Which fighter's legacy has benefited most from a fight not happening?

Considering how things turned out I think Vitaly had a lot more to lose than Lewis did.

After all Vitaly couldnt close the show the first time around.

Lewis leaving was a decision that was wise. He had no motivation to prove himself. He had beaten everyone that he faced and was tired of the routine. Tired of boxing but wanted to leave on top. If he lost to Vitaly, the rematch would have taken place. The choices are simple.

Based on the premise who benefited the most?

 

Quite the opposite.


Without prison:

Morrison
Mercer
Foreman
Bowe
Moorer
McCall
Holyfield
Lewis
Bruno


Those were all possibilities.

With the exception of Holyfield who I think is 50/50 with 1991 Tyson.

Mike would have beaten all of them soundly.

1. Lewis was too green.
2. Moorer wouldn't be able to handle his power.
3. Bruno doesn't match up well with Mike.
4. Morrison is too chinny.
5. Bowe's defense would get him in trouble. Though a match up in late '92 would be interesting.
6. Mercer was durable, but lacked the style to exploit any flaws in Tyson's game. I see this going much like the Ruddock fights. Tyson UD12.
7. Foreman lost to every top level fighter on his comeback trail, he simply wouldn't be able to handle Tyson. In fact Foreman's mystique would have been shattered as Tyson would have mauled him had they fought in 1992-1993.
8. McCall would have been a filler opponent. In between fights.


Prison hurt his career, it kept him out of the game during what could have been his best years.

I'm not sure if you're playing devil's advocate but your point's is only valid to the extent that Tyson losing to Bowe or Lewis earlier on may have sidelined him in the 90s but conventional wisdom suggests otherwise.

 

He benefited because the first fight was to many was inconclusive. His reputation skyrocketed for giving Lewis much more than he bargained for despite getting a loss. Now a loss in the rematch would have damaged his stock, significantly. His reputation would forever have the stain of losing to an ATG fighter on his way out no matter what he did.

 

Ok now that there are new members; feel free to chime in.

 

Lennox Lewis and Larry Holmes never crossed paths.

 

atsch

That's not.....

Let me explain the point of this thread is to evaluate which fighter gained the most mileage as a result of a fight not happening.

Liston beat Patterson twice decisively. A third fight did not loom over Liston and there was no public pressure for Liston to get back in the ring.

The poll has listed several options that highlight examples where one fighter seems to get the benefit of the doubt even though the fight never happened.