was Lennox lewis always better then Tyson?

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by victoire, Mar 29, 2026.


who is better

  1. Tyson better

    30 vote(s)
    50.8%

  2. Lewis better

    30 vote(s)
    50.8%
Multiple votes are allowed.
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  1. victoire

    victoire New Member Full Member

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    Mar 13, 2026
    For all those who say Lennox Lewis was a better fighter than Mike Tyson, yes, he eventually became a better fighter, but let’s put it like this. Imagine if Lennox Lewis had made his pro debut in 1986, the same time Tyson did in 1985. Since people always say Lennox was a late bloomer, that would have meant he would have fought Tyson in 1986 or 1987.
    If you remember, people always say Lennox Lewis’ peak was in 1997, and he made his pro debut in 1989. That means it took eight years for Lennox to become a complete fighter. So, if he had debuted in 1986 alongside Tyson, he would have had to face Tyson before he ever reached his peak. His peak might have never happened because he would have been beaten up early in his career. By the end of the 1980s, if he was actively fighting, he likely would have lost to Mike Tyson.
    The point is simple: Lennox Lewis became great later, but Tyson reached his prime early and would have been a nightmare for an unfinished Lennox. So no, Lennox was not always better than Tyson—he just became better later.
     
    victoire, Mar 29, 2026
    victoire, Mar 29, 2026
    #1
    Smokin Bert likes this.
  2. Jakub79

    Jakub79 Active Member Full Member

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    If Lewis' peak was in 1997, how come he was rated 32nd in The Ring's 1998 historical heavyweight rankings? Did none of the publicists or experts understand what a great champion we were dealing with? And how come Holyfield was the clear favorite in their first fight, even though a year earlier it was clear he was already past his prime?
     
    Jakub79, Mar 30, 2026
    Jakub79, Mar 30, 2026
    #2
    Bigplatts and heerko koois like this.
  3. Joeywill

    Joeywill Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Mike Tyson was undisputed champ when Lennox wasn't even pro yet
     
    Joeywill, Mar 30, 2026
    Joeywill, Mar 30, 2026
    #3
    Jakub79 likes this.
  4. MaccaveliMacc

    MaccaveliMacc Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Holyfield wasn't a clear favorite in their first fight. He was a favorite, but slight.
     
    MaccaveliMacc, Mar 30, 2026
    MaccaveliMacc, Mar 30, 2026
    #4
  5. heerko koois

    heerko koois Obsessed with Boxing

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    1988 Tyson beats any version of Lewis imo.....
     
    heerko koois, Mar 30, 2026
    heerko koois, Mar 30, 2026
    #5
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  6. TNSNO1878

    TNSNO1878 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Yes he was - dimensions above Tyson as an amateur, culminating in an Olympic gold, beat every man he faced as a pro, and has multiple grade-A wins that are miles ahead of Tyson's resume. Not to mention Lennox is older. Tyson peaked at 24. I'm surprised this poll is so one-sided. A peak 88 Tyson would have given Lewis a close fight, but Lennox was always the better boxer.
     
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2026
    TNSNO1878, Mar 30, 2026
    TNSNO1878, Mar 30, 2026
    #6
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  7. vargasfan1985

    vargasfan1985 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    bettings odds have zero to do with reality
     
    vargasfan1985, Mar 30, 2026
    vargasfan1985, Mar 30, 2026
    #7
    Jakub79 and destruction like this.
  8. ruffryders

    ruffryders Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Who knows, timing of fights is everthing
     
    ruffryders, Mar 31, 2026
    ruffryders, Mar 31, 2026
    #8
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  9. Jakub79

    Jakub79 Active Member Full Member

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    Mar 3, 2024
    Right. However, from what I remember, in The Ring's poll, trainers, boxers, and journalists also rated Holyfield higher, even higher than the official odds. I don't think anyone knew back then that they were dealing with a boxer as great as he is today.
     
    Jakub79, Mar 31, 2026
    Jakub79, Mar 31, 2026
    #9
    vargasfan1985 likes this.
  10. bandeedo

    bandeedo Loyal Member Full Member

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    Feb 19, 2007
    no.
     
    bandeedo, Mar 31, 2026
    bandeedo, Mar 31, 2026
    #10
  11. Wizbit1013

    Wizbit1013 Drama go, and don't come back Full Member

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    OP clearly not a fan of Lewis is he
     
    Wizbit1013, Mar 31, 2026
    Wizbit1013, Mar 31, 2026
    #11
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  12. Reinhardt

    Reinhardt Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    With both fighters at their best, Lewis has the tools to frustrate him and take a UD ,probably a late stoppage. Mike does have the punchers chance but for me styles, reach,and height favor Lennox.
     
    Reinhardt, Mar 31, 2026
    Reinhardt, Mar 31, 2026
    #12
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  13. slash

    slash Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Yep
     
    slash, Mar 31, 2026
    slash, Mar 31, 2026
    #13
  14. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    Tyson would have a punchers chance but best for best Lewis has the necessary ingredients.
     
    JohnThomas1, Apr 1, 2026
    JohnThomas1, Apr 1, 2026
    #14
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  15. Glassbrain

    Glassbrain Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Apr 9, 2016
    Yes.

    Talent wise, no - Tyson had the edge on most fighters in history in terms of ability to fight, but talent will only get you so far. In terms of dedication, consistency and actual achievements as a heavyweight, Lewis was always better.
     
    Glassbrain, Apr 1, 2026
    Glassbrain, Apr 1, 2026
    #15
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