If the December 2003 rematch between Lewis and Klitschko had occurred, who would have won?

The McCall rematch happened years later. Lewis lost to Rahman and had a rematch clause. Most long reigning champs have the power to try and avenge a loss.

 

But yeah, I have no idea based on the first fight. Lewis is excellent in rematches so I would lean towards him.

 

"B.. bu... but he'd definitely win a rematch doe"

Vitali had his shot and lost. Facts.

 

I would favour Lewis, probably 60-40, but it would be a dangerous fight. Lewis 's worst enemy was always complacency, and I think he was complacent going into that one - very dismissive of Vitali. He basically viewed him as just another average European fighter to blast through, after he'd finally beat Tyson. Vitali was much better than he expected.
An ageing, unmotivated Lewis basically managed to get through that one on guts and experience. I would lean towards a fully focussed Lewis, even at that age, to win a rematch - though I wouldn't be at all shocked if Vitali triumphed.
As an aside, Lewis is often slammed for ducking the rematch. I view it differently - so many fighters hang on too long, ignore the warning signs and dent their reputation by continuing and losing. I thought Lewis was smart for seeing the writing on the wall and getting out on top while he still could. Better to retire a fight too early than one too late.

 

Hard fight again for Lewis at this stage of his career but I think he wins and stops Vitali more convincingly in a rematch. Lewis was sloppy as hell and lethargic early on in the first fight but he was gaining momentum towards the end and Vitali was starting to break down.

An in shape Lewis would be much sharper with the jab (which actually buzzed Vitali a couple of times) and he wouldn't have had to get through those early scares. There's also a big chance that cut opens up again.

 

And yet he ran from the rematch.

 

Just like Vitali ran from Rahman.

 

During Vitali's prime years he looked unbeatable.

Lewis clearly did not fancy that rematch after losing the first fight clearly 4-2 (not up for debate), and getting a lucky cuts victory.

Lewis was preparing for a world title fight, Vitali was preparing to face some warm up nothing fight. If anyone was more unprepared it was definitely Vitali. Imagine a prime Vitali having a full 12 week or 16 week camp specially for Lewis.

Lewis had already been smashed by Rahman and Mccall (and Vitali), yet there was no legitimate blueprint to beat Vitali.

I think Vitali would have been very confident in that rematch.

 

lol Rahman

 

Well if you're consider retiring instead of facing someone a duck then Vitali ran from Rahman. You can't have it both ways.

 

He was very confident for the rematch which is why he chased Lewis as hard as he could. The dud that said no mas to boxing was Lewis.

 

Yeah except that Vitali was so old that bits were falling off him when he retired, and not boasting about how he was in his best ever shape and aged like 'fine wine'.

 

Lewis had a career of lacklustre performances. The Vitali fight was another underwhelming effort and Vitali was putting it on Lewis.

That was the best I saw Vitali but it definitely wasn't the best I've saw Lewis.

Who knows what would have happened in a rematch but we do know that Lewis has a win over Vitali. That's a fact not speculation.

 

yeah one chased the rematch as hard as he could and the other retired prematurely.

That alone tells you everything about their confidence against each other.

Great warrior fighters would want to put right a controversial, debatable 'victory' like that. It puts a bad stain on Lennox Lewis's career, that he made that ***** move to avoid the rematch everyone wanted to see.

 

How can you say 4-2 is not up for debate when Harold Lederman had it 3-3 going into the 6th round ? the fight only went 6 rounds my guy you make it sound like no one has ever had a lead in the early going of a fight and then the other fighter turned it around. Lewis was behind on points early vs Briggs he lost the first 2 rounds before stopping him in the 5th, Lewis was behind on points vs Mercer before rallying late to earn a decision, Lewis was behind on points vs Bruno possibly 4-2 before stopping him in the 7th. Lewis was coming off his best round of the fight almost knocking Vitali's head clean off his shoulders with an uppercut in round 6.

As for no blueprint for beating Vitali ? Byrd had a weeks notice vs Vitali went to his backyard befuddled Vitali making him miss punches all night before rallying in the 2nd half of the fight forcing Vitali to quit in the later rounds. Byrd parried Vitali's jab taking it away from him, backed him up, and tired him out in the later rounds with his superb defence.

Yes Vitali had a shoulder injury but i credit that to Byrd's defence so it's a legit win IMO.