Apologies if this has been done in the past. What would have happened if there had been a rematch 6 months after their first fight? With both fighters in as good condition as they could be?
I can't actually predict this? The shots that Vitali took from Lewis were so huge his face was hanging off. I just don't see how you would KO him. I'd say a Lewis in great shape could beat Vitali on points. But I don't count out a Vitali KO either. I've chosen a Lewis Decision as I'd prefer him to win.
Lewis was offered $15,000,000.00 for the re-match. He declined. Vitali fought for the last belt Lewis held, and basically forced Lewis to either take the re-match, or get stripped of his belt. Lewis retired. When a fighter declines from that type of pay day, it speaks volumes. Vitali via KO.
Hmmm. To be honest, and you can call me a Lewis-nuthugger if you want, I think Lewis declined because he obviously knew his skills were on the downward slope and didn't want to risk losing to a top fighter in his prime. Lewis had already beaten Klit, so what was the point in risking his legacy and health?
lewis wins again and although i have voted by decision i would not count out a cuts win again for lewis
Lewis by stoppage... not KO. Lewis would have come in better prepared in a rematch. In the first fight Lewis had prepared for the very limited Kirk Johnson and took Vitali at late notice and was in the worst shape of his career and beat a very motivated Vitali. I can see the same result but more clinical in a rematch
A fit Lennox would use his superior jab and boxing skill in a rematch. I see a decision win for LL, a comfortable decision win.
Vitali would pace himself better and win by late stoppage. Both fighters were used to being the physically stronger guy in the ring and both met their match in this fight but Vitali had the better chin and in this fight it would make the difference.
You need to remember Lewis was in the worst shape of his entire career when he stopped Vitali the 1st time and didn't use any of his FAR superior boxing skill and longer reach in that fight. An in shape Lennox keeps Vitali at the end of a jab... especially if Vitali tries pacing himself and standing off
I would be unable to make a prediction. Could go either way 50:50. A rematch with both fighting at their peak athletic ability sure could have had the potential for HW fight of the generation.