Does Lennox Lewis Get Unfair Criticism For KOing Tyson?

Tbh, I don’t recall LL being criticised for fighting and defeating Tyson - but if it’s a question of properly weighting his victory relative to Tyson’s disrepair - sure, the physical status and viability of both Lewis and Tyson as at that time (Mike being so much more worse off) should be reasonably taken into account.

 

Everyone knows how finished Tyson was and why it happened. No one sane makes more of it then it was. My issue with Lennox was him trying to force Mike into a rematch like a shameless vulture.

 

I didn't know about the projected rematch. Very surprised, and I can understand your feelings on it.

 

I am absolutely certain of it.

 

Only thing I could be critical of Lewis in the Tyson fight is he could have ended it a couple rounds sooner if he'd have listened to his trainer Steward.

 

Steward told Lewis prior to the fight, it would
be an easy defense. It was, but a fighter
shouldn't allow his opponent to hang around
if they don't need too. Especially one with the
firepower of Tyson. One lapse in concentration
is all it would take.
Lewis shouldn't be criticized for doing what
he was supposed to do. Stopping a well
past his prime opponent.

 

Best Lennox always beats best Mike.

 

At this point in Tyson's career. Rahman beat's
him in my opnion.

 

That’s basically what that fight was ….Ali vs Holmes

 

People too young to remember the event, often fail to realize just how long a shadow Iron Mike cast.

The aura surrounding Tyson was such, that a lot of people picked him to beat Lewis, including a fair few who really should have known better.

The day after the fight Frank Warren was asked who Lewis should fight next.

He suggested that Chris Byrd was the best left, and added "there is also this guy called Klitschko, who is a Ukrainian who fights out of Germany."

He didn't even say which Klitschko.

When Tyson fought Danny Williams, he was expected to win easily.

When he didn't, many people assumed that they had vastly underestimated Danny Williams.

On the strength of that win he got a shot at Vitally Klitschko's title, and many people picked him to beat Klitschko, again including many who should have known better.

When Tyson lost to Kevin McBride, the penny finally dropped, but McBride still won golden opportunities through the win.

 

No it wasn't. Ali was both shot as a fighter and physically ill/deteriorating of a combo of Parkinson's and CTE. Tyson was only shot as a fighter. He's still healthy, mentally and physically, to this day.