In the annals of boxing history, few rivalries have garnered as much attention and fervor as that of Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield. The first encounter on March 13, 1999, left many fans and pundits baffled and outraged when the judges rendered a controversial draw. This outcome wasn’t merely a reflection of the fight’s action but pointed to deeper issues in officiating. The perception of unfairness cast a shadow over both fighters, leaving the boxing community clamoring for a definitive answer. It was an uproar that prompted the rematch, aptly named “Unfinished Business,” a title suggesting that much was left unsaid and unresolved in the ring.
The aftermath of the first fight sparked widespread confusion and allegations of corruption—much of the ire directed at promoter Don King, who was closely associated with Holyfield. However, the real villain was not King but the judges’ glaring miscalculation. Outside of two uninformed judges, the boxing community largely agreed that Lewis had controlled the fight, raising questions about the integrity of the scoring. This unresolved tension created an electric atmosphere leading up to the rematch that everyone anticipated.
Fast forward to November 13, 1999, in Las Vegas, where the boxing world eagerly anticipated Lewis and Holyfield stepping back into the ring. By this time, Lewis, now 34 years old, was in his prime, possessing a record of 34 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with 27 of those wins coming by way of knockout. Holyfield, on the other hand, while still formidable at 37 years old, was slightly past his peak, with a record of 36 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, yet still boasting considerable power and experience.
From the outset, the fight unfolded like a thrilling drama, with each round presenting its own unique twists. Lewis opened cautiously, likely mindful of the pitfalls that had led to the earlier controversy. Fans witnessed the resilience of “The Real Deal,” as Holyfield dropped the opening rounds but later surged back, earning points in what emerged as one of the more competitive matchups in their rivalry. Round seven was particularly riveting, showcasing both fighters exchanging powerful punches—a reminder of the potential danger that lurked in every exchange.
As the fight pressed into the championship rounds, it became apparent that Lewis was incrementally reclaiming control. The scoring would ultimately hinge on a familiar conclusion: judges’ opinions. The final scores reflected a notable victory for Lewis, who won by 117-111, 116-112, and 115-113. Nonetheless, the fight had sowed the seeds of contention yet again, with some observers, including renowned boxing journalist Colin Hart, suggesting that Holyfield had held his own.
This definitive win elevated Lewis to the undisputed heavyweight champion, planting him at the pinnacle of his sport. The rematch not only served as a personal triumph for Lewis but resolved the doubts that lingered from their first meeting. It marked a turning point in their careers, allowing both fighters to pivot towards new challenges, albeit on different trajectories.
What unfolded in the years following their historic bout emphasized the distinct legacies of both fighters. Lewis defended his title successfully three times before experiencing an unexpected setback against Hasim Rahman—a loss he later avenged in spectacular fashion. Despite this, the WBA title was stripped from him shortly after his victory over Holyfield, reflecting the ongoing turbulence of heavyweight boxing politics.
Holyfield, undeterred by the loss, forged ahead, eventually becoming the first-ever four-time heavyweight champion by reclaiming the WBA title from John Ruiz. His resilience highlighted an undying spirit that colored both his style and career, standing in stark contrast to Lewis’s more calculated and powerful approach.
In the grand landscape of boxing, the debate persists: who was the greater fighter—Lennox Lewis or Evander Holyfield? Lewis concluded his illustrious career with a record of 41 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, while Holyfield retired with a commendable 44 wins, 10 losses, and 2 draws. Ultimately, both fighters earned their places in history as two of the sport’s most iconic competitors, leaving a legacy marked by unforgettable battles and contrasting styles.