Lennox Lewis thinks Mike Tyson would beat Oleksandr Usyk in a fantasy fight between their prime versions. The retired boxing legend shared his view during a game with MailSport Boxing.
The imaginary match-up between Tyson and Usyk got people talking. It's a classic case of raw power versus slick skills. Tyson made a name for himself with early knockouts, while Usyk is known for his great defense and ability to outpoint opponents.
Lewis, who's a former undisputed world heavyweight champion himself, picked Tyson to win the hypothetical bout. It's worth noting that Lewis actually stopped Tyson in a real fight back in 2002.
Lewis made his prediction during a 'winner stays on' game with MailSport Boxing. He knows both fighters well, having faced Tyson in the ring and watched Usyk's recent performances.
Tyson, now 58 and still called "The Baddest Man on the Planet," is getting ready for a controversial fight with Jake Paul in November. The match will last eight two-minute rounds and will count on both fighters' professional records. Netflix plans to broadcast the event live.
Usyk, on the other hand, is still in his prime. The Ukrainian stylist remains unbeaten in his professional career and has held undisputed titles in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. He recently beat Tyson Fury and is set to defend three of the four major world titles against Fury again in December.
"Iron Mike became the youngest ever world heavyweight champion at just 20 years old,"a boxing historian might say. Usyk's path to glory started with an Olympic gold medal before he dominated the professional ranks.
Lewis knows firsthand how tough Tyson can be. Their 2002 fight ended with Lewis stopping the former champ, but it seems he still rates Tyson's prime version highly.
While fantasy matchups are fun to discuss, they're impossible to prove. Fans will surely keep debating who would win between these two boxing greats in their prime.
