Tyson vs Lewis: why it didn't happen(1996)

Same outcome regardless

 

Post prison Mike finally stepped in the ring with elite fighters.

 

I dont know I think tyson would have made it a lot closer in 96 vs lewis

 

A great thread by ironchamp explains it:

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/forum/showthread.php?t=264360

From that thread, here is a superb explanation by Unforgiven:

 

Personally I blame King for the fight not happening sooner. King I am sure would have demanded his typical options clause for Lewis to face his cash cow Tyson. And looking at the way he robbed Tyson I can't really blame Lewis for wanting his own promotional team handling any proposed event with Tyson.

 

Once more, a fight not signed over the issue of money and promoters, I'm stunned people always instantly go to the ducking argument about any fight that didn't happen ever or on time.

 

A offer was made from the Tyson camp to face Lewis. The offer was Higher than any Purse Lewis had received for any fights previous. There can be NO doubt Tyson did not duck Lewis!

 

As I remember it, Tyson and King paid Lennox millions and I think even gave him a car to step aside and let him fight Seldon. Poor Lennox, he should've had Bowe, and a post prison Tyson on his resume if they hadn't bitched out on fighting him. My opinion is that Tyson did not want such a hard fight so soon after prison and did not want to jeopardize the fight against Holyfield, who was seen as washed up and who Tyson was expected to easily beat.

 

King wasn't prepared to put a ring rusty Tyson in with a prime Lewis (and pay big bucks to both) without a water tight contingency plan - basically a long term agreement to promote Lennox.

Given that Lewis was always fully in control of his own affairs and had seen the state other boxers had gotten into when under King's control.... seems like a smart move to me.

Taking this into account King manoevred Tyson towards Holyfield, who was pretty much in limbo, having not long been stopped by Riddick..... and because King felt that Holyfield was done it was a pretty safe, big money ticking over affair until they could come to some agreement with the Lewis camp.

Obviously what happened happened, Tyson lost badly twice, Lewis kept winning and ended up colliding with Holyfield himself. From that point on, Tyson was fighting joke opponents on a European tour...... the Lewis fight wasn't even on the radar until the shock KO loss to Rahman, by which time Mike was broke and TV wanted the fight big.

It's a bit lazy to assume that either ducked the other...... sure King offered Lewis a career high payday, but with what conditions?

Lewis always had the get-out of being able to fight big names in England and generate huge $$$$$. The American HW's didn't really have that and were forced to dance to King's tune as and when he wished.