Roy Jones Jr thinks Lennox Lewis would've beaten Mike Tyson if they'd fought in their primes. The boxing legend shared his view in a recent chat with MailSport Boxing.
Jones Jr knows a thing or two about boxing greatness. He's won titles in four weight classes, from middleweight to heavyweight. In 1994, he put on a masterclass against James Toney for the IBF super middleweight belt. A year earlier, he dominated Bernard Hopkins for the IBF middleweight title. And in 1997, he avenged a controversial loss to Montell Griffin with a first-round knockout.
When asked who'd win between prime Tyson and Lewis, Jones Jr's answer was short and sweet:
"Lennox Lewis."
Lewis and Tyson are both Hall of Famers and considered among the best heavyweights ever. Lewis retired in 2003 with a record of 41 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. He beat every man he faced in the ring.
Tyson was at his best in the late 1980s. But he had some trouble outside the ring, including time in jail, which affected his boxing career.
Lewis and Tyson did fight in June 2002, near the end of their careers. The build-up was intense, with a brawl breaking out at the press conference. In the ring, Lewis won by stoppage in the eighth round. That fight proved Lewis was the top dog in the division and one of the all-time greats.
Many fans think the fight would've been different if they'd met in Tyson's prime. But Lewis has always said he'd beat any version of 'Iron' Mike.
Tyson recently fought Jake Paul in November 2024. He lost on points to an opponent less than half his age.
