I watched a streaming package of some of Lewis's wins last night over Biggs, Golota, Ruddock, and Grant. The early confidence, skills, power, and aggression he displayed in these fights was outstanding. When he wanted to, Lewis could be a destroyer on Liston or Tyson's level.
Yes agree those were very impressive displays of Lennox's devastating punching power and skill. Also Briggs, Botha, Bruno. If Lennox couldn't outbox you hed rely on his physicality. Those early knockouts of Golota, Botha, Ruddock Grant etc are Lennox in beast mode. Just like a Lion threatened by another huge Lion!
number 1 or 2 all time heavy on my all time list, a really heavy hitter with his back hand, didn't use his jab enough.
Golota had a panic attack in the dressing room and needed a sedative. Word got out to Lewis and that his why he pounced on him as soon as the bell rang. 10 years past prime ghost of Tyson did the same to Golota but doesn't get any credit for it. He broke Ruddock and gave Lewis the leftovers. After Tyson Ruddock never again won a noteworthy fight. Biggs lost his zero to Tyson and Lewis beat him years later after he had 4 losses. This thread should be called 'Mike Tyson' because he has better victorys over all those guys. Why isn't Mike being called 'outstanding'?
Arguably number 1 of all time for my money Lennox looked better against Holyfield, Golota, Botha and Rudduck, Tyson looked better against Bruno. Why am I feeding the troll?
Tyson was never the same after prison and a shadow of what he was in his prime but still done well. I'd like to see how Lewis career would of panned out if he got stiched up and spent 4 years behind bars. John Ruiz and Chris Byrd looked better against the version of Holyfield that Lewis fought. Lewis would not of stood a chance against early to mid 90;s Holyfield. Tyson sent Ruddock to hospital with broken bones all over his body before Lewis got to him so how is that a better win for Lewis? Tyson barely lost a round to prime Tucker and 7 year later he made Lewis look poor. Lennox enrolled in a second olympics because he didn't want to cross paths with Tyson. Tyson's sparring parther knocked Lewis clean out. Only an idiot would have Lewis #1 ATG and discredit Tyson at the same time. All Lewis has over Tyson is a win in 2002. Should Larry Holmes be #1 of all time because he defeated Ali? Expalin how im trolling?
I could never put Lewis before Ali or Louis in an all-time list because I don't think he meant as much to his era as they did to theirs. They left a much bigger splash. But yes, a tremendously tough proposition for pretty much anyone. Tall, technical, big puncher, confident, rose to the occasion and could dig deep if he needed to. An absolute lock for me in the top 10. (Although where exactly in that 10 is up for debate.) Having said that, (and Dino will probably hate my guts forever for saying this) but I do think in some ways, Wlad eclipses Lewis in some key areas. He seems to carry 240+ better for one thing, is lighter and more spry on his feet than Lewis at the weight, has a far superior jab, and at least an equally good right hand and better left hook. He just seems a bit sharper than Lewis, on the whole. If it wasn't for that shitty chin (which completely dictated how his fighting style has panned out) we may have arguably seen a better fighter than Lewis emerge. Because of his style has evolved, he has almost completely neglected body punching and fighting inside. But the younger Wlad before he lost, was a bloody impressive machine. (Sorry, not to derail the thread.)
Ive heard stories about Golota on that night, even Farhood commented on him arriving late or something. Yes some Tyson leftovers, but Ruddock got too low and got hit with an equilibrium shot he was done against Lewis. Did Lewis have flaws? of course but his knockout power was pretty shocking
Well, one vital characteristic of an ATG is to be able to throw down in the trenches. Lewis could do that but Wlad folds and can't trade for trade. The ability to fight under pressure trumps Wlads more by the book technique because it all goes out the widow when he's attacked and he has to hold on for dear life. Against Lewis opponents would he even had the opportunity to box Lewis is an ATG for sure but the mythos surrounding him these days needs to be brought back down to earth.
Some of my fave wins on Lewis' resume. He really could steam roller guys when he was on form and in the mood. :bbb
Hard to believe Tommy Morrison, gave Lennox A tougher fight than, Goloata, Grant, and Ruddock, and throw in Tyrell Biggs also.. Would have loved to see Lewis, Mercer 2..
This Holyfield comment is a myth. If you take the two fights together and are unbiased in the scoring lewis won the first fight 9-3 and the second fight 8-4 or if you're generous 7-5. so even if you your giving Holyfield the benefit of the doubt in the second fight that would make it a combined total of 16-8 for Lewis. That's not all that close. I don't think Lewis is ATG#1 but his longevity certainly exceeds Tyson and H2H they're both probably in the top 5 so both score high in that department. It's obviously that you're a ball sucker when it comes to Tyson but the fact is, Lewis ranks higher than him on the ATG list and head to head, an argument can be made either fighter. As to what Lewis has over Tyson he has a couple of wins over Holyfield, that's more than Tyson has. He also gave Tyson the beating of his career.