Mike Tyson knows better than most who was better out of Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis.
‘Iron Mike’ met both fighters during his illustrious heavyweight career, but was unable to come out on top on any occasion.
He first fought Holyfield at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in November 1996, but was unable to cope with his opponent and suffered an 11th round stoppage loss.
Their infamous rematch took place at the same venue in June 1997, and is still talked about to this day, after it ended in a third round disqualification when Tyson bit the ear of his rival.
Tyson’s bout with Lewis then came in June 2002 towards the end of both of their respective careers. It was a hostile build-up between the two men, including a press conference brawl, but it was Lewis who claimed bragging rights with an eighth round knockout win.
‘Iron Mike’ has now compared Holyfield and Lewis when talking to Ring Magazine for their Best I Faced feature, and knew exactly who he felt was the better of the duo.
“Holyfield. Great champion, chin, heart, determination, work ethic, demeanour.”
Holyfield and Lewis did meet twice in the ring, with their first fight at Madison Square Garden in New York in March 1999 ending in a controversial draw after 12 rounds, with many onlookers feeling that Lewis had done enough to win the contest.
Their rematch six months later saw Lewis get the validation he felt he deserved, winning the fight in Las Vegas by unanimous decision.
