Tyson was, at one time, the most feared man in the world. Yes he came across as an idiot due to his rough childhood and Don King's influence. He got mixed up in many things that he shouldn't have and probably was clinically crazy and probably still is. Most people still would not want to go up against him. He was a beast. A one punch knockout was not uncommon. Maybe you should read his autobiography that just came out? You may form a different opinion.

I think everyone expected that beating Tyson received

Lewis with Prime Tyson would have been very different combat

Tyson 1986 - 1990 vs 1993 -1998 Lewis → Tyson wins by UD

I have a different view of the sport.

I see two sides of boxing, entertainment, and the sport of boxing.

Joe Louis was Marciano's idol, and when they fought, there was the usual press to sell the fight. But Marciano knew that Louis was not only past his prime, but out of shape, and fighting for money. And he took no glory in beating his former inspiration.

Like many boxers, Tyson was a student of boxing history, and he must have understood this very well: that boxing is a sport, but it must be entertainment in order to sell.

I certainly did not like the image he chose to project, but one cannot argue with his business success.

He fought Lewis at a certain time in his career, and while the usual fight promotion went forth, it was clear that Tyson was not going to win.

Although boxing is "mano a mano" and the psychological preparation fo fighting requires an aggressive mind-set to beat one's opponent, the sport of boxing is not genuine war, and few athletes (and I would include Tyson) have anything but respect for their fellow athletes.

If this is true, then fight hype is not. And thus, such talk of personal rivalry is only an act.

I wasn't. Obviously, I'm a Tyson fan, but, I mean, if Mike should get beat or KO's by Lennox Lewis, I rather that it had happened during Tyson's prime. Then, I'd be convinced.

I'm a Lewis fan, and saw that coming big time, and loved watching it, but I also realized, that was a burnt out shell of the prime Tyson.

yes lewis was very brave fighting a fighter 15 years past his peak ..........it was as much fun as watching larry holmes beat up an old Ali

Tyson deserved that beating.

Lewis gave Tyson an beating and taught him a lesson, smashed him all over the ring and Tyson getting KO'd on the floor like a bum is one of Boxing's greatest moments. Imagine how Tyson's wife and children must have felt seeing Tyson getting beat like a ragdoll?

Well, I'm sure even his kids would have felt it was necessary!

Lewis cleaned up the H.W division very nicely of all the American garbage.