via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Former Heavyweight Champions Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield are honored prior to the Heavyweight bout for Wilder’s WBC and Fury’s lineal heavyweight title between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder on February 22, 2020 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Former Heavyweight Champions Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield are honored prior to the Heavyweight bout for Wilder’s WBC and Fury’s lineal heavyweight title between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder on February 22, 2020 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Former foes- Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson’s first fight in 2002 was filled with bad blood and trash-talking. It turned out to be one of the most heated rivalries in the boxing world. However, the legendary pugilists have moved on from that phase and appear to have mutual respect now. That said, they can unveil an iconic exhibition.
Initially, Tyson was touted to face Evander Holyfield in a trilogy. But the fight fell through due to issues with the offer as well as ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’s dispute with Triller. Holyfield will make now make his return against Kevin McBride, and Mike Tyson, who fought Roy Jones Jr in November 2020, may confront Lennox Lewis in his next exhibition bout.
Speaking with PBC on Fox, ‘The Lion’ has revealed his plans to fight Mike Tyson. Per Michael Benson, he said, “Not yet, but soon, maybe. We’re talking.”
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Lennox Lewis has confirmed he is in talks for a potential exhibition fight with Mike Tyson. When asked about Tyson saying it's set for September, Lewis replied: "Not yet, but soon, maybe. We're talking." [@PBConFOX]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 2, 2021
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As of this moment, the fight is still way far from meeting fruition. If neither side acts, it might fade away, akin to several other blockbuster ideas. But considering the popularity of the veteran heavyweights, the re-match can break several records. Here’s a look into their first fight.
Mike Tyson vs Lennox Lewis- The ultimate bad-blood heavyweight ride
After losing the world title against Evander Holyfield, Tyson competed in several non-title bouts before challenging Lennox Lewis for the WBC, IBF, and IBO straps in 2002. The fight saw both men talk trash and turn vile on each other.
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It even included the infamous press conference where Tyson and Lewis fought each other. However, ‘Iron’ Mike couldn’t offer much inside the ring. The 12-rounds headliner ended in round 8, as Lewis knocked out Tyson with a vicious hit. Although Mike Tyson tried to fight back, Lennox Lewis was clearly the better man that night.
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After 19 years now, they might have planned to bring back the memories with a sensation rematch. Who do you think can win it now? Tyson or Lewis?
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