Lennox, Ibeabuchi would have to walk Lewis down and constantly slip the jab and get inside. I don't see that happening and outside Lennox picks him off. Lennox is quicker too.
With his shaky whiskers a McCall or Rahman like starching could always occur, but Lewis is light years better otherwise than the extremely overrated Ibeabuchi who had exactly TWO fights against live bodies. This looks like a mismatch, but then so did the McCall and Rahman fights.
It would have been a dangerous fight. I actually think Lewis' ego and preparation are the keys and both would need to be good for him to win. Lewis would not win a stand and trade or tough back and fought the fight. He would have to use boxing skills, keep it boring, and play it safe. And get's Ike's respect. Ibeabuchi is far more dangerous and durable than Rahman or McCall, and much more skilled than Tua. This would have been Lewis' best win, over the past his prime Holyfield and a washed up Tyson. 50/50, but I'm a bit higher on Ike than most. The guy went toe to toe with the best version of Tua, and tracked down a slickster with a good chin in Byrd, taking him out with one tremendous punch! In these fights, he proved he had great stamina, a heck of a chin, and very good power. Ike had a decent jab, and, in my opinion, was an all time could have been. He's out of prison, and back in boxing now. Don't expect much.
You could argue that. It would depend on how Ike rebounded from the loss. Lewis was down on the cards 4-2 and won via a cut, which might have been created via backhand glove swipe. He won the fight, but wasn't ahead and looked dead tired. I tend to think Vitali was Lewis' best win.
Probably Lewis by dec. But he'd have to be very careful and fight a dull fight. Use his height and reach, tie Ike up, Stall. Ike would be very dangerous. If Lewis fights Ike like he did McCall or Rahman in the first fight, watch out. Timber. But, I think Lewis in '99 was pretty disciplined, so I see him winning a UD.
I reckon this would be a major test for Lewis, Ibeabuchi had an amazing work rate for a big guy and had the skills, chin and power to match. The way Ray Mercer troubled Lewis makes me think Ike has a great chance here.
