If Lewis turned professional earlier than he did, could he have been the youngest heavyweight champ?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by mark ant, Oct 17, 2020.



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  1. Toney F*** U

    Toney F*** U Boxing junkie Full Member

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    That could’ve happened to him against anyone
     
    Toney F*** U, Oct 18, 2020
    Toney F*** U, Oct 18, 2020
    #16
  2. Saad54

    Saad54 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    No. If he turned pro in late 84 or 85 he would not have developed fast enough to beat any of the champs in 85-86. Tyson developed faster.
     
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2020
    Saad54, Oct 18, 2020
    Saad54, Oct 18, 2020
    #17
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  3. Saad54

    Saad54 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I doubt he would have been fast tracked as he was unknown in the States. He would probably be moved slowly in Canada and fighting for the Canadian title even after Tyson has beaten Berbick. Even in real life it was over two full years as a pro before he fought a top 10 contender.
     
    Saad54, Oct 18, 2020
    Saad54, Oct 18, 2020
    #18
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  4. Entaowed

    Entaowed Boxing Addict banned Full Member

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    I agree with most people-Lewis had not developed his skills enough to get more than possibly a belt.
    He did not have much more than a big right hand, & was relatively lean.

    Taller athletes tend to take longer to develop the coordination to dominate so early.
    Manny gave him so much guidance & technique.
    Usain Bolt & pitcher Randy Johnson are examples.
    Basketball where height is such an advantage can be an exception.

    Tyson & Patterson exploited the special gifts in the speed & energy of youth via the same trainer D'amato.
     
    Entaowed, Oct 18, 2020
    Entaowed, Oct 18, 2020
    #19
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  5. klompton2

    klompton2 Boxing Junkie banned Full Member

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    No, Lewis had a ton of flaws even well after he turned pro. Remember this guy was pretty much shut out against Frank Bruno before landing that hail mary. Thats a Bruno already in decline. I doubt he beats guys like Witherspoon much less the young Tyson and Im not even sure the savvy old Holmes wouldnt take him to the wood shed by outjabbing and out thumbing him.
     
    klompton2, Oct 18, 2020
    klompton2, Oct 18, 2020
    #20
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  6. Robertus Ramsey

    Robertus Ramsey New Member Full Member

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    Spot on he was raw even at 25, poor Footwork exacerbated by his Splayed feet. Aka Charlie chaplain style.
     
    Robertus Ramsey, Oct 19, 2020
    Robertus Ramsey, Oct 19, 2020
    #21
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  7. mark ant

    mark ant Canelo was never athletic Full Member

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    What I mean ws Lewis was a lot more sloppy in the years before he hooked yp with Steward, Manny even trained McCall to time Lewis`s right hand after watching Lewis struggle with Bruno and Tucker, Lewis hardly landed any right hands on Bruno and kept falling off balance every time he threw that punch.
     
    mark ant, Oct 19, 2020
    mark ant, Oct 19, 2020
    #22
  8. mark ant

    mark ant Canelo was never athletic Full Member

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    Why would he start his career in Canada when he started his real pro career in Britain?
     
    mark ant, Oct 19, 2020
    mark ant, Oct 19, 2020
    #23
  9. sweetsci

    sweetsci Well-Known Member Full Member

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    He fought for Canada in the Olympics, so in an alternate scenario starting his pro career in Canada is entirely plausible.
     
    sweetsci, Oct 19, 2020
    sweetsci, Oct 19, 2020
    #24
  10. Saad54

    Saad54 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    He may have started it in Brittan. Youre right. I was just thinking how he represented Canada. I think even sarting in Brittan would probably be moved slowly. Maybe a showdown with Bruno and Bugner in 1987.
     
    Saad54, Oct 19, 2020
    Saad54, Oct 19, 2020
    #25
  11. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    No.
    Even if we ignore the matter of his physicality as an 18-21 year old (rather than mid-20s), he'd be entering the pro ranks with a lot less amateur experience, achievement (and confidence that goes with those things).
    So, no, he would rise up the ranks slower, if at all.
     
    Unforgiven, Oct 20, 2020
    Unforgiven, Oct 20, 2020
    #26
  12. Bulldog24

    Bulldog24 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    No, otherwise he would've.
     
    Bulldog24, Oct 20, 2020
    Bulldog24, Oct 20, 2020
    #27
  13. Man_Machine

    Man_Machine Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I doubt Lewis could have been progressed through the ranks quickly enough to contend for a strap, before King's Tyson Tournament.
     
    Man_Machine, Oct 20, 2020
    Man_Machine, Oct 20, 2020
    #28
  14. George Crowcroft

    George Crowcroft Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    @mark ant

    Why does your profile pic look like an LSV addicted ******'s victim?
     
    George Crowcroft, Oct 20, 2020
    George Crowcroft, Oct 20, 2020
    #29
  15. mark ant

    mark ant Canelo was never athletic Full Member

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    There was a reason he came to Britain to start his pro career, he was born and raised in Britain till the age of 12 and wanted to win the British title, he was constantly boasting about his British background and draped himself in the union flag.
     
    mark ant, Oct 20, 2020
    mark ant, Oct 20, 2020
    #30
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