Vitali Klitschko lost to the worst version of Lennox

I agree with the fight analysis

 

Actually Manny Steward said the extra weight wasn’t their concern leading up do to Vitali’s 250lb solid weight. They also knew that Vitali was physically very strong. Steward said “Lennox was in shape for that fight. That wasn’t the problem. He had more trouble with Vitali’s size than anticipated though”

They needed that little bit of extra weight because they knew this wasn’t past prime 230lb Tyson they were going up against here

“After you jab him… start pushing him back!! You understand?!!” ~ Steward in the corner

And Vitali was preparing for a WAY different opponent that wasn’t even elite level! Way different type of game plan. He only had two weeks too! Lol But keep the cope up

Fact of the matter… shoulda been a rematch. There wasn’t do to one fighter. One guy was extremely confident and wanting a rematch, while the other obviously wasn’t too keen on it. Lol

 

You forgot to mention that Lennox Lewis was a 5-1 favorite. Clearly Lewis was expected to win easily but that wasn't the case. Vitali managed to not only hold his own but also fought valiantly with that cut throughout and also winning on the scorecards before the stoppage. Lewis knew how fortunate he was and decided to retire without giving Vitali another chance at redemption. He probably knew that Vitali had a good chance in beating him the second time.

 

What a pathetic little reply.

I agree that this was the best version of Lennox Lewis to ever step into the ring. This must be looked at as an accomplishment, to be able to improve continuously for 38 years.

Lewis had two weeks to prepare for Vitali and Vitali had two weeks to prepare for Lewis, neither man enjoyed an advantage in that regard.

A rematch would have been inhumane and would have prevented the Klitschko era to take place. Lewis simply slaughtered Vitali, he was starting to land more and harder shots when the fight got stopped and Vitali’s face was a bloody mess. Nobody can make the claim that Vitali earned a rematch somehow.

The thing about this fight is that Vitali enjoyed a size advantage and he enjoyed an age advantage and this was his big opportunity and he completely blew it.

Fact of the matter is that Vitali is thought of as a much lesser fighter than Lennox. Who knows who was Lennox's best win. Vitali’s best win was vs Tomas Adamek. Lennox retired having slaughtered Vitali while Vitali retired after having fought Manuel Charr while ducking Tyson Fury.

Lewis would have beaten both Klitschko's that night by ko, 1 after the other.

 

Lewis was preparing for Kirk Johnson too, lol.

Why? How many other contenders got the rematch after getting stopped by the champion?

 

Prime Lennox Lewis destroys Vitali no doubt about it. But give Vitali credit for his tough courageous performance and handing Lewis a tougher than expected fight. No reason to downplay Vitali's efforts.

 

The word is "due".

 

Lewis was 37 and had beaten everyone he could at that time, there’ll always be a desired fight among fans, whenever you choose to retire, why carry on when you’ve beaten everyone and you’re on the decline? It’s was only gonna be a matter of time before someone beat him if he’s declining.

 

Not really. Vitali IS overrated but Lewis looked as strong and powerful as he ever was once he got past Vitali’s reach and turned it to an inside war. He looked sluggish at long range but a lot of it was because Vitali was styling on him when they boxed at range, he out-jabbed Lewis and Lewis was basically a sitting duck without his jab and huge reach to control the distance.

That version of Lewis, lets be honest, would have beaten everyone he already beat before Vitali. He looked slower but as strong, smart and skilled as he always was, he just wasn’t ready for the level of pace and pressure Vitali brought.

I also think Vitali shot himself in the foot due to his inexperience. He stubbornly tried to hang with Lewis on the inside when he was having his best moments at range. He was hurting Lewis and had more cardio but no man can spend that much time trying to bully Lewis up close without getting his face ripped apart from his uppercuts, even if they are stronger. Had they rematched Vitali would fight wiser, keep his distance with more care and TKO a gassing Lewis late.

 

Exactly.

Many fighters carry on a bit too long and lose to guys they really shouldn't.

Wlad, for example, could've retired two fights earlier and wouldn't have lost to two prime fighters who wouldn't have touched him in his own prime...

Lewis fought prime Vitali when he was declining and basically finished - and came close to losing a fight he'd have won comfortably in his prime.
And had the good sense to call it a day at that point.


The only reason to fight on is money - but you're gambling your health for money if you fight beyond the point where you're likely to lose against guys who can really hurt you.

 

Tbf it arguably should count against him.

Not necessarily that he lost but more the fact he got stopped in 6. Also says a lot about Lennox Lewis.