Did Lewis turn pro so late to avoid Tyson?

[GhostofDempsey]

Biggs beat Lewis in Amateurs, and Tyson KO'd Biggs as a pro. Whether or not that was why Lennox waited so long is still up for debate.

[Joe Beamish]

HE beat Bowe in the 88 Olympics, He spared Tyson many years earlier and controlled him after getting smashed in the mouth seconds into sparing. Mike Tyson himself stated he could have (never) beaten Lewis at any point of his career noting huge size difference and Lewis skills. I'm guessing Mike stands @ 5'9'' regardless of what is listed. I stood next to him once when he was being interviewed. I was taller then him, he was much wider, stocky. Lewis wasn't afraid of him.

Tyson says a LOT of things, often contradicting himself. I wouldn't put much stock in that.

[sleazyfellow]

Took Lewis some time to mature and find Manny, he didn't reach his full potential until that. Maybe Tyson could of got him in those earlier days but that's just a what if. Once Douglas gave the template on how to get Tyson that's all holyfield and Lewis needed.

[Mugwump]

Took Lewis some time to mature and find Manny, he didn't reach his full potential until that. Maybe Tyson could of got him in those earlier days but that's just a what if. Once Douglas gave the template on how to get Tyson that's all holyfield and Lewis needed.

I think Manny was certainly influential. But I think Lewis' maturation was largely self-induced. He grew in self-confidence and it showed.

Look at the number of times he seemed to be doing the very opposite of what Manny was telling him in the corner. At times Steward looked like he was about to burst a vein in his neck screaming at Lewis who seemed always to be sitting there with that serene ****-eating smile on his face.

There's only one king of the jungle and Manny kind of knew it.