Was the ring magazines top 10 heavyweight contenders better than the top 10 heavies in 1988 including the two champs of each respective year also? I am trying to work out why fans are saying Lewis was scared to turn pro in `84 compared to `88. Heavyweights Cruiserweight Light Heavyweights Larry Holmes, Champion Pinklon Thomas Greg Page David Bey Tim Witherspoon Gerrie Coetzee Mike Weaver Michael Dokes James Broad James (Bonecrusher) Smith Gerry Cooney
Heavyweights Light Heavyweights Middleweights Mike Tyson, Champion Evander Holyfield Carl Williams Adilson Rodrigues Tim Witherspoon Michael Dokes Razor Ruddock Tony Tucker Orlin Norris James (Buster) Douglas Francesco Damiani
I think 1984 was a bit better. LOL at the Ring ranking Rodrigues at #3 in '88. I wonder if some $$ changed hands on that one. The Ring was struggling financially big time around then and would be bought out at the end of 1989.
P.S. I don not think Lennox Lewis was "scared" to turn pro after the 1984 Olympics. Nobody knew then that Tyson would go on the tear he eventually did go on. I think Lewis's team probably figured that at 19 years old, and with it known that most HW mature relatively late, it made sense to wait and go after Olympic Gold. It proved to be a very wise decision, actually. He did get that Gold and saved some wear and tear in the process.
