Holyfield vs. Lewis: 25 years of battle for a legend
Looking back at a heavyweight boxing duel in 1999, it's like a journey back in time, and people feel that exciting atmosphere again. The clash between Lennox Lewis and Evend Holyfield became a classic fight in the history of boxing, and its story became more precious as the years passed.
In March 1999, the unification of the boxing champions was staged at Madison Garden Plaza in New York, and it was a long-awaited feast. Lewis and Holyfield, the matchup between the two legendary fighters attracted more than 2With 10,000 spectators, the atmosphere was extremely hot. And Holyfield's performance on the pitch was even more impressive, he sang and shook his head, as if he didn't care about the presence of his opponent.
Lewis later recalled: "I couldn't help but be puzzled when I saw Holyfield's relaxed expression. His demeanor was somewhat lewd and seemed to be bluffing. I thought maybe I should teach him some lessons in the game. ”
In the seventh round of the bout, Lewis had a chance to push Holyfield to the rope side, but he opted for a conservative strategy and failed to take his rival down, leaving Holyfield with a precious respite. Until the 11th round, Holyfield had a bruise in his left eye and was in trouble. However, when Lewis thought he had won, the referee ruled that the two sides were tied, which was an unbelievable result.
The referee's decision sparked widespread controversy and even the attention of the state attorney general. Either cheating or incompetence, the fairness of the results of the match was questioned. Behind this, the undertaker, Don King, saw a business opportunity, and he shouted: "To solve the dispute, it is to do it again!" ”
The WBC, WBA, IBF ordered that Lewis and Holyfield must play a rematch within six months. So, in November of the same year, they had a rematch at the Las Vegas Stormac Center. This time, Lewis was in control of the situation and eventually won the victory and became the dominant force in the boxing world.
Looking back on this legendary battle 25 years later, we can see all the details and the psychology behind it. Holyfield's performance may have been part of the psychological warfare, but his intense performance in the rematch was also worth playing. And Lewis's caution and calmness ultimately made him the undisputed supremacy of boxing.
Boxing is a sport that requires courage, wisdom and skill. And the duel between Holyfield and Lewis is a monument in the history of boxing. Twenty-five years later, there are still many lessons to be learned: victory in the ring requires more inner tenacity and wit than sheer strength and technique.