wrote a reasonable post, don't even reply if you gonna put a silly smiley like that... It's disrespectful... If you have something to say then write something like I did.. Don't give me that bull****...

I think Brassangel, Yaman, and Franko did my posting for me.:D

I'd have to disagree. On the theory of prime against prime i'd say that Tyson has a chance of beating any heavyweight in boxing history.
IMO not much emphasis should be placed on Lewis's win over Tyson, and it annoys me when people describe it as the fight that cemented his greatness in boxing etc. It was a great performance by Lewis against a shadow of Mike Tyson and that's what it should always be recalled as.
I don't place much emphasis on Ezzard Charles V Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano V Joe Louis, Ray Leonard V Hector Camacho, Larry Holmes V Muhammad Ali, Trevor Berbick V Muhammad Ali etc etc because one of the fighters in these fights was shot to bits.

Perfect answer

Perfect answer

Yeah.......

[/B]

I agree (to your comments in bold), but Lewis shouldn't describe the Tyson fight as his 'defining' one. Credit where credit is due, Lennox Lewis was a great fighter,and it was a shame he never got to face Mike Tyson in his prime... Also a great fighter.

It is his defining fight to the public, it was his biggest fight attention/money wise. Why are people not getting what Lewis is trying to say, he's not saying that Tyson is the best fighter he fought but it gained him respect with the public.

It is his defining fight to the public, it was his biggest fight attention/money wise. Why are people not getting what Lewis is trying to say, he's not saying that Tyson is the best fighter he fought but it gained him respect with the public.

I don't think that anyone on this thread doesn't realise that Lewis knew that Tyson was not the fighter that he once was, therefore, my opinion is that the fight should not be described as defining. Success in the ring is what defines a great champion, then comes the attention and money. (You can't have one without the other, so to speak). IMO Lewis deserves more credit for other accomplishments, and like i've stated previously, had he fought Tyson in his prime, or Riddick Bowe then these would have been defining fights. Lewis could do nothing about that, and true, Tyson may have been Lewis's biggest fight attention/money wise, but IMO it takes more than that to make a defining fight.

What was Tysons defining fight? I can`t see any wins over great opponents on his record.

I'd say Tysons legacy was cemented when he got ko'd by james 'carpet salesman' douglas.

Lewis would have beaten Tyson at any stage of his career.

What was Tysons defining fight? I can`t see any wins over great opponents on his record.

I'd say Tysons legacy was cemented when he got ko'd by james 'carpet salesman' douglas.

Lewis would have beaten Tyson at any stage of his career.

I refer you back to my previous post...

Tyson's prime was brief, but it was unforgettable and explosive and the level of opposition during this time compare favourably with most on the career record of Lennox Lewis, and no doubt they would do well in the current heavyweight division. I'm talking about the likes of Jesse Ferguson, James Tillis, Jose Ribalta, Bonecrusher Smith, Pinklon Thomas, Tony Tucker, Mitch Green, Tyrell Biggs, Tony Tubbs, Frank Bruno, Carl Williams, Larry Holmes (though obviously past his prime), and Mike Spinks. IMO when Tyson beat Spinks he would have tested any heavyweight in history, despite Spinks being a blown up heavyweight, and IMO Tyson and Lewis are in what i would call the third tier of heavyweight greats.

i dont think ibelive it at all now, but i remember watching that fight, and while it was going on and especially the 1st round i was very pissed because it almost looked like the fight was "set up" for tyson to lose, lewis is a great fighter but, never being defeated and getting ko by tyson would hurt his persona, just my .02

mike

i dont think ibelive it at all now, but i remember watching that fight, and while it was going on and especially the 1st round i was very pissed because it almost looked like the fight was "set up" for tyson to lose, lewis is a great fighter but, never being defeated and getting ko by tyson would hurt his persona, just my .02

mike

Maybe i have not followed you correctly here, but the version of Tyson that Faced Lewis was shot! He lost the fight to Lewis because Lewis was the better fighter in 2002, however, how can you seriously claim that it looked like the fight was set up for Tyson to lose during the first round when Tyson won the first round??? Lewis never being defeated and getting KO'd by Tyson would hurt his persona??? Lewis had been KO'd twice prior to the Tyson fight! You've completely lost me... Enlighten me...

Prime Lewis beats any version of Tyson...
Bad match-up for Tyson, and Tyson himself knows he could never beat him...

well when they both were teens Tyson always beat up Lewis badly! Ad they both were not in their primes! As for prime vs prime I think it would be close UD win that could go either way! BUt there is one big disadvantage for Lenny he had shi'y chin and he could get ko'd easy!

ur right he has been beaten i should have restated, aparantly he has beaten everyone he has every fought pro. like he lost to mccall but then faced him again, and won, the reason i say that bout the first round, is cuz usually bell rings and tyson is on his opponent, and it seem like he kinda layed off a little, maybe its b/c it not being in his prime like i said i dont beleive it now but then i was piessed lol

ur right he has been beaten i should have restated, aparantly he has beaten everyone he has every fought pro. like he lost to mccall but then faced him again, and won, the reason i say that bout the first round, is cuz usually bell rings and tyson is on his opponent, and it seem like he kinda layed off a little, maybe its b/c it not being in his prime like i said i dont beleive it now but then i was piessed lol

Tyson had a good first round i.e. he used the jab to good effect in spells, and did what he could, but once Lewis got settled there was only going to be one winner. Tyson took some pinishment in the fight, and showed that he has a great chin, but it was sad to see him bashed up like that.

well when they both were teens Tyson always beat up Lewis badly! Ad they both were not in their primes! As for prime vs prime I think it would be close UD win that could go either way! BUt there is one big disadvantage for Lenny he had shi'y chin and he could get ko'd easy!

what is your source for the sparring between Lennox and Tyson?

If you read the book Facing Tyson, Lewis comments on sparring with Tyson when they were both younger. Lennox states that Tyson nearly took his head off every time, even when he would use a reaching jab and dancing footwork. He also admits to being a good friend of Tyson's to this day, and that Mike was able to teach him several valuable lessons during their sparring session(s).

It's worth remembering that Lewis was going on 37 when he fought Tyson so he was hardly a spring chicken himself. I don't buy the notion that Lewis was in his prime when he fought Tyson. I think he was past his best. Granted, Tyson was further past his best but I think Lewis had a style that would always be difficult for Tyson whenever they fought. Also, Tyson's biggest win was against a light-heavyweight, Michael Spinks. Tyson never beat a great heavyweight and he never avenged a defeat. He was also stopped 4 times.
The assertion that Lewis had a weak chin is also nonsense. Nobody with a weak chin could absorb right hands the way Lewis did against Klitschko. It's just physically impossible. Okay he got knocked out a couple of times. Fighters, even great ones, can get knocked out. I think the Mccall stoppage was premature. You could see that the ref couldn't wait to waive it off. In the Rahman fight Lewis was in poor condition, over confident, he didn't aclimatise to the altitude and was exhausted when Raham hit him with that monster right hand.
The knock on Lewis is that he didn't fight a prime Holyfield and that he didn't fight Bowe (through no fault of his own). However he did beat every fighter he ever faced and held a version of the heavyweight title on and off for over 11 years.
To put Lewis' achievements in perspective let's look at some other great heavyweights.
Larry Holmes - probably the best fighter he faced in his prime was an aging Ken Norton. His biggest win came against Gerry Cooney.
Rocky Marciano - biggest wins came against old fighters in Charles, Walcott, Louis and Moore (a lightheavyweight)
Joe Louis - biggest win against Max Schmeling who was several years past his best, knocked out 173 pound Billy Conn but had to come from behind and was hurt badly in the fight
Jack Dempsey - played the race card, never beat a top black fighter like Harry Wills, lost twice to Tunney. Was also knocked out in 1st round by 37 year old journeyman Fireman Jim Flynn (critics of Lewis take note)
What you will notice is the complete lack of fighters the quality of Frazier, Foreman and Liston on their records. It was Ali who fought and beat guys like that. It is Ali by whom all other are measured, and rightly so. That is why Ali is the greatest. So when disparaging Lewis for not doing X,Y and Z remember that other heavyweights considered to be great did not do it either.

tyson was beat before he ever came through the ropes what I mean is lewis had mentally defeated tyson . mike knew he was about to get his ASS kicked but he took it like a champion

These two fighters at their primes could go either way, but i'd say Lewis's size, power and skills would have enough to wear Mike down, possibly stopping him. Tyson struggled to find his range against fighters like Bonecrusher Smith and Tony Tucker, long rangy fighters who although they lost to Tyson, weren't in much danger of being KO'd.

As for Lewis saying he'd have lost to Tyson, he said that when 17 years old, almost ten years away from becoming a world class boxer, in contrast, Tyson was almost ready to be let loose on the various tomato cans he crushed in the mid-80's.