Guest Ripper Report post Posted June 19, 2003 Tyson in his prime was a far better boxer than people give him credit for. He was a well managed wrecking ball, that defended himself incredibly well to the point that jabs were completley unaffective. He had inside ability that Lewis can take away now, But the Tyson of the eightys would have knocked Lewis out with that hook in the first round of their memphis fight. It was a clean, uncontested shot, but lewis took it and continued to jab. Plus you add in the fact that Tyson used to NEVER get tired and Lewis is a head hunter and never goes to the body. I doubt that Lewis would've gotten out of 3 rounds with Tyson in his prime. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Agent of Oblivion Report post Posted June 19, 2003 Tyson was a beast in his heyday, and could've scored a KO on any boxer past or present. His corner made all the difference though. After Cus D'amato died, Tyson totally went to shit. The thing is though, Tyson won most of those fights before they even started, since he'd come out early and just destroy people right and left. I don't recall ever seeing Lewis all that intimidated before a fight though. I'd still give it to a focused and determined Tyson, but it would be a good fight. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bps "The Truth" 21 Report post Posted June 22, 2003 Lewis is in trouble in round 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest NaturalBornThriller4:20 Report post Posted June 22, 2003 Shit. Vitali has a deep cut under his eye. It would be bullshit to stop the fight, Vitali is looking like a Champ right now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bps "The Truth" 21 Report post Posted June 22, 2003 This is an odd weird fight. At times it's a war...and at times they are so clumbsy looking. It has an intense feel to it though (as the announcers pointed out) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest NaturalBornThriller4:20 Report post Posted June 22, 2003 TAKE HIM OUT, DAMN IT. Lennox looks like SHIT. He can barely stand up. VITALI, BRING OUT THAT RIGHT HAND! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bps "The Truth" 21 Report post Posted June 22, 2003 Lewis was very very lucky Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest NaturalBornThriller4:20 Report post Posted June 22, 2003 FUCK THAT. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bps "The Truth" 21 Report post Posted June 22, 2003 coughFIXcough Wait for Pay Per View rematch soon. coughFIXcough Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MrRant Report post Posted June 22, 2003 What? Heavyweight boxing is fixed? The hell you say sir. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ace309 Report post Posted June 22, 2003 Lewis turns heel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest jimmy no nose Report post Posted June 22, 2003 Klitschko had the fight going his way, Lewis never even prepared for it. I don't know if Vitali will have the same luck in the rematch, which is sure to occur, now that Lewis knows he is a legit contender. In my view that fight didn't have to be stopped, the bleeding looked like it could be taken to a managable level, but I'm no expert so what do I know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest NaturalBornThriller4:20 Report post Posted June 22, 2003 DO YOU SEE THIS. LENNOX LEWIS IS A BUM. If the Ref had called the fight, they would have went to the cards, and we would have a new Champion. THIS IS BULLSHIT. BULLSHIT~!!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest William E Report post Posted June 22, 2003 In his interview you could tell Lewis had his ego dented. The call to stop the fight was bullshit. I underestimated Klitsko's chances in the match, but he brought it to Lewis tonight. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest alkeiper Report post Posted June 22, 2003 If I'm Roy Jones, I'm on the phone with my agent NOW. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hogan Made Wrestling Report post Posted June 22, 2003 Fuck Lennox Lewis and his flabby old ass. He went out there looking like Larry Holmes and was deservedly getting his ass kicked when some good luck bailed him out and let him keep the titles he was well on his way to losing. Stopping the fight was bullshit too, and if Lewis ducks around a rematch then he can go screw himself. Lewis is a paper champion right now as far as I'm concerned and Vitali Klitschko is MY world champion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zetterberg is God 0 Report post Posted June 22, 2003 Goddamn there better be a rematch. Lewis came in cocky and out of shape and it almost cost him. Vitali deserves another shot, but Lewis will just come up with excuses to avoid it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest alkeiper Report post Posted June 22, 2003 Anyone else see the press conference? Chris Byrd got in somehow, and called out Lewis. "You looked like CRAP tonight!" Classic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Brush with Greatness Report post Posted June 22, 2003 So what exactly happened? Also, I was under the impression that Vlady is superior to Vitali? How would Lewis handle Vlad if he couldn't handle Vitali? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted June 22, 2003 If they play up the Byrd comment and they can get Jones involved and throw Tyson in there.. Boxing could have a GREAT 5 way fued... Bet Lewis "Retires" in a month saying "There no more competition in boxing because I am the greatest" and 99.9 of the world calls "BULLSHIT" on it... Roy Jones Jr=RVD Over but isn't getting the push... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest William E Report post Posted June 22, 2003 I wanna see a Lewis/Klitshko rematch, Tyson rematch (not that unmotivated Tyson that lost,), and a Roy Jones fight for Lewis. Let's see if he can survive that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Zero_Cool Report post Posted June 22, 2003 I remember after the match, Larry Merchant was just ripping into Lewis, and Lennox was all, "pssh! No way, man! That's ludricous!" And when Lennox makes a comment about eating Vitaly and Vlad for breakfast, Larry goes, "very tough meals to digest." then Lennox, pissed at not getting the final word in, goes "digestion is good!" Oh, and if Jones and Lewis ever touch them up in the near future, the Boring Brit is going to be demoralized. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted June 22, 2003 If I were booking Boxing... Grab a look at things... Heavyweight Boxing has 3 Value Names left Lewis, Jones and Tyson. The Klitschko Brothers, Johnson, and Byrd are the under carders. That's Seven people...Shit...Throw in Old Man Holyfield. EIGHT PEOPLE! Boxing is fucked right now...What to do? Strip the title from Lewis and Jones...Unify those belts once and for all. 8 Man Tournament. It would revitalize the boxing scene if you take the 8 biggest names in the business and put them in one giant rabbit chase... but that wont happen... Lewis wont sign for Jones unless He gets TYSON numbers for the fight...(Im talking OLD tyson)... Lewis can retire "the champion" right now and FUCK boxing royally forever but not giving the rematch with Klitchsko or the ANCIPATED Jones match or even the Byrd match... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bravesfan Report post Posted June 22, 2003 Pictures of Klitschko's cut... Article below... Don't tell the fans Lewis technically won By Tim Struby espn.com LOS ANGELES -- When is a win not a win? Just ask the near-capacity Staples Center crowd Saturday. Despite a smattering of support during his entrance and a TKO at the hands of champion Lennox Lewis and referee Lou Moret, it was Vitali Klitschko who raised his arms to a roaring ovation at the conclusion of the fight. Battered and bloodied, but showing the heart of a true warrior, Klitschko was the moral victor in a brawl that was supposed to be a walkover for the reigning heavyweight king. For Lewis, who raised his belts to a cascade of boos, it was more like the Heavyweight Implosion than Heavyweight Explosion. There was certainly a ticket's worth of explosive action, but Lewis fought with the speed and grace of a tranquilized elephant. Coming into the bout at his heaviest weight to date, 256 pounds, the British bomber took a beating of his own. The first two rounds were all Klitschko, a man who has on many occasions been confused for a cadaver in the ring, and supposedly was the perfect opponent for the slick style of Lewis. Such was not the case. The Ukrainian heavyweight was far from flashy, but aggressively pursued Lewis, connecting steadily and solidly. Perhaps Lewis thought he was facing Kirk Johnson, the portly Canadian puncher who dropped out two weeks ago due to an injury. Maybe it's the 37 years that are catching up to him. Perhaps it was rust from the layoff of more than a year since he dispatched a decrepit Mike Tyson in Memphis. Or maybe, he thought this was a remake of Ocean's Eleven, when he faced off with the younger Wladimir Klitschko on the silver screen. Whatever the case, Lewis's lackluster performance did little to silence critics and solidify his standing as the greatest heavyweight of his era. Lewis was able to connect with a third round right cross that opened a gruesome gash over the left eye of Klitschko, but while the door opened, the sluggish champion was not able to step quickly in and take the opportunity to capitalize. Lewis had little of his trademark movement and footwork. He plodded through the fight, and although he won two of the six rounds on all three scorecards, he was unable to avoid the slow yet pointed attack of the determined Klitschko, and was clearly hurt by the barrage of power shots. And what of the future? The result has once again thrown the heavyweight division into a state of confusion. Lewis's talk of taking on Roy Jones Jr. and ending his career as the undisputed king of the heavyweights is no longer valid. The size, the weight, the last-minute change of opponent will not stand up -- the truth is that Lennox Lewis has been exposed and his legacy is in jeopardy. He is not the fighter he once was, and his weaknesses were visible to the fans cheering for Klitschko. A rematch is the only recourse for the champion if he wants to restore his credibility. As for Klitschko, the valiant Ukrainian, he may have lost the fight, but he won the respect and admiration of the entire boxing world. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Red Hot Thumbtack In The Eye Report post Posted June 22, 2003 I didn't see the fight, but after reading that article and this thread, there NEEDS to be a rematch. Pass that torch Lennonx. That cut is amazing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Red Hot Thumbtack In The Eye Report post Posted June 22, 2003 I just watched a highlight package for the fight and did anyone else notice that the guy in Vitaly's corner was just ripping that cut open more by grinding that towel over it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted June 22, 2003 By Tim Struby espn.com LOS ANGELES -- When is a win not a win? Just ask the near-capacity Staples Center crowd Saturday. Despite a smattering of support during his entrance and a TKO at the hands of champion Lennox Lewis and referee Lou Moret, it was Vitali Klitschko who raised his arms to a roaring ovation at the conclusion of the fight. Battered and bloodied, but showing the heart of a true warrior, Klitschko was the moral victor in a brawl that was supposed to be a walkover for the reigning heavyweight king. For Lewis, who raised his belts to a cascade of boos, it was more like the Heavyweight Implosion than Heavyweight Explosion. There was certainly a ticket's worth of explosive action, but Lewis fought with the speed and grace of a tranquilized elephant. Coming into the bout at his heaviest weight to date, 256 pounds, the British bomber took a beating of his own. The first two rounds were all Klitschko, a man who has on many occasions been confused for a cadaver in the ring, and supposedly was the perfect opponent for the slick style of Lewis. Such was not the case. The Ukrainian heavyweight was far from flashy, but aggressively pursued Lewis, connecting steadily and solidly. Perhaps Lewis thought he was facing Kirk Johnson, the portly Canadian puncher who dropped out two weeks ago due to an injury. Maybe it's the 37 years that are catching up to him. Perhaps it was rust from the layoff of more than a year since he dispatched a decrepit Mike Tyson in Memphis. Or maybe, he thought this was a remake of Ocean's Eleven, when he faced off with the younger Wladimir Klitschko on the silver screen. Whatever the case, Lewis's lackluster performance did little to silence critics and solidify his standing as the greatest heavyweight of his era. Lewis was able to connect with a third round right cross that opened a gruesome gash over the left eye of Klitschko, but while the door opened, the sluggish champion was not able to step quickly in and take the opportunity to capitalize. Lewis had little of his trademark movement and footwork. He plodded through the fight, and although he won two of the six rounds on all three scorecards, he was unable to avoid the slow yet pointed attack of the determined Klitschko, and was clearly hurt by the barrage of power shots. And what of the future? The result has once again thrown the heavyweight division into a state of confusion. Lewis's talk of taking on Roy Jones Jr. and ending his career as the undisputed king of the heavyweights is no longer valid. The size, the weight, the last-minute change of opponent will not stand up -- the truth is that Lennox Lewis has been exposed and his legacy is in jeopardy. He is not the fighter he once was, and his weaknesses were visible to the fans cheering for Klitschko. A rematch is the only recourse for the champion if he wants to restore his credibility. As for Klitschko, the valiant Ukrainian, he may have lost the fight, but he won the respect and admiration of the entire boxing world. That confirms it. Les...I mean Klitchsko deserves the rematch against HH...I mean Lewis.... As much as the world wants Jones/Lewis... Lewis needs to be a man and give the rematch to Klitchsko. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest alkeiper Report post Posted June 22, 2003 Strip the title from Lewis and Jones...Unify those belts once and for all. They DID unify the titles. Lewis beat Holyfield, and became undisputed champion. That's it. Fuck the alphabet organizations. Lewis IS the undisputed champion until he loses or retires. No more of this unification bullshit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest hardyz1 Report post Posted June 22, 2003 I'm all for giving Vitali a rematch, but I'm afraid the same thing that happened to Rahman will happen to Klitschko. But you never know, Lewis is 37. Vitali SHOULD have knocked him out earlier. He had at least two spots where Lewis was reeling and unprotected, but rather than going in after him, he waited back. Lewis was a total dick in the post fight interview. This may be good for boxing though, at least for PPV buys, if people want to see Lewis get his head knocked off, be it by Byrd, either Klitschko, Johnson, or even Jones. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest nl5xsk1 Report post Posted June 22, 2003 I keep hearing that Lewis will be in such better shape for a rematch that he'll wipe the ring with Klitschko, but won't Vitali be in better shape as well? He had like 3 weeks to prepare for this one and beat the piss out of Lewis; give him a few months to prepare and he'll be in better shape as well. Vitali wins the rematch by decision. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
