Whatever the excuses, the FACTS are that Lewis was taken out twice in the early rounds by second-tier fighters when he held the title - and he is the ONLY one of these guys who had this happen to him. If mediocre contenders can turned this trick, it stannds to reason that many, many of the ATGs could do it too. Prime Tyson knocks him out, early too. Holyfield, who almost beat Lewis in their second fight even though he was well on his way to palookaville, would outwork him. Holmes would outjab him and maybe even stop him late.
Tyson (2) dominated everyone, unified title, was exposed after by very good fighters. Lewis (1) beat everyone in his era, avenged all losses. a tough match up for anyone due to size, skill and power. Holyfield (4) overrated, dirty fighter who never beat Lewis, would have lost another Bowe fight if it were not from fan man. lives under a shroud of steroids suspicion. Still, very skilled, beat Tyson. Vlad (5)may have a possibility to move up if he unifies titles. suspect losses do to poor strategy. (sanders, a quick, powerful southpaw counter puncher, yet Wlad doesn't move left after throwing rights, punched out against purrity and brewster) and still suspect chin. Wlad won't have Lewis's rep, but he could be a challenge to Lewis in his era, and with the offensive skill and mobility would be a challenge for anyone, but beatable to tenacious fighters or big punchers. time will tell if he can rule the division into his mid-thirties. Bowe(6) squandered talent. refused to fight Lewis. Holmes (3)very underrated. showboated against Tyson in a fight he was looking superior in even though he was no longer in his prime.
ATG @ HW: Lewis Holmes Holyfield Tyson Bowe Wlad ATG P4P (or better yet, skillwise): Holyfield Tyson Lewis Bowe Holmes Wlad ATG H2H: Bowe Lewis Holyfield Wlad Tyson Holmes