Prime for prime Witherspoon was like a much better version of Oliver McCall. Witherspoon by ko. At some point, Tim lands a monster right hand, and then, it's good night.
I wouldn't go as far as to favour Tim, but I would give him a good chance to upset Lennox. His entire style and things he did in the ring are something that Lennox or any post 80s heavy for that matter never saw. He was very awkward and tricky, Dundee blatantly pointed out how an experienced ATG in Holmes was completely perplexed by some old Philly moves. Lewis best bet is to go for the kill ala Bonecrusher, but if Spoon is prepared and manages to drag the fight out, its a tossup. KO either way or decision. Anything goes.
Lewis by comfortable decision. He'd force Witherspoon onto the defensive (after Witherspoon tasted his power) with Witherspoon throwing the odd unsuccesful potshot. Witherspoon wouldn't take enough chances to get knocked out i don't think but if Lewis lands a couple of big rights it's not completely out of the question tho longish odds. Witherspoon had Holmes in big trouble but backed off when Holmes landed a couple of good right hands himself. Witherspoon then fought the closing rounds more passively than he should have in a close fight that was possibly there for his taking. Holmes big heart in the closing stages was the difference.
I think the best of Spoon could take Lennox to a hard fought decision. With both men landing hard shots. A similar result as mercer v Lewis with Lenny getting a controversial win . One of Lewis s tougher fight s .
Spoon indeed was better fighter than either McCall or Rahman, and hit at least as hard as them. But then again Lewis would've never underestimated Spoon if they fought prime4prime. I pick top-shape Spoon over co.cky Lewis by right-hand KO. But if Lennox is prepared mentally and physically, and not taking too many risks, he should win.
Lewis deserves a better chance against Witherspoon than Bowe does. I believe Bowe is not so distinguishable between the whole 1980s rabble of belt holders that include Witherspoon. Lewis is But a tad higher because of his resume, his effort to face everyone, better condition, the extra guys he beat and the fact he wound up reversing his two losses. But that’s not to say Bowe or Witherspoon and the rest of the 1980s weight whatchers gang were bad fighters. In truth each had one surprise win in them against great fighters. I favour Lewis.
Lewis would not be able to hurt Witherspoon, but Witherspoon would definitely be able to hurt Lewis. That is the key to this fight. Witherspoon kayoes Lewis in 5.
This thread The 80s rabble won a 2 out of 3 vs. Holyfield as well! Of course they had a 85% KO-ratio too! As did they have a Silvermedal in the SHW-D. Didn´t you know Mike Weaver was as good as Riddick Bowe? For the question: Lewis KO or TKO.
Witherspoon was an underachiever in an era of underachievers .. yes he was very talented, had big power, a rock chin, very good defense and over skill .. kind of a natural heavyweight Toney but really what was his peak performance ? Great fight against Holmes w 13 fights but was out of shape for his best against the rest .. if he could not beat Thomas ( a super close fight ) at his best he's not beating Lewis who was better at every stage of the game ... it would be a terrific match up and Tim if he fought his best who knows ?
Better defense and better chin. Just as good jab. Lewis had better use his height and tie up - make it a stinker fight. If he fights the way he .did against Bruno, McCall or Mercer, he loses.
Tim much better boxer than Lewis, I never thought much of Lewis, though he did have good power, Tim by dec. or KO