Lewis reason for not giving vitali a rematch.

Ya, I agree with you I don't really believe in lucky punches, so I don't consider Rahman's punch "lucky" and it's a bit of an ironic comment considering, many people claim Lewis beat Vitali by a "lucky" punch as well.

 

Wow you really are a bit of a dick aren't you.

 

Maybe becuase Lennox didnt want to be arrested for murder?

Peak Quitali was almost dead in round 5 And 6, desperately hugging on for his life VS fat, old, unmotivated Lewis.

 

I have to disagree. I think that's the most motivated Lewis we've ever seen in the ring.

If you want to see an unmotivated Lewis watch the numerous borefests he fought in the 90s. Terrible fights. At times he fell asleep in the ring, looking like he lost his passion for the sport. Compare that to the heart, wild passion, determination and chin he displayed against Vitali.

IMO his slugfest with Vitali was Lewis' best performance and best overall win of his career. He beat a future HOF heavyweight at his peak and after beating him the opponent went on to capture the HW crown.

Each and every of Lewis' previous opponents was on the decline and past their best. Vitali wasn't and Lewis beat him.

Note: I said best overall performance, not most important nor career defining.

 

Excellent contribution to the thread. The fight had a positive impact on both fighters. Being involved in a classic war is something people will remember forever as this thread (7 years after the bout) proves.
Vitali was beaten by one of the best H2H HWs ever while giving Lewis (Hendo would probably state Lewis beat Vitali's ass. Whatever.) hell and went on to dominate every opponent put in front of him for the next 7 years (incl. 4 years lay off).

You should be glad this fight happened. It was one the most (if not the most) competitive high-level HW fight of the last 10 Years and uber exciting for six tremendous rounds. People need to appreciate what both fighters showed that night. Vitali must get credit for his heart (which he proved to have after the Byrd debacle), his bravery and in the later round also his chin. Lewis of course also gets credit for his chin, his adaptability and his ability to stay calm despite losing the early four rounds big. And of course for beating a man of this calibre against whom an effective blueprint is yet to be found.

I could watch this fight over and over again.

 

You're right. I forgot to add that none of these opponents went on to HOF worthiness nor did they capture any major titles for a period of a time.

Lewis either beat past-their-best versions of peer HOF boxers (Holyfield, Tyson) or Lewis beat the #1 contenders -- but they never went anywhere after being outclassed by Lewis.

The only exception to the latter group is Vitali: He was the only #1 contender that Lewis fought who went on to have an actual career at the top of the division for a reasonable period of time. All the others went nowhere.

This is not to take anything away from Lennox. I am just pointing out that IMO beating Vitali's face to a bloody pulp is Lennox' best win. We didn't realize that in 2003 -- but we realize that today with the benefit of hindsight, seven years later, after seeing Vitali's career unfold.

 

for lewis was scared!

 

This is the best post on this topic by far !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Lewis sure has an ego, but deservedly so.

I don't buy his statement of being at his worst against Vitali. That discredit's the overhand rights that Vitali landed. The overhand rights that CAUSED Lewis to look uninterested. He is a pro fighter who knew a world title defense was coming up. None of that *I didn't train* bull**** holds any water, whatsover. He went through his camp and he trained. He was prepared. Lewis should pull the plug on the the bull**** excuses of being at his worst due to lack of motivation...Vitali landing so many good shots is what made Lewis come across as unmotivated. Unmotivated to get nailed, over and over, again, maybe.


But it could have went either way. Great fight and one of the most debated, and there are no excuses for either man. Vitali lost, fair and square, but the outcome begged for a more concrete resolution. One that Lewis, had he been more confident in himself, would have taken and tried to squashed all the never ending controversy about who was the better man.

Lewis won, but I think he was lacking confidence that he if he could win a much needed and warranted rematch. I think we all agree on that. The outcome was not a good resolution, and him avoiding that unfinished business is telling as to Lewis's lack of self confidence that he could beat Vitali in a rematch.

 

I watched that interview. Lewis is right about Tyson - you need an uppercut to beat him. Douglas showed the blueprint. That is why (along with his Glass Jaw), Wladamir would have no chance versus a prime Tyson, he has no uppercut whatsoever and cannot fight inside.