Joe Frazier '70 Vs Lennox Lewis '97

I think Lewis would win inside six. Frazier could not take Lewis punches. The fight would be a bit like the Foreman fight. However I'd give Frazier style points for his trunks.

On a more serious note, did Frazier step on Ali's foot during the classic 15 round knockdown? The above photo suggests he might have.

 

Hell no. That was a legit KD, even Ali says it was.

 

I think that if the fight is stopped early, it'll be in favour of Lewis.

Frazier was known to be a slow starter in pretty much all of his fights. And before he warmed up and got into his groove, you could get to him.

Ali shook him up early a couple of times. And of course, Foreman turned him into a basketball.

I think Lewis would look to jump on Frazier early on in the fight. He would look to land a big punch and immediately follow up, to try to take his opponent out before they could relax and settle into the fight, as he did with Golota and Grant.

If that failed, I could see Lewis getting sparked in the early-to-middle rounds. But I think it's more likely that Lewis goes to plan B, which is sitting on the outside with a long jab, uppercutting and leaning all over Frazier when Joe got inside, to wear him out, and then eventually putting the huge straight right behind the jab as Joe slows down.

Lewis KO2 or 9.

:hat

 

This one is easy. Just watch Frazier Vs Foreman - same thing only more clinical from Lewis.

 

Frazier KO Lewis inside 10 rounds. I'll give Lewis credit for arguably being the most atheletic big man since Ali. Lewis could move on his feet and had a solid jab with arguably the 4th hardest right hand in history behind Shavers, Foreman and Mike Tyson.

1970 Frazier was slightly past his prime but I'd pick him to beat Lewis by KO in the middle rounds. Lennox never faced the type of pressure that Frazier would put on him. IMO Joe's body attack would be the difference in this fight. If the referee allows Lewis to manhandle Frazier, shoving him back and grabbing his shoulders like Foreman did in 1973, Lewis might win by KO. Lennox Lewis wouldn't last 5 rounds with the Joe Frazier circa 1967 - 1969.

 

Once again in defense of Joe Frazier, George Foreman never fought the best version of Joe Frazier. The fighter who showed up in Jamaica 1973 was overweight, overconfident, out-of-shape, and medically damaged.

Frazier was completely shot in Uniondale 1976 for the rematch and still managed to put up a fight for five rounds before being KO'd. The fact that he wore contact lenses to help his vision speaks volumes about his courage and toughness.

Take nothing away from George Foreman, he beat an undefeated champion that many considered invincible. He did everything right that night to keep Frazier at bay, even though he had much help from Arthur Mercante. Still, Foreman never fought the same fighter that took Ali the distance in the FOTC and even that Frazier was slightly past it.

 

This is my take on it too.

 

Frazier is not getting it done within 12 but possible if it is scheduled for 15 and if he does not get ko'ed early.

When Lewis faced a legitimate threat he played it safe, very safe especially after he got cold cocked by McCracken. Sleepwalking for 24 with a severely shopworn Holyfield, participating in one of the most boring heavyweight fight in recent history with Tua or taking forever to get rid of the shot beyond shot Tyson impersonater . Anyone remembering " you got a dead man there" and still not pulling the trigger ?

While I am not a big fan of Frazier and not very impressed with his record in his signature fights he ain't no mental midget Golata or journeyman Grant so Lewis ain't coming out guns blazing. Guaranteed. Instead he will stay behind the jab, fire the occasional right and the objective will be to bag rounds. He might get the ko this way too, however , Lewis was never a conditioning wonder and if he alllows Frazier to dictate the pace a well placed left hook on Lewis's achilles heel , his chin ,might turn the fight. Remote but possible if Frazier makes it into the 12 round plus territory.

 

Ususally about 2. Employing a Bob and Weave style to get his rythum.....

Or realizing that he is in with a dangerous, tenacious Man he could come out ultra cautious like he did against a washed up Tyson or a seriously fading Holyfield.

:-( Frazier out works Lewis for a tight UD if at 12 or a possible KO at 15.

 

Over 12, Lewis PTS.

Over 15....God knows. If Lewis can keep it up over 15 then I'd think he could stop Frazier late on. But at the same time, if he can't Frazier destroys him.

 

I go with Frazier. I think he gets inside, stays inside and eats Lewis alive. Joe was really quite a sharp shooter with his punches and had an excellant work rate.

 

The more i think about this fight, the more i think Lewis will destroy Frazier with that right uppercut, before holding him.

 

Love Smokin' Joe but he'd get murdered by Lewis. TKO4. Lewis has power close to Big George but he's better technically. Easy fight for LL.