Boxing News Replay Lennox Lewis vs Mike Tyson

Boxing News Relive Lennox Lewis vs Mike Tyson Fight. There was controversy before the fight. There was great doubt that the fight would actually happen. And there is great fan interest. It was 20 years ago today when Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson finally got this after a wild pre-fight presser that saw Tyson attack and bite Lewis. “Iron Mike” was later denied a license in many places. But eventually, the fight finds a home, and Lewis discovers just how much better he is than Tyson. At this stage in their respective careers, at least.

Tyson, 35, and Lewis, 36, are fighting in Memphis, and the promotion is really big. Hugh. Unmatched.

But for a while, it was really hit and miss when it came to whether or not the two would actually fight in the ring. Two of the biggest names in the heavyweight division at the time, having fought once as a young man in The Catskills. Engaged in that fierce battle in January 2002 when at a presser to announce the fight. Tyson threw several punches at Lewis’ bodyguards. because the two were supposed to meet head-to-head on the podium in New York. And Tyson then allegedly bit Lewis in the leg during the ensuing fight. Tyson, who was basically insane, was later denied licenses everywhere other than Memphis. The battle that everyone still wanted to see, even wanted to see more of, had begun again.

Lewis Beats Tyson

After a bright start, with Tyson winning the opening round, the one-time “undefeated” fighter faded. Tyson then took the hit. Cut above both eyes, outboxed, out-punched and out-muscled, Tyson is no match for Lewis. Finally lying on his back in round eight, Tyson looked like he was done, never to fight the former champion again. It’s sad to see how far Tyson has fallen. There was, surprisingly, a brief talk of a rematch, with Tyson eagerly asking his conqueror for a chance to fight him “one more time.” Thankfully Tyson’s repeated blow never happened. We saw 20 years ago today a fight that, to be truly competitive, had to take place at least five or six years in advance. But no, and fans took what was left of the super fight.

Tyson, shooting or approaching him but desperate for money, kept fighting. The former king managed one win and then two more KOs by fighters who today readily admit they won’t stand a chance with the pinnacle version of the fighter they stepped into the ring with. It turned out that Lewis didn’t have much else to offer either. Escaped a humiliating defeat to Vitali Klitschko at the end of his career a year after he punished Tyson. Lewis barely made it through the battle, which helped to victory because of the terrible wounds Klitschko suffered. Lewis and Tyson had to fight it was only demanded by the general public. But after their fight, one won by Lewis’ orders, no one should fight anymore.

Read also: