When Lennox Lewis stepped into the ring against Evander Holyfield in March 1999, most observers believed he had done enough to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Instead, Lewis walked away with a split draw after judge Eugenia Williams somehow scored the fight in Holyfield’s favor.
The Lesson
Promoter Frank Maloney called it “an absolute con.” Trainer Emanuel Steward described the verdict as “what’s killing boxing.” Lewis himself spoke of “funny business” after dominating large portions of the contest.
Lewis eventually corrected the record eight months later, but that earlier result never left the champion’s mindset.
Even though he defeated Holyfield in the rematch and finally secured the undisputed crown, one scorecard raised eyebrows. Judge Jerry Roth scored the fight just 115-113 despite Lewis appearing to control most of the action.
Lewis left New York with the title, but the cards left a lasting impression.
Not everyone agreed with that assessment. Years later, Dillian Whyte argued there was a case that Holyfield won both fights, a view that remains firmly in the minority.
A Lesson Never Forgotten
By the time Mike Tyson stood across the ring in 2002, Lewis was no longer interested in leaving anything to chance.
Tyson remained the biggest attraction in boxing. The fight was taking place in America. Millions of dollars were on the line, and Lewis had already experienced firsthand what could happen when a heavyweight title fight reached the scorecards.
His camp was so wary of a repeat controversy that efforts were reportedly made to ensure there would be no American judges assigned to the bout.
Lewis appeared determined to remove any possibility of history repeating itself. He wasn’t simply trying to beat Tyson. He was trying to take the judges out of the equation.
But Lewis wasn’t looking for a close decision. He wasn’t looking to edge rounds and hope three judges saw things his way.
Tyson Paid the Price
He broke Tyson down, dominated him physically and mentally, and stopped him in the eighth round. Tyson later admitted he wasn’t ready for the fight, but that argument never made it to the back pages.
The Holyfield draw taught Lewis a lesson he never forgot.Three years later, Mike Tyson paid the price for it.
By Phil Jay