Sports history in Black: Lennox Lewis defends title after face off with Mike Tyson

Many of Lennox Lewis’ fans saw him as a powerful-looking boxer who was difficult to defeat. And that proved to be true during his career, as he ascended to world heavyweight champion.

Critics, however, thought Lennox did not use his power as best he could.

A line of security separates Mike Tyson, top, from Lennox Lewis in the ring before their heavyweight championship fight at The Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee, Saturday, June 8, 2002. Photo credit: Mark J. Terrill, The Associated Press
A line of security separates Mike Tyson, top, from Lennox Lewis in the ring before their heavyweight championship fight at The Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee, Saturday, June 8, 2002. Photo credit: Mark J. Terrill, The Associated Press

The same could not be said of fellow boxer Mike Tyson, who was comfortable showing off his power in matches and knocking people out. was not using his power as best he could.

When Tyson and Lewis faced off June 8, 2002, at the Pyramid Arena in Memphis, Tennessee, some boxing fans thought Lewis could fall to the power of Tyson. However, Lewis won the match and retained his heavyweight title, defeating Tyson by knockout in the eighth round.

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