Who Should Rank Higher: Holyfield or Lewis?

[ProBox1]

Regardless of what happens during the remainder of their careers, both Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis have made their mark in heavyweight history. Holyfield and Lewis are without a doubt the two best and most accomplished heavyweight champions since the end of the Larry Holmes era in September of 1985. Some may say Rid**** Bowe should be included, but his body of work doesn't compare to either fighter. Mike Tyson also doesn't match up with either Holyfield or Lewis. Based on career achievements and head to head confrontations, both surpass Tyson. They are more complete fighters than Tyson and have faced and defeated better fighters than he has. Holyfield and Lewis have also handled adversity better than Tyson and have never ducked any fighter who was a perceived threat to them. There's no doubt that the battle for who is the best heavyweight champ since Larry Holmes is between Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis. [details]

[rudy]

Without a doubt Holyfield, the only two times Lewis took fights he might lose in were the Razor Ruddock (up till then nobody fought he could destroy Ruddock) and Rahman (Not many people have knocked out the guy in the same chilling manner they was knocked out). whereas Holyfield where do we start fighter of the year, Cruiserweight, fight of the year Qawi vs Holyfield 1, that is just the start, Bowe,Tyson, i can go he has done everything and more. A LEGEND without a doubt Lewis was good but not the stuff of True Legends like Holyfield, Ali, Louis

[The1God]

I would say Lewis...

Reason being, he had a better amature career, was ducked by many fighters. The biggest plus is he left while on top. Thinking about it, you can find so many positive points to their careers. I just give a slight edge to LL.

[Toller]

Holyfield was too inconsistent to be considered alongside Ali, Louis etc

[warped]

I'd go for Holyfield. Frankly I just have more respect for the guy that doesn't duck opponents and repeatedly triumphs in the face of adversity. Even past his prime he was able take out a fading (but still domineering) Tyson and then fought Lennox to a draw.

Lennox was an excellent tactician, but in reverse fashion he seemed to lose the fights he was expected to win, by KO no less. I'd have a bit more respect for him if he didn't take the Technical win over Vitali only to go back on his word and duck out of the Boxing world to get out of a rematch. That he went on to coach Vitali's opponents was laughable. More brains than heart.

Probably would have been easier to call if Evander had hung up the gloves half a decade ago.

[Sir_Jose]

Lewis didn't "duck" anyone he was the guy being ducked.

Lewis ranks higher.

Holyfield just way to up and down. Holyfield is under .500 in his fights.

He went
Bowe 1-2
Moorer 1-1
Tyson 2-0
Lewis 0-2

[warped]

Lennox Lewis ducked a rematch with Vitali.

At best there was no clear winner and the match was awarded by default. Lennox verbally agreed to a rematch but later changed his mind.

[Sir_Jose]

Lennox Lewis ducked a rematch with Vitali.

At best there was no clear winner and the match was awarded by default. Lennox verbally agreed to a rematch but later changed his mind.

*rolleyes*

Yes there was a clear winner if you dont think so then it shows you have an agenda.

Your asking a fighter to avenge a win.

[warped]

Are you kidding me? I hope this doesn't turn into a ridiculous semantic arguement but here goes.

Clearly Vitali was winning the fight. Clearly he was ahead on all score cards. If Vitali had suffered the cut during training and the fight had to be cancelled, would you proclaim Lennox the winner?

There is a certain amount of common sense that has to be factored in here, if you decide at some point you want to be able to make your own decisions. When I stated that there was no clear winner I was talking about the actual fighting, not the decision handed down by the doctor/judges. Vitali was leading, but Lewis did manage to do some heavy damage. It was decided that to call it a draw wouldn't be fair to the fighter who was cleared to continue, ETC.

I didn't say he had to avenge anything. I'm stating that Lennox knew Vitali was out boxing him and he encouraged a rematch because on some level he knew he didn't rightfully beat Vitali but went back on his word because it's too great of a risk.

Do you think there was a clear winner of Couture/Belfort II? How about Fedor/Nog II? Would you still claim Lennox won if the bout was ruled a No Contest?

[elveiel]

Vitali's face was a mess, i dont see the problem?? It doesnt matter who was ahead on the score card because injurys stopped the fight.

Lewis beat Vitali fairly.