2002 Lennox Lewis vs 1988 Mike Tyson

[Britkid]

I think Tyson might be too intimidated. He always struggled when top class fighters fought him with confidence. He really only beat Ruddock when faced with that type of challenge. I would take Lewis by fairly comfortable decision.

again, the thread clearly says the "1988 Tyson". I really don't recall Tyson being intimidated by anybody at that time, infact Completely the opposite. He intimidated every guy he fought up to then. Top class fighters that fought him with confidence? were there any? Berbick tried to be confident and copied Tyson Black boots, no socks to try to wind him up, and look what happened to him , and he was World Champion!!!!!!!
88 Tyson beats 2002 Lewis and The Best Tyson beats The Best Lewis!!!

Watch the old home footage of Tyson then, he was often terrified as he stood there waiting for the bell. D'Amato et al had a hard time just getting him in the ring (El Kabong posted an example of this, in the post below).

Although they did an excellent job boosting his self confidence I cannot believe Tyson was not constantly fighting with self doubt. Look at the way he behaved, you do not need to be a psychologist to see it was a bravado to hide his true feelings.

That said Tyson was indeed a phenomenon; with the fastest hands and feet seen this side of Ali, and them tools did get him out of any of the minor troubles he had in 85 through to 89 in the ring. But from Douglas on he could not control his demons enough not to affect his performances in the ring.

I would say that 'breakdown' would have occurred earlier if it had been mid 90s Holyfield, or a Steward version of Lewis, or indeed a 'Tokyo' Buster Douglas the other side of the ring in 85, 86, 87, 88 or 89.

[Vendettos]

1988 Tyson is the best HW of all time. Its like men vs machine.

[nmc231295]

Tyson.
always

[Fenster]

I said prime Tyson would start favourite over any boxer in history because in his pomp I believe he was the most spectacular, intimidating heavyweight ever.

However, that doesn't mean I think he would beat everyone. Not even close.

In 1988 Tyson beat an ancient (for those times) 225lbs Larry Holmes, a 240 fat Tony Tubbs and a 210 Spinks.

2002 Lennox Lewis is a 250lb athlete, unflappable, has superb skills, intelligent, a massive puncher and recognised as the best heavyweight on the planet, due to having beat everyone he'd ever faced.

I think it's fair to say in Tyson's pomp he never faced anyone close to Lewis.

[Primo Carnera]

I said prime Tyson would start favourite over any boxer in history because in his pomp I believe he was the most spectacular, intimidating heavyweight ever.

However, that doesn't mean I think he would beat everyone. Not even close.

In 1988 Tyson beat an ancient (for those times) 225lbs Larry Holmes, a 240 fat Tony Tubbs and a 210 Spinks.

2002 Lennox Lewis is a 250lb athlete, unflappable, has superb skills, intelligent, a massive puncher and recognised as the best heavyweight on the planet, due to having beat everyone he'd ever faced.

I think it's fair to say in Tyson's pomp he never faced anyone close to Lewis.

yep, my points were.
a. saying he starts favourite and not divulging further implies that "he should beat them" and
b. this isn't aimed at you, but you said yourself that he was the "most intimidating HW ever" , yet Britkid was saying that Tyson was himself intimidated and afraid.
if you think Lewis beats Tyson fine, you've made points to stake your claim . I personally don't agree, but that's what this forum is about.......different opinions.

[Fenster]

I didn't mean to imply that Tyson starting favourite means he should win. I believe if you took all the best heavyweights in history in their pomp - which includes Tyson - popular opinion would make him the favourite. Whether or not he would have beat Ali or Foreman or Marciano or Gary Mason.... we'll never know.

[THE THIRD MAN]

The Tyson of 1988 knocks the big lumbering oaf that is Lennox Lewis out inside of 5 rounds.