It's June 2002. The scene is the Pyramid Arena in Memphis, Tennessee. The biggest fight in boxing. The pay-per-view garnered a whopping 1,970,000 buys generating $106.9 million - a then record-breaking figure. Lennox Lewis was defending his WBC, IBF, IBO and Ring magazine world heavyweight titles against Mike Tyson who was fighting for world honours for the first time in five years.
The fight was originally scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada. But licensing issues prevented Tyson from fighting in the state.
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Billed as 'Is On', the anticipation of the fight reached fever pitch from the pre-fight antics. Tyson ramped up the tension between the boxers by saying: "I want your heart, I want to eat your children."
And during a pre-fight presser, both Lewis and Tyson's camp were embroiled in a wild brawl. Tyson walked towards Lewis before a bodyguard attempted to intervene until Tyson threw a left hook.
Luckily for him, he didn't connect. But that didn't stop chaos from ensuing with their entourages going bat-sh*t crazy which included Tyson biting Lewis' leg. The ugly scenes only hyped up the eagerly-anticipated meeting.
If that wasn't crazy enough, Tyson then went on a profanity-laced tirade towards the members of the press while directing abuse at a particular journalist claiming he would "fuck you till you love me."
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The fight years in the making showcased a Lewis domination. 'Iron' Mike was unable to land his patented leaping left hook with the Brit starting to take command by connecting several jabs and uppercuts which were gradually taking its toll.
A tired and sluggish Tyson became apparent. Sporting cuts and swelling across his face. Then round eight. Lewis pawed with a jab followed by a stinging right hook flooring his foe.
A devastating finish to end the Lewis vs. Tyson saga.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Mike Tyson, Boxing News, Boxing, Lennox Lewis, Fight News
