Who Has a greater legacy? Lewis or Tyson?

I guess Tyson. Who's Lewis?

 

Lewis in my opinion. He defeated more Top level opponents than Tyson....

 

The right answer is Lennox Lewis...retired on top, beat better comp, was dominant for a longer period. But I think the really right answer is Tyson...for one simple fact:

During his prime he was a superhuman phenomenon that the world has never seen and will never see again.

If you compare the 2 fighters with more in mind than just the level of their competition and reign, you may think of their legacies much differently. The world was captivated by Mike Tyson like no other fighter before him...it was like watching an indestructable superhero. While his latter career can undoubtedly taint his legacy, if you think about what he represented in boxing, he was something much more special than Lennox.

 

It's close, but I gotta go with Tyson. He DESTROYED his opposition, was incredibly dominant while he was at the top, and was never taken out early by second-rate fighters in the heart of his career.

 

Whos Buster Douglas then?

 

Took TEN rounds for Douglas to knock Tyson out, and MANY punches. Lewis got blasted out early by second-raters twice.

 

When all is said and done, Lewis proved he was the better fighter.

 

It may have taken 10 rounds for Douglas to KO Tyson, but he was winning the fight handily.

The Lewis vs McCall fight ended early, but was fairly well balanced, whilst Rahman was being stood on his head.

 

What's with this 'Tyson put boxing back on the map' crap... Ali put it back on the map and Hearns/Hagler/Duran/Leonard/etc. kept it going until Tyson came along. It never went away.

 

Lennox Lewis for me.He beat a better level of oppostion throughout his career.Avenged each one of his losses also

 

Lewis, Tyson will be remembered more for his outrageous remarks and biting guys ears off than his actual work in the ring (which was brilliant at times).

 

Legacy include both longevity and dominance. Levis was longer on the top than Tyson and beat more quality opponents, while Tyson was absolute monster for a shorter period of time. So as the legacy is involved its Lewis, but Tyson have his own share in the fame.

 

Lewis didn't become the recognized Champ until he beat Holyfield in the rematch. His only successful title defenses there after were against Grant, Botha, Tua... then was knocked out by Rahman, won his titles back beat the washed up Tyson and then Klitschko. So, he only had 5 successful title defenses after becoming recognized Champ, and his reign was interupted by losing his titles to Rahman.

You also have to take into account that Tyson kept the titles together and beat all of his top contenders. Lewis splintered the titles back out immediately after winning them to avoid fighting his #1 contenders. I would say that Tyson's reign as champ was definitely more impressive.