BoxRec

Given that top amateur boxers generally turn professional at a peak in their career to maximise the financial rewards, how might Lewis' career have been different had he taken the gold medal in Los Angeles in 1984?

Hesketh Vampire wrote:Given that top amateur boxers generally turn professional at a peak in their career to maximise the financial rewards, how might Lewis' career have been different had he taken the gold medal in Los Angeles in 1984?

1986-11-22 First round KO by peaking Tyson .. end of career.

Lewis-Tyson-Holyfield-Bowe are a set of Heavies that should have set the sport alight. Somehow they conspired to miss one another. Bowe only face Holyfield. Lewis fought a ringworn Tyson and a fading Holyfield. I think if Lewis had won in 84 he'd have been squaring up to these guys earlier and this would have created the kinds of match ups and rivalries that we got with Bowe-Holyfield.

I know Lewis is not a popular champion with many but I always felt he'd have taken Tyson. I believe he had the style. Lewis could be KO'd but I think he'd be very cautious early on and then would move up a gear as the fight prgressed. For me it's a styles thing. I imagine that Lewis's presence might have made Tyson more focused on boxing as he had a legitimate threat, and this may well have improved Tyson's career too.

With Lewis established Bowe could not have avoided him and we'd have seen a 3 fight series. I think Bowe would have beaten Lennox at least once. I also think that a younger Holyfield could have out worked and out hustled Lennox for at least one fight.

What I do think is that Lewis's legacy would have been enhanced because he'd have been involved in more big fights throughout his career and this would counter balance the fact that he would have lost a couple more fights.

Ezzard wrote:Lewis fought a ringworn Tyson and a fading Holyfield.

I believe you have that backwards.

Holyfield was much more worn than Tyson.

Tantum

From looking at the records you're spot on, but when you watched the performaces Holyfield was good enough to make both fights close... Tyson on the other hand...

I think a younger Holyfield would have outworked Lewis and forced him to fight at a pace he was uncomfortable with. When you consider that Holy was a pumped up cruiser it gives a decent yardstick as to how the smaller all-time greats would have faired against Lennox.

Tantum wrote:

Ezzard wrote:Lewis fought a ringworn Tyson and a fading Holyfield.

I believe you have that backwards.

Holyfield was much more worn than Tyson.

Tyson was just younger.. but very inactive for ten years.. hollyfield at the same time very active. Inactivity also gives years to one's performance.