How many of you honestly think Vitali could have beaten Lewis...

Why did this rematch not happen?

 

^B.B., He (Vitali) was winning the fight, was he not?

 

Lewis retired.

 

^After finding out Vitali was going to be his mandatory... (at least, that's what I've heard. This true?)

 

No.
Lewis retired because he had proven to be the best of his era. Vitali was an up and comer at the time. Lewis had lost the passion for the fight game after beating Tyson. That was the thing that sealed his legacy. It's clear that he came in against Vitali out of shape. He retired at the right time.

 

I just think it was a ***** move is all. Vitali deserved that rematch and he knew it. A lot of money could have been generated, but I think he wanted to go out on top, which is fine. Oh well, it's HIS body we're talking about and he has complete control over when he's had enough. I just think Vitali helped make him realize this.

 

Lewis WON END OF STORY:deal..

Put this **** to rest it's been 6 long yearsatsch..

Vitaly is damn glad the doctor stopped that fight, or he would have lost his eye, :verysad

 

There is always someone around the corner that thinks they're good enough. It's a damn shame when fighters go on too long. He lost the appetite for it, so retired. It was entirely the right thing to do.
He also beat Vitali when not in the best of shape and at the end of his career, so I dont think he owes him anything.

 

So what does that make David Haye?

 

This is based on an arguemant I got into with some dumbass who said (and I quote) "Lennox got lucky that Vitali's corner made him quit, 'cause if they didn't Vitali woulda ****ed him up".

I don't think Vitali would have lasted much longer.

 

he clearly ducked the rematch.

 

I recall the rematch being seriously considered by Lewis' people. I also recall that Lewis wanted to see doctor's reports on Klitschko's eye.

 

Lewis refused to give Vitali a rematch. He knew why. Thats the best evidence that Vitali indeed would have won vs. Lennox.

 

Oh really?

Then why didn't the big Klit win first time around?

 

Qualified yes: only if the cuts had not opened (i.e. same concussive impact from the punches but no tearing).
With the cuts, Lewis has a strong advantage from the 7th forward because Vitali has to protect his eye.