This is a case of people severely underrating Lewis rather than overrating Tyson, people seem to think that Lewis is vulnerable, let me tell you, when Lewis is at his best, there ain't nothing vulnerable about him at all, a lot of people don't even have him in their top 5, IMO he is the best h2h fighter and I know I am not overrating him, I am just looking at his prime fights without bias
He might-I always picked Tyson, but you can make a very good case for Lewis too. The major advantage is size. Tyson, speed & I believe overall ability. And he did not fade easily when prime. My point was what you state as fact was by definition opinion. Fans over-identify with their guy & live vicariously through them. Otherwise there would not be such bias. Thinking anyone including Lewis did not have vulnerabilities in their prime is the essence of bias. Lewis was vulnerable to being taken out. The fact that he lost focus & undertrained does not mean that you can guarantee he would not in another fight. While less likely fighting someone as formidable as Tyson, if when in or very near his absolute peak the 2 fights with Holyfield-way past his best, could only fight in spurts-& Mercer who an ancient Holmes beat at least ran him quite close...And likely would have won if Mercer did not tire late... Is evidence that of course he had flaws.
Alright, yes you are right when you talk about general popularity let me try again is he more popular by the casual forum member.
One result that's being ridiculously undersold is Tyson by decision. It's what happened with Tucker. And Lewis barely beat Hokyfield (II) and Mercer by decision. Tyson could build on that a little and win on points. Maybe stoppage, but I want the lone decision vote.
Lewis was a good fighter, but he wouldn't last long against prime Tyson. Speed would be the major disadvantage for Lewis . I personally feel Lewis would have a better chance against a Louis, Foreman, and possibly Ali ( But no I don't believe he beats Ali or Foreman. But Louis????, I'll save for a different post) . Styles make fights.... Tyson hand, and especially foot speed would be a major disadvantage for Lewis. Tyson could close the distance on Lewis and his ability to aggressively attack from different angles against the slow footed, upright style of Lewis would prove disastrous for him. Lewis wasn't a physical fighter like Foreman ( Though his size suggests he could've been) though he leaned, and sometimes pushed opponents it really wasn't apart of his game plan. He was more of use the jab, get distance to drop the right hand on his opponents, he was usually a one-two fighter. Tyson would easily get underneath his jab, and be able to close distance unlike any opponents Lewis has faced , in close, the fight would be all Tyson. Tyson just a bad style match up for Lewis prime vs prime. Lewis would stand a better chance against Tyson after he started working with Manny Steward though he was slightly past his prime.
I slightly favour Lewis. For me Lewis was at his best, when he fought Rahman II. He was fully developed (under Steward), well experienced, had a great footwork and used his size advantage. He was slick and fought cautious. I think this Lewis can win. Tyson had also problems to knock out taller boxers, which fought cautious, like Smith and Tucker. Though Lewis was far better than both. I read, that Lewis and Tyson had sparring sessions together back to the early 80s. Tyson was domiating at the beginning, but after some time, Lewis adapted to Tysons style and then it was even. Maybe somebody knows more about.
First of all , Glass cannon Rahman should have never won in the first place, he looked like shid until he landed one punch, if was a subpar performance vs Douglas who boxed pretty good to the eye and came back from a knock down. I recommend you watch the re match again because Lewis was wobbled by a jab, I repeat, his legs went jelly for a second after Rahman landed a jab.. For me if Lewis plays it safe he gets outhustled a la Tucker or Smith if he gets brave he will be betrayed by his chin...................if ham and eggers like McCall and Rahman can take him out with ONE right hand , in McCalls case with his eyes closed, then Tyson puts him down and out too.
For me Lewis looked very impressive against Rahman, but I will watch it again. Weaknesses and strenghts, you can find everywhere. If I remember correctly, Tucker made a good fight against Tyson at the beginning, but injured his hand and Smith landed a good powerpunch at the end. Sure, Tyson had a good chin. I just have the feeling, that Lewis can win this. Though he cannot fight sloppy and should fight very aware and cautious. Lewis was also a late bloomer in contrast to Tyson. I give the edge to Lewis (but just 55:45 or 60:40%). Tyson would be damn dangerous for him.
Lewis for me, too big and too good for Tyson IMO. Lewis would never be caught switched off against Tyson and would have the right strategy to handle anything Tyson brought to the table.
