A quarter-century ago, the boxing community was abuzz with excitement and anticipation as two heavyweight titans, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, prepared for their long-awaited rematch, aptly titled “Unfinished Business.” Their initial encounter in March 1999 ended in a controversial draw that sparked chaos in the boxing world. Fans and analysts alike expressed outrage, confusion, and suspicions of corruption when the judges’ decisions contradicted the widely held belief that Lewis had won. The rematch would offer both fighters an opportunity to settle the score and seek a definitive resolution to their rivalry.
The Controversy of the First Fight
The March bout, which many believed Lewis had decisively won, was marred by poor officiating. The discrepancies in the judges’ scoring left a cloud of doubt hanging over the boxing community, casting a shadow on the legitimacy of the draw. Don King, the promoter for Holyfield, faced significant backlash, but the responsibility for the outcome rested primarily on the inadequate performance of the judges rather than any machinations by King. As a result, both fighters retained their claims to a piece of the heavyweight championship, creating an atmosphere ripe for a rematch.
Fast forward to the rematch held in Las Vegas on November 13, 1999, where the stakes were even higher. Lewis entered the ring as the reigning WBC champion, boasting an impressive record of 34 victories, one loss, and one draw, including 27 knockouts. In contrast, 37-year-old Holyfield, who had an illustrious career spanning both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, carried a record of 36 wins, three defeats, and one draw, with 25 knockouts. This latest clash was meticulously organized, and boxing enthusiasts were eager to see if Lewis could finally secure a clear victory.
The rematch proved to be an intense contest filled with suspense and tactical maneuvering. While many anticipated Lewis to aggressively pursue a knockout, he adopted a surprisingly cautious approach, allowing Holyfield to build momentum in the middle rounds. Holyfield, renowned for his resilience and aptitude in rematches, rallied after initially losing ground, showcasing his tactical expertise and stamina. Round seven was particularly thrilling, characterized by fierce exchanges as both boxers demonstrated their prowess and determination.
As the fight progressed, Lewis began to find his rhythm, gradually edging the championship rounds in his favor. The final round maintained its tight nature, with all three judges faced with the challenging task of scoring a closely contested bout. When the dust settled, the judges awarded Lewis the unanimous decision with scores of 117-111, 116-112, and 115-113, cementing his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion.
The rematch concluded with no third fight on the horizon, but both fighters continued their respective careers, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Lewis enjoyed a successful title reign, defending his belts three times before suffering an unexpected defeat to Hasim Rahman, a loss he avenged in a decisive rematch. Despite having been stripped of the WBA title shortly after defeating Holyfield, Lewis’ legacy as a dominant heavyweight fighter remained intact with a final record of 41 wins, two losses, and one draw.
Holyfield, determined and unyielding, continued to compete and achieve remarkable feats in the boxing ring. He ultimately became the first four-time heavyweight champion by defeating John Ruiz to capture the WBA title that Lewis had lost. His career concluded with a record of 44 wins, 10 losses, and two draws, further solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
The rivalry between Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield represents one of boxing’s most compelling narratives, punctuated by memorable fights and exceptional sporting prowess. Their careers, marked by differing styles and personalities, invite endless debate among fans regarding who stands as the greater fighter. What remains indisputable is the impact they both had on boxing, inspiring future generations with their achievements, athleticism, and unwavering spirit. Their legacies, intertwined through struggle and triumph, will forever echo in the annals of boxing history.
Leave a Reply