The WBC, IBO and IBF Heavyweight crowns were on the line on 8th June 2002, when 'Iron' Mike Tyson, who hadn't been beaten since 1997, took on Londoner Lennox Lewis in a fight so big, it drew 1.95 million buys on pay-per view in the USA alone.
How The Fight Played Out
The first round was probably Tyson's best of the fight. He was aggressive, and was making sure that the reigning champion wasn't given any room to work. However, Lewis threw the best punch of the round; an uppercut which momentarily rocked Tyson.
Lewis was warned for holding in round two, but this was realistically his only option against the bull-like Tyson. Tyson kept pushing forward and was the aggressor, but consequently, he walked onto some more meaty uppercuts from the champion.
Lewis' jabs in the third were excellent, and Mike Tyson was cut as a result of them. Tyson landed an excellent left hook though, showing he was still most definitely in the fight.
He was to be put on the canvas at the end of the next session though, although the referee ruled a no knockdown. This looked to be a dubious call, as Tyson was badly hurt after a punch, although technically, it was the bulk of Lewis that put him on the floor.
The referee also deducted a point from Lewis though, which seemed like a very unfair ruling. This just highlighted the fact that the referee was on the side of Tyson though, despite the fact Tyson was the one making the fight messy.
In round five, Tyson looked exhausted, although the referee did his best to earn Tyson some recovery time by giving Lewis some needless warnings. The jab of Lewis was the determining factor here though, as Tyson just didn't have the head movement to get away from it.
Round six was an odd place to be for Mike Tyson, especially considering in the five years previous to this fight, he had only fought 19 rounds. It showed, as Tyson looked confused by the tall, rangy man in front of him who was showing him every punch in the book.
In the seventh, HBO commentator Larry Merchant said that Lewis was dishing out the 'worst beating Mike Tyson has ever taken'. He was spot on. Lewis' right hand was really finding a home, and Tyson showed tremendous heart by just staying on his feet.
He wouldn't be on them for much longer though. In round eight, Lewis made Tyson touch down twice, with the second knockdown ending the fight. Both were after crushing right hands, and Tyson had absolutely nothing left. Lewis was given the 'Ring Magazine Knockout of the Year' for his bruising finish.
Implications Of Lewis vs. Tyson
This fight cemented the legacy of Lewis, and proved that he was one of the best, if not the greatest heavyweight of this generation.
As for Tyson, this showed that his days in the upper echelon of the heavyweight division were numbered. The fact he had no answer to Lewis' assault really didn't do his career any favours, and he never looked the same again after such a crushing defeat.
How To Watch Tyson vs. Lewis
Tyson vs. Lewis was this week's 'Classic Fight of the Week'. Please visit my profile page for details on how to watch this, or any of the fights previously covered in this column.
