Vitali, even 2003 baby Wlad would have knocked him out too if he acted like he was walking down the beach in Jamaica during a fight like he did against Rahman, he wasn't focused and had to pay for it, thats boxing but that had nothing to do with him weighing some pounds more or less.. against Tyson that was a huge fight for him and he was concered about Tysons power and was very negative. he did what he had to do to win, yes he didn't look good. however I can't see much decline in terms of his abilities between that fight and lets say the Tua fight couple years earlier for example..
When was Vitali's peak? In 2003 Lewis (38.) left Vitali (32.) needing 60 stiches. Vitali is now 40 but no one out there can even bloody Vitali's nose, speaks volumes for Lewis.
PRIME YOUNGER LEWIS would have easily beaten VK, c'mon he was old, not in the best shape and still beat VK, the fight was at its turning point since LL opened his eye...give credit when due....he also took that fight on short notice. SHows you how great he was. OK, he got KO by McCall because he was being lazy, did you see how he easily toyed with him on the rematch? Some people say here "Oh Tyson" would have KO the K brothers, did you see what LL did to Tyson?
i could see the decline. Even think Tyson shocked him the first round. Couldn't believe that Lewis took so long to beat up a guy that gassed after 2 minutes. Can argue all day about this but fighters do retire at younger ages than lewis with far less miles on the clock having acheived less. If your a Vitali fan you can still be objective you know.
Its knowing when to call it a day, no point in continueing and taking needless losses to guys who were not on his level during his prime years.
23-odd years' worth of boxing wasn't enough? Can't all be Holyfield and keep on going and going and going.
Lol My hands almost were shaking when I saw this thread and my trolling instict awake. Trolling time The Thread title I swear to God it was bait for us Vitali fanatics:yep:rofl
His mother had a vision that he was going to lose the 2nd fight with Vitali and that is why Lewis retired and turned down 30MM
Who decides when a boxer should retire - the British public? the people on this Forum? Lewis was 39 had earned his money and had put in some cracking performances to earn him a great legacy. Maybe making a family was more important to him than taking shots from people who wouldn't have lasted 5 mins if he were in his prime. Lewis had the choice to fight the up and coming past his prime, putting his legacy and health at risk or move onto to other things. In my mind he made the right decision. PS Wasn't Vitali younger than Lewis when he intially retired? i.e. 34 v 39
hes wasn't fat you moron, he was excellent shape he got himself an edge in mass and weight and he utilized that during the fight as anyone could see Klits trainer Sdunek was scared as hell once Lewis tipped the scales at the weigh in back then yeah guess you had to be there, shut up you clown i'm not even a fan him. its just what it is, 240lbs Lewis didn't punch harder nor could he have outmaneuvered or outboxed him or anything. that fight would have always been a physical fight and a war.