In a memorable clash of boxing titans, Lennox Lewis defeated Mike Tyson in 2002, winning by an eighth-round knockout in a fight that captured the attention of sports fans worldwide. Originally slated to take place in Las Vegas, the bout was moved to Memphis, Tennessee, after a brawl during the press conference led to Tyson being denied a fight license.
The highly anticipated matchup began with a competitive first round, but it didn’t take long for Lewis to assert his dominance. As the rounds progressed, Lewis’s effective strategy and powerful punches caused a significant drop in Tyson’s energy levels, rendering ‘Iron’ Mike less effective. The fight culminated in the eighth round when Lewis landed a decisive right hand, sealing Tyson’s fate and claiming victory.
Following his defeat, Tyson managed to secure a win in his next bout but faced setbacks soon after, suffering two stoppage losses before announcing his retirement in 2005. Meanwhile, Lennox Lewis hung up his gloves in 2003 after a victory over Vitali Klitschko, solidifying his status as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
While Lewis has maintained that the outcome of their fight would have remained unchanged regardless of the era, fans and pundits alike often speculate how a matchup between the late-eighties version of Tyson and Lewis might have unfolded. Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. weighed in on the debate, asserting that Lewis would win no matter Tyson’s form.
At that time, there was some discussion about a potential fight between Jones and Lewis. Just nine months after the Lewis-Tyson bout, Jones made an impressive leap from light-heavyweight to heavyweight, defeating John Ruiz to become the WBA World Champion. However, rather than pursue an undisputed fight with Lewis, he chose to return to the 175-pound division for his next fight.
In a more recent development, Jones faced Tyson in an exhibition match, which reignited interest in their legacies. After the fight, Jones remarked that Tyson was the hardest puncher he had ever encountered, highlighting the enduring power and skill of ‘Iron’ Mike, even in the later stages of his career. Tyson is set to return to the ring this November to face Jake Paul, further adding to his storied career.
