Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk | PPV - 18 May 2024

[Phenomenal-Nutrition]

Lewis of course ditched the WBA belt wanting a gimme vs Michael Grant rather than defend against his old sparring partner John Ruiz who he knew was handy; he ditched his IBF belt rather than fight slippery Byrd preferring to a Tyson rematch where he could further desecrate Iron Mike's corpse.

Lennox is always excused for dumping his belts and permitted all the context in the world; Bowe is blamed for dumping his belt and is afforded no context whatsoever.

LMAO at you being shameless enough to compare Bowe ducking Lennox Lewis, 1 of the greatest boxers of all time, where Bowe would make 75% and trying to compare him to bums like Ruiz and Byrd. Lennox got paid a load of money by Don King to drop one of the belts, I forget which.

Yes Lennox should of not fought 1 of the greatest fighters of his era in Tyson, who was the same age as him, and 1 of the greatest fighters in the next era in Vitali Klitschko. Instead he should of focused on Ruiz and Byrd. Smoke more crack to make it make sense.

Also yes, the US TV networks had Grant as the next big thing, not Byrd, not Ruiz, but Grant.

[Riddick Bowie]

Lewis of course ditched the WBA belt wanting a gimme vs Michael Grant rather than defend against his old sparring partner John Ruiz who he knew was handy; he ditched his IBF belt rather than fight slippery Byrd preferring to a Tyson rematch where he could further desecrate Iron Mike's corpse.

Lennox is always excused for dumping his belts and permitted all the context in the world; Bowe is blamed for dumping his belt and is afforded no context whatsoever.

surely Lewis was never trying to dodge a Ruiz fight? He got sparked by Tua who Lewis pretty much humiliated. t

Lewis got sparked quickly by McCall, so knows better than anyone that a fighter shouldn't be judged on their worst night. As far as dominating Tua, Lewis hadn't fought him yet. He deferred that mandatory multiple times.

[SeanBrennan]

ok, well I did not know that. Very interesting. My abiding memory of that fight was realising that Tua was circa 5ft 8, amazing that he became a top HW, medalled at Olympics too.

[SeanBrennan]

Lewis of course ditched the WBA belt wanting a gimme vs Michael Grant rather than defend against his old sparring partner John Ruiz who he knew was handy; he ditched his IBF belt rather than fight slippery Byrd preferring to a Tyson rematch where he could further desecrate Iron Mike's corpse.

Lennox is always excused for dumping his belts and permitted all the context in the world; Bowe is blamed for dumping his belt and is afforded no context whatsoever.

surely Lewis was never trying to dodge a Ruiz fight? He got sparked by Tua who Lewis pretty much humiliated. t

Lewis got sparked quickly by McCall, so knows better than anyone that a fighter shouldn't be judged on their worst night. As far as dominating Tua, Lewis hadn't fought him yet. He deferred that mandatory multiple times.

Ruiz was one of the luckiest beltholders though wasn't he, he lost to a cruiser, was never really a HW. He nicked belts in a decent era.

[polecateddy]

Lewis of course ditched the WBA belt wanting a gimme vs Michael Grant rather than defend against his old sparring partner John Ruiz who he knew was handy; he ditched his IBF belt rather than fight slippery Byrd preferring to a Tyson rematch where he could further desecrate Iron Mike's corpse.

Lennox is always excused for dumping his belts and permitted all the context in the world; Bowe is blamed for dumping his belt and is afforded no context whatsoever.

surely Lewis was never trying to dodge a Ruiz fight? He got sparked by Tua who Lewis pretty much humiliated. t

Lewis got sparked quickly by McCall, so knows better than anyone that a fighter shouldn't be judged on their worst night. As far as dominating Tua, Lewis hadn't fought him yet. He deferred that mandatory multiple times.

I’m not really sure what point you’re trying to make? Ruiz would never have been more than nuisance value v Lewis, and Byrd couldn’t really make the leap against Klitschko’s, so I’m not sure even the man himself cries too much about missing out on Lewis. Nobody was really that interested in the match up at the time. Likewise nobody really wanted Roy Jones v Lewis either. Maybe boxing fans had a bit more sense about them back then. Too many social media experts these days picking boxers names off databases.

[SeanBrennan]

I don't think Lewis avoided anyone, seems a bit farcical to allege it. Bowe dodged him. He beat him in ams, avenged all losses, sparked Tyson and was older than Tyson when he did so (makes me laugh that we should empathise with the latter for being as rapist and drug addict). Beat and bludgeoned Klitschko and retired at the top.

[Riddick Bowie]

Lewis of course ditched the WBA belt wanting a gimme vs Michael Grant rather than defend against his old sparring partner John Ruiz who he knew was handy; he ditched his IBF belt rather than fight slippery Byrd preferring to a Tyson rematch where he could further desecrate Iron Mike's corpse.

Lennox is always excused for dumping his belts and permitted all the context in the world; Bowe is blamed for dumping his belt and is afforded no context whatsoever.

LMAO at you being shameless enough to compare Bowe ducking Lennox Lewis, 1 of the greatest boxers of all time, where Bowe would make 75% and trying to compare him to bums like Ruiz and Byrd. Lennox got paid a load of money by Don King to drop one of the belts, I forget which.

Yes Lennox should of not fought 1 of the greatest fighters of his era in Tyson, who was the same age as him, and 1 of the greatest fighters in the next era in Vitali Klitschko. Instead he should of focused on Ruiz and Byrd. Smoke more crack to make it make sense.

Also yes, the US TV networks had Grant as the next big thing, not Byrd, not Ruiz, but Grant.

Okay, your tone of voice tells me all I need to know about your quality of mind, so I'll now leave you to your emojis and LMAOs, and write the following for those interested in facts, reason and logic.

Don King in agreeing to Holyfield-Lewis II secured a guarantee for a first defence against John Ruiz. (Ruiz was also the WBC mandatory btw.)

Lewis having watched hapless Michael Grant struggle with Golota preferred to fight him so reneged on the deal and RELINQUISHED his WBA belt, breaking up the undisputed title.

Glyn Leach and Boxing Monthly rightly condemned Lewis for ducking his mandatory, especially given that he had tried to have Tyson stripped in the court room when WBC mandatory.

If you judge Bowe harshly for ditching a belt in favour of easier challengers, hold Lewis to the same standard. I'm annoyed Bowe relinquished a belt when Lewis was there to be beaten, just as I'm annoyed Lewis ditched two belts instead of killing off Ruiz and Byrd for us. Alas, these people are acting in the moment and don't have the luxury of hindsight.

[polecateddy]

I don't think Lewis avoided anyone, seems a bit farcical to allege it. Bowe dodged him. He beat him in ams, avenged all losses, sparked Tyson and was older than Tyson when he did so (makes me laugh that we should empathise with the latter for being as rapist and drug addict). Beat and bludgeoned Klitschko and retired at the top.

You obviously can’t fault Lewis. He constantly was trying to improve himself after losing his way with the McCall disaster. He had that championship mindset. In contrast McCall and Rahman both wildly lost the plot after hitting the jackpot. They literally had at best a very brief focus and then melted, although McCall was really a better gatekeeper post Lewis 2. I don’t think Tyson Fury has anything like the same mindset as Lewis. It’s a bit of a joke to compare them really.

[Riddick Bowie]

I don't think Lewis avoided anyone, seems a bit farcical to allege it. Bowe dodged him. He beat him in ams, avenged all losses, sparked Tyson and was older than Tyson when he did so (makes me laugh that we should empathise with the latter for being as rapist and drug addict). Beat and bludgeoned Klitschko and retired at the top.

Lewis was boxing only his second pro fight at the bottom of the Mike Tyson/Carl Williams undercard in 1989. Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion, the richest man in sport and a global icon when Lewis was a novice. To say 'Lewis was older than him' misses the point. Tyson had a lot more miles on the clock.

[SeanBrennan]

I don't think Lewis avoided anyone, seems a bit farcical to allege it. Bowe dodged him. He beat him in ams, avenged all losses, sparked Tyson and was older than Tyson when he did so (makes me laugh that we should empathise with the latter for being as rapist and drug addict). Beat and bludgeoned Klitschko and retired at the top.

You obviously can’t fault Lewis. He constantly was trying to improve himself after losing his way with the McCall disaster. He had that championship mindset. In contrast McCall and Rahman both wildly lost the plot after hitting the jackpot. They literally had at best a very brief focus and then melted, although McCall was really a better gatekeeper post Lewis 2. I don’t think Tyson Fury has anything like the same mindset as Lewis. It’s a bit of a joke to compare them really.

I think so too. And no cringe comments too! I remember Lewis being accused of being gay for actually having a positive relationship with his mother and not being a misogynist. Bonkers.

[joshj909]

Just read this in an article, regarding Usyk’s sparring partners

“ They went on to reveal that one of Usyk's sparring partners is 6ft 10in, and weighs more than 20 stone.

While another is 6ft 8in, 18 stone, and fights from the southpaw stance to prepare for Fury's switch-hitting.L

Who’s that then?

Surely Zhang for the second one who’s a bit smaller than that but probably him

https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/848628

[Delta Jay]

Just read this in an article, regarding Usyk’s sparring partners

“ They went on to reveal that one of Usyk's sparring partners is 6ft 10in, and weighs more than 20 stone.

While another is 6ft 8in, 18 stone, and fights from the southpaw stance to prepare for Fury's switch-hitting.L

Who’s that then?

Surely Zhang for the second one who’s a bit smaller than that but probably him

https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/848628

Conor McGregor “whoodafookisdatgoi” GIF

[big lennox]

[Phenomenal-Nutrition]

Lewis of course ditched the WBA belt wanting a gimme vs Michael Grant rather than defend against his old sparring partner John Ruiz who he knew was handy; he ditched his IBF belt rather than fight slippery Byrd preferring to a Tyson rematch where he could further desecrate Iron Mike's corpse.

Lennox is always excused for dumping his belts and permitted all the context in the world; Bowe is blamed for dumping his belt and is afforded no context whatsoever.

LMAO at you being shameless enough to compare Bowe ducking Lennox Lewis, 1 of the greatest boxers of all time, where Bowe would make 75% and trying to compare him to bums like Ruiz and Byrd. Lennox got paid a load of money by Don King to drop one of the belts, I forget which.

Yes Lennox should of not fought 1 of the greatest fighters of his era in Tyson, who was the same age as him, and 1 of the greatest fighters in the next era in Vitali Klitschko. Instead he should of focused on Ruiz and Byrd. Smoke more crack to make it make sense.

Also yes, the US TV networks had Grant as the next big thing, not Byrd, not Ruiz, but Grant.

Okay, your tone of voice tells me all I need to know about your quality of mind, so I'll now leave you to your emojis and LMAOs, and write the following for those interested in facts, reason and logic.

Don King in agreeing to Holyfield-Lewis II secured a guarantee for a first defence against John Ruiz. (Ruiz was also the WBC mandatory btw.)

Lewis having watched hapless Michael Grant struggle with Golota preferred to fight him so reneged on the deal and RELINQUISHED his WBA belt, breaking up the undisputed title.

Glyn Leach and Boxing Monthly rightly condemned Lewis for ducking his mandatory, especially given that he had tried to have Tyson stripped in the court room when WBC mandatory.

If you judge Bowe harshly for ditching a belt in favour of easier challengers, hold Lewis to the same standard. I'm annoyed Bowe relinquished a belt when Lewis was there to be beaten, just as I'm annoyed Lewis ditched two belts instead of killing off Ruiz and Byrd for us. Alas, these people are acting in the moment and don't have the luxury of hindsight.

There's only 1 person re-writing history in this thread and it's you. Because you're lying about Ruiz being WBC mandatory, he wasn't ranked. WBA number 1 contender wasn't John Ruiz either when Lewis beat Holyfield, it was Akinwande who Lewis had already beat. Akinwande was meant to face Holyfield before Holyfield faced Lewis but because sick with Hepatitis. Akinwande wasn't healthy enough to be sanctioned for a world title fight. Because Don King tried to make Lewis-Akinwande 2 first

I reckon Akinwande might have beat beat Holyfield with his range and outboxing. John Ruiz wasn't number 1 in the WBA until 13 days prior to Lewis being stripped. No one knew who he was until he faced Holyfield. The only ranked fighter he faced knocked him out in 30 seconds. And Lewis later fought him instead

Also tell me which win made John Ruiz a viable challenger for Lewis before he got the WBA title show. I'll be waiting. He hadn't beat anyone in the top 20. It was a corrupt WBA and Don King scheme and HBO were never going to pay for such a fight.

Here is the Ring Magazine Top 10 for April 2000

Lennox Lewis
Evander Holyfield
Michael Grant
Ike Ibeabuchi
David Tua
Mike Tyson
Vitali Klitschko
Andrew Golota
Derrick Jefferson
Oleg Maskaev

So you think instead of fighting number 3 on that list he should fight someone not in the top 10?

Lewis followed the money and faced the names HBO would pay him the most to face. These names were Michael Grant who was built up to be the heir apparent and Mike Tyson. Wlad/Vitali, David Tua and Ibeaubuchi were the other exciting fights. Literally, no one wanted to see Lewis against Ruiz or Byrd. Lewis did consider facing Byrd when he was having trouble making the Tyson fight but the WBC told him that Tyson had to be next.

Also if I wanted to knock Lewis, I'd make a much better argument than the ridiculous angle you've choosing to go down.

[polecateddy]

LMAO at you being shameless enough to compare Bowe ducking Lennox Lewis, 1 of the greatest boxers of all time, where Bowe would make 75% and trying to compare him to bums like Ruiz and Byrd. Lennox got paid a load of money by Don King to drop one of the belts, I forget which.

Yes Lennox should of not fought 1 of the greatest fighters of his era in Tyson, who was the same age as him, and 1 of the greatest fighters in the next era in Vitali Klitschko. Instead he should of focused on Ruiz and Byrd. Smoke more crack to make it make sense.

Also yes, the US TV networks had Grant as the next big thing, not Byrd, not Ruiz, but Grant.

Okay, your tone of voice tells me all I need to know about your quality of mind, so I'll now leave you to your emojis and LMAOs, and write the following for those interested in facts, reason and logic.

Don King in agreeing to Holyfield-Lewis II secured a guarantee for a first defence against John Ruiz. (Ruiz was also the WBC mandatory btw.)

Lewis having watched hapless Michael Grant struggle with Golota preferred to fight him so reneged on the deal and RELINQUISHED his WBA belt, breaking up the undisputed title.

Glyn Leach and Boxing Monthly rightly condemned Lewis for ducking his mandatory, especially given that he had tried to have Tyson stripped in the court room when WBC mandatory.

If you judge Bowe harshly for ditching a belt in favour of easier challengers, hold Lewis to the same standard. I'm annoyed Bowe relinquished a belt when Lewis was there to be beaten, just as I'm annoyed Lewis ditched two belts instead of killing off Ruiz and Byrd for us. Alas, these people are acting in the moment and don't have the luxury of hindsight.

There's only 1 person re-writing history in this thread and it's you. Because you're lying about Ruiz being WBC mandatory, he wasn't ranked. WBA number 1 contender wasn't John Ruiz either when Lewis beat Holyfield, it was Akinwande who Lewis had already beat. Akinwande was meant to face Holyfield before Holyfield faced Lewis but because sick with Hepatitis. Akinwande wasn't healthy enough to be sanctioned for a world title fight. Because Don King tried to make Lewis-Akinwande 2 first

I reckon Akinwande might have beat beat Holyfield with his range and outboxing. John Ruiz wasn't number 1 in the WBA until 13 days prior to Lewis being stripped. No one knew who he was until he faced Holyfield. The only ranked fighter he faced knocked him out in 30 seconds. And Lewis later fought him instead

Also tell me which win made John Ruiz a viable challenger for Lewis before he got the WBA title show. I'll be waiting. He hadn't beat anyone in the top 20. It was a corrupt WBA and Don King scheme and HBO were never going to pay for such a fight.

Here is the Ring Magazine Top 10 for April 2000

Lennox Lewis
Evander Holyfield
Michael Grant
Ike Ibeabuchi
David Tua
Mike Tyson
Vitali Klitschko
Andrew Golota
Derrick Jefferson
Oleg Maskaev

So you think instead of fighting number 3 on that list he should fight someone not in the top 10?

Lewis followed the money and faced the names HBO would pay him the most to face. These names were Michael Grant who was built up to be the heir apparent and Mike Tyson. Wlad/Vitali, David Tua and Ibeaubuchi were the other exciting fights. Literally, no one wanted to see Lewis against Ruiz or Byrd. Lewis did consider facing Byrd when he was having trouble making the Tyson fight but the WBC told him that Tyson had to be next.

Seems correct. I’d scratch off both Wlad and Vitali though. Wlad was effectively written off after the wheels came off against Ross Purrity in 1998. Nobody wanted Lewis v Wlad. Vitali was a man of mystery in terms of what his actual ability was, but by the time Lewis faced him it was at least an interesting match up. Vitali had looked very hittable against Hide, and nobody gave him much of a chance.

[Riddick Bowie]

LMAO at you being shameless enough to compare Bowe ducking Lennox Lewis, 1 of the greatest boxers of all time, where Bowe would make 75% and trying to compare him to bums like Ruiz and Byrd. Lennox got paid a load of money by Don King to drop one of the belts, I forget which.

Yes Lennox should of not fought 1 of the greatest fighters of his era in Tyson, who was the same age as him, and 1 of the greatest fighters in the next era in Vitali Klitschko. Instead he should of focused on Ruiz and Byrd. Smoke more crack to make it make sense.

Also yes, the US TV networks had Grant as the next big thing, not Byrd, not Ruiz, but Grant.

Okay, your tone of voice tells me all I need to know about your quality of mind, so I'll now leave you to your emojis and LMAOs, and write the following for those interested in facts, reason and logic.

Don King in agreeing to Holyfield-Lewis II secured a guarantee for a first defence against John Ruiz. (Ruiz was also the WBC mandatory btw.)

Lewis having watched hapless Michael Grant struggle with Golota preferred to fight him so reneged on the deal and RELINQUISHED his WBA belt, breaking up the undisputed title.

Glyn Leach and Boxing Monthly rightly condemned Lewis for ducking his mandatory, especially given that he had tried to have Tyson stripped in the court room when WBC mandatory.

If you judge Bowe harshly for ditching a belt in favour of easier challengers, hold Lewis to the same standard. I'm annoyed Bowe relinquished a belt when Lewis was there to be beaten, just as I'm annoyed Lewis ditched two belts instead of killing off Ruiz and Byrd for us. Alas, these people are acting in the moment and don't have the luxury of hindsight.

There's only 1 person re-writing history in this thread and it's you. Because you're lying about Ruiz being WBC mandatory, he wasn't ranked. WBA number 1 contender wasn't John Ruiz either when Lewis beat Holyfield, it was Akinwande who Lewis had already beat. Akinwande was meant to face Holyfield before Holyfield faced Lewis but because sick with Hepatitis. Akinwande wasn't healthy enough to be sanctioned for a world title fight. Because Don King tried to make Lewis-Akinwande 2 first

I reckon Akinwande might have beat beat Holyfield with his range and outboxing. John Ruiz wasn't number 1 in the WBA until 13 days prior to Lewis being stripped. No one knew who he was until he faced Holyfield. The only ranked fighter he faced knocked him out in 30 seconds. And Lewis later fought him instead

Also tell me which win made John Ruiz a viable challenger for Lewis before he got the WBA title show. I'll be waiting. He hadn't beat anyone in the top 20. It was a corrupt WBA and Don King scheme and HBO were never going to pay for such a fight.

Here is the Ring Magazine Top 10 for April 2000

Lennox Lewis
Evander Holyfield
Michael Grant
Ike Ibeabuchi
David Tua
Mike Tyson
Vitali Klitschko
Andrew Golota
Derrick Jefferson
Oleg Maskaev

So you think instead of fighting number 3 on that list he should fight someone not in the top 10?

Lewis followed the money and faced the names HBO would pay him the most to face. These names were Michael Grant who was built up to be the heir apparent and Mike Tyson. Wlad/Vitali, David Tua and Ibeaubuchi were the other exciting fights. Literally, no one wanted to see Lewis against Ruiz or Byrd. Lewis did consider facing Byrd when he was having trouble making the Tyson fight but the WBC told him that Tyson had to be next.

Also if I wanted to knock Lewis, I'd make a much better argument than the ridiculous angle you've choosing to go down.

Umm, the Ring's rankings are not the WBC's rankings. Those are two different things.

Everything I wrote is taken from page 4 of Boxing Monthly's June 2000 issue, editor Glyn Leach's article on Lennox Lewis.

Sorry that facts contradict your emotional outbursts.

[Riddick Bowie]

I often wonder what it is about that dull bloke Lennox Lewis that gets grown men worked up so much. The subject of the Bowe vs Lewis fight in particular seems to have them frothing at the mouth as they type.

Bowe ditches a belt and they're enraged.

Lewis ditches not one but two belts, that's fine.

Bowe didn't make the decision to ditch his belt, Bowe is blamed.

Lewis made the decision to ditch his two belts, Don King is blamed.

Bowe's vacating the WBC belt makes business sense in context - no context is permitted while discussing the subject.

Lewis vacates his belts - oh, but you have to look at the context.

'NO ONE wanted Lewis vs John Ruiz!!' Who wanted Lewis vs Zeljko Mavrovic? Who wanted Lewis vs Frans Botha?!

When we all wanted Lewis vs Holyfield in 1998 we instead got all the crappy mandatories, But 18 months later it's preposterous to expect Lewis to go through with crappy mandatories? (Oh but he is allowed to fight Botha, Rahman and Johnson.)

Bowe and Lewis in 1994 signed to fight each other on TVKO in 1995, Lewis blows it by losing to McCall = Bowe ducked Lewis!

Bowe and Lewis in 1995 fight in mini tournament, beat Holyfield and Morrison, are expected to fight each other in 1996, Bowe and HBO try entice Lewis into fight, Lewis declines = Bowe ducked Lewis!

Where was this mad passion for Lennox Lewis when the man was boxing? He couldn't fill 5,000 seats at Wembley Arena. Herbie Hide versus Michael Bennt drew twice that crowd!

[jwfg]

I really hope this happens on 17th February. Who do you think has the most left?

[Frostieballs]

I really hope this happens on 17th February. Who do you think has the most left?

What makes you think Usyk might not have much left?

[jwfg]

I really hope this happens on 17th February. Who do you think has the most left?

What makes you think Usyk might not have much left?

Age, he didn't look great in the last fight and his body composition for DDD. That said, he didn't look anywhere near as bad as Fury last time out. Fury looked fat, gunshy and chinny.

[Frostieballs]

I really hope this happens on 17th February. Who do you think has the most left?

What makes you think Usyk might not have much left?

Age, he didn't look great in the last fight and his body composition for DDD. That said, he didn't look anywhere near as bad as Fury last time out. Fury looked fat, gunshy and chinny.

For me, Usyk is still near his peak.

Fury, on the other hand, looks done. That’s why I can’t see the fight happening.

[Phenomenal-Nutrition]

Okay, your tone of voice tells me all I need to know about your quality of mind, so I'll now leave you to your emojis and LMAOs, and write the following for those interested in facts, reason and logic.

Don King in agreeing to Holyfield-Lewis II secured a guarantee for a first defence against John Ruiz. (Ruiz was also the WBC mandatory btw.)

Lewis having watched hapless Michael Grant struggle with Golota preferred to fight him so reneged on the deal and RELINQUISHED his WBA belt, breaking up the undisputed title.

Glyn Leach and Boxing Monthly rightly condemned Lewis for ducking his mandatory, especially given that he had tried to have Tyson stripped in the court room when WBC mandatory.

If you judge Bowe harshly for ditching a belt in favour of easier challengers, hold Lewis to the same standard. I'm annoyed Bowe relinquished a belt when Lewis was there to be beaten, just as I'm annoyed Lewis ditched two belts instead of killing off Ruiz and Byrd for us. Alas, these people are acting in the moment and don't have the luxury of hindsight.

There's only 1 person re-writing history in this thread and it's you. Because you're lying about Ruiz being WBC mandatory, he wasn't ranked. WBA number 1 contender wasn't John Ruiz either when Lewis beat Holyfield, it was Akinwande who Lewis had already beat. Akinwande was meant to face Holyfield before Holyfield faced Lewis but because sick with Hepatitis. Akinwande wasn't healthy enough to be sanctioned for a world title fight. Because Don King tried to make Lewis-Akinwande 2 first

I reckon Akinwande might have beat beat Holyfield with his range and outboxing. John Ruiz wasn't number 1 in the WBA until 13 days prior to Lewis being stripped. No one knew who he was until he faced Holyfield. The only ranked fighter he faced knocked him out in 30 seconds. And Lewis later fought him instead

Also tell me which win made John Ruiz a viable challenger for Lewis before he got the WBA title show. I'll be waiting. He hadn't beat anyone in the top 20. It was a corrupt WBA and Don King scheme and HBO were never going to pay for such a fight.

Here is the Ring Magazine Top 10 for April 2000

Lennox Lewis
Evander Holyfield
Michael Grant
Ike Ibeabuchi
David Tua
Mike Tyson
Vitali Klitschko
Andrew Golota
Derrick Jefferson
Oleg Maskaev

So you think instead of fighting number 3 on that list he should fight someone not in the top 10?

Lewis followed the money and faced the names HBO would pay him the most to face. These names were Michael Grant who was built up to be the heir apparent and Mike Tyson. Wlad/Vitali, David Tua and Ibeaubuchi were the other exciting fights. Literally, no one wanted to see Lewis against Ruiz or Byrd. Lewis did consider facing Byrd when he was having trouble making the Tyson fight but the WBC told him that Tyson had to be next.

Seems correct. I’d scratch off both Wlad and Vitali though. Wlad was effectively written off after the wheels came off against Ross Purrity in 1998. Nobody wanted Lewis v Wlad. Vitali was a man of mystery in terms of what his actual ability was, but by the time Lewis faced him it was at least an interesting match up. Vitali had looked very hittable against Hide, and nobody gave him much of a chance.

Wlad is the biggest miss on Lenny's resume. He was rated as the better more talented Klit brother until the Corrie Sanders fight. The Purrity loss was notched off as a learning fight. Since then he won every round against Byrd and beat Mercer, Schulz, Botha, McCline, Shufford (who has a win over future WBO champ Brewster). That's quite a resume for a prospect.

I think Lewis would win because before Sanders faced Wlad, Lennox talked to him on the phone and told Sanders to rush him. If Lennox does the same, Wlad likely crumbles in much the same way.

The Vitali rematch is also the 1 everyone wanted at the time. And I don't know who would of won at that stage.

[Phenomenal-Nutrition]

Okay, your tone of voice tells me all I need to know about your quality of mind, so I'll now leave you to your emojis and LMAOs, and write the following for those interested in facts, reason and logic.

Don King in agreeing to Holyfield-Lewis II secured a guarantee for a first defence against John Ruiz. (Ruiz was also the WBC mandatory btw.)

Lewis having watched hapless Michael Grant struggle with Golota preferred to fight him so reneged on the deal and RELINQUISHED his WBA belt, breaking up the undisputed title.

Glyn Leach and Boxing Monthly rightly condemned Lewis for ducking his mandatory, especially given that he had tried to have Tyson stripped in the court room when WBC mandatory.

If you judge Bowe harshly for ditching a belt in favour of easier challengers, hold Lewis to the same standard. I'm annoyed Bowe relinquished a belt when Lewis was there to be beaten, just as I'm annoyed Lewis ditched two belts instead of killing off Ruiz and Byrd for us. Alas, these people are acting in the moment and don't have the luxury of hindsight.

There's only 1 person re-writing history in this thread and it's you. Because you're lying about Ruiz being WBC mandatory, he wasn't ranked. WBA number 1 contender wasn't John Ruiz either when Lewis beat Holyfield, it was Akinwande who Lewis had already beat. Akinwande was meant to face Holyfield before Holyfield faced Lewis but because sick with Hepatitis. Akinwande wasn't healthy enough to be sanctioned for a world title fight. Because Don King tried to make Lewis-Akinwande 2 first

I reckon Akinwande might have beat beat Holyfield with his range and outboxing. John Ruiz wasn't number 1 in the WBA until 13 days prior to Lewis being stripped. No one knew who he was until he faced Holyfield. The only ranked fighter he faced knocked him out in 30 seconds. And Lewis later fought him instead

Also tell me which win made John Ruiz a viable challenger for Lewis before he got the WBA title show. I'll be waiting. He hadn't beat anyone in the top 20. It was a corrupt WBA and Don King scheme and HBO were never going to pay for such a fight.

Here is the Ring Magazine Top 10 for April 2000

Lennox Lewis
Evander Holyfield
Michael Grant
Ike Ibeabuchi
David Tua
Mike Tyson
Vitali Klitschko
Andrew Golota
Derrick Jefferson
Oleg Maskaev

So you think instead of fighting number 3 on that list he should fight someone not in the top 10?

Lewis followed the money and faced the names HBO would pay him the most to face. These names were Michael Grant who was built up to be the heir apparent and Mike Tyson. Wlad/Vitali, David Tua and Ibeaubuchi were the other exciting fights. Literally, no one wanted to see Lewis against Ruiz or Byrd. Lewis did consider facing Byrd when he was having trouble making the Tyson fight but the WBC told him that Tyson had to be next.

Also if I wanted to knock Lewis, I'd make a much better argument than the ridiculous angle you've choosing to go down.

Umm, the Ring's rankings are not the WBC's rankings. Those are two different things.

Everything I wrote is taken from page 4 of Boxing Monthly's June 2000 issue, editor Glyn Leach's article on Lennox Lewis.

Sorry that facts contradict your emotional outbursts.

You're either proven to have lied or managed to find an incorrect source. Ruiz was not WBA number 1 when Lewis fought Holyfield, because Akinwande was. And he was not WBC number 1 in 2000, because Tyson was. Nice try

[jwfg]

What makes you think Usyk might not have much left?

Age, he didn't look great in the last fight and his body composition for DDD. That said, he didn't look anywhere near as bad as Fury last time out. Fury looked fat, gunshy and chinny.

For me, Usyk is still near his peak.

Fury, on the other hand, looks done. That’s why I can’t see the fight happening.

I think it'll happen, but with a postponement - although I'd be delighted if 17/2 sticks. IMO, there is no way Fury leaves that many dollars on the table.

I thought Usyk looked poor against DDD, but Daniel fought a very dirty fight and Usyk may not have been as motivated as he was for AJ. I've always said Usyk beats AJ, Wilder and Fury and I haven't changed my mind. With Fury's punch resistance, I think the Ukrainian may well stop him.

[polecateddy]

There's only 1 person re-writing history in this thread and it's you. Because you're lying about Ruiz being WBC mandatory, he wasn't ranked. WBA number 1 contender wasn't John Ruiz either when Lewis beat Holyfield, it was Akinwande who Lewis had already beat. Akinwande was meant to face Holyfield before Holyfield faced Lewis but because sick with Hepatitis. Akinwande wasn't healthy enough to be sanctioned for a world title fight. Because Don King tried to make Lewis-Akinwande 2 first

I reckon Akinwande might have beat beat Holyfield with his range and outboxing. John Ruiz wasn't number 1 in the WBA until 13 days prior to Lewis being stripped. No one knew who he was until he faced Holyfield. The only ranked fighter he faced knocked him out in 30 seconds. And Lewis later fought him instead

Also tell me which win made John Ruiz a viable challenger for Lewis before he got the WBA title show. I'll be waiting. He hadn't beat anyone in the top 20. It was a corrupt WBA and Don King scheme and HBO were never going to pay for such a fight.

Here is the Ring Magazine Top 10 for April 2000

Lennox Lewis
Evander Holyfield
Michael Grant
Ike Ibeabuchi
David Tua
Mike Tyson
Vitali Klitschko
Andrew Golota
Derrick Jefferson
Oleg Maskaev

So you think instead of fighting number 3 on that list he should fight someone not in the top 10?

Lewis followed the money and faced the names HBO would pay him the most to face. These names were Michael Grant who was built up to be the heir apparent and Mike Tyson. Wlad/Vitali, David Tua and Ibeaubuchi were the other exciting fights. Literally, no one wanted to see Lewis against Ruiz or Byrd. Lewis did consider facing Byrd when he was having trouble making the Tyson fight but the WBC told him that Tyson had to be next.

Seems correct. I’d scratch off both Wlad and Vitali though. Wlad was effectively written off after the wheels came off against Ross Purrity in 1998. Nobody wanted Lewis v Wlad. Vitali was a man of mystery in terms of what his actual ability was, but by the time Lewis faced him it was at least an interesting match up. Vitali had looked very hittable against Hide, and nobody gave him much of a chance.

Wlad is the biggest miss on Lenny's resume. He was rated as the better more talented Klit brother until the Corrie Sanders fight. The Purrity loss was notched off as a learning fight. Since then he won every round against Byrd and beat Mercer, Schulz, Botha, McCline, Shufford (who has a win over future WBO champ Brewster). That's quite a resume for a prospect.

I think Lewis would win because before Sanders faced Wlad, Lennox talked to him on the phone and told Sanders to rush him. If Lennox does the same, Wlad likely crumbles in much the same way.

The Vitali rematch is also the 1 everyone wanted at the time. And I don't know who would of won at that stage.

Nobody was suggesting the Lewis v Wlad match up because what he did to Michael Grant was still fresh in people’s minds. So it’s only a miss in the revisionist history sense. The Vitali match was interesting but nobody at the time was genuinely thinking the Klitschko brothers would be a dominant force. True the rematch with Vitali would have been popular but fair play Lewis was more than ready for retirement.