Carl Frampton has predicted what he thinks would happen in a fantasy fight between a prime Mike Tyson and a prime Lennox Lewis.
This fight has already happened, of course, back in June of 2002 when Lewis was the defending WBC, IBF, IBO, and The Ring champion and Tyson was the former undisputed champion. The lead up to the fight was unsavoury with both men rolling around on the floor in a brawl involving personnel from both camps at a press conference to announce the fight in New York. It later emerged that Tyson had bitten Lewis’ leg and was ordered to pay damages amounting to US$335,000.
When the fight came around, Lewis soon got in control, connecting with his famous jab and keeping Tyson frustrated and at bay. Tyson was eventually stopped by a big right cross that sent him to the canvas in round eight. He remained there and made little effort to get up so was counted out by the referee.
Lewis retired a year later while Tyson carried on for three years but only won once more against the unknown Clifford Etienne.
Speaking to TNT Sports Boxing, former champion Frampton was asked who would have won had both men fought earlier in their careers.
“It’s a hard fight to call. When Tyson and Lewis fought, Tyson was definitely past his best, but I’d say Lewis was past his best as well.”
Frampton was then asked when Lewis was at his best.
“Pre-Tyson certainly. He had that fight against Vitali Klitschko as well that he wasn’t doing so well in and obviously Vitali got a bad, nasty cut. I don’t know, that’s a hard one to call.”
Finally, Frampton made a prediction and came down on the side of the last undisputed heavyweight.
“I’d say prime Lewis probably beats prime Tyson, just, I think.”