Reliving the Epic Lennox Lewis vs. Evander Holyfield Rematch: A Night of Undisputed Heavyweight History

On Saturday, May 18, Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) and Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) finally meet for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This will be the first time all four heavyweight belts will be available since Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in their rematch on November 13, 1999. At Big Fight Weekend, we felt it was only right – that we take you back to that night at the Thomas & Mack Center when Lewis created heavyweight boxing history.

Lennox Lewis Defeats Evander Holyfield by Unanimous Decision to Create Undisputed History

Lennox Lewis vs. Evander Holyfield II Recap

The two heavyweights had met eight months earlier at Madison Square Garden, where they fought to a split draw, with one judge scoring it 116-113 to the Brit, while the second judge, to the dismay of many had it 115–113 for Holyfield, with the last judge having it 115–115. Due to the controversial scorecards, the sanctioning bodies ordered a rematch quickly. Many felt Lewis had done enough in the first fight.

Read More: Revisiting Entertaining Slugfest Between Lennox Lewis and Ray Mercer at Madison Square Garden

Lewis again started well, outworking “The Real Deal” in the opening rounds and controlled most of the third before a late flurry from Holyfield. “The Real Deal” then began to take control with his excellent jab and accuracy of his punches, making the difference. 

Both fighters had an eventful seventh round, throwing heavy shots at each other. “The Lion” took over the fight for the next few rounds, using his excellent jab and landing with his signature right hand. The final round of the fight saw Lewis and Holyfield have moments of success, but the British fighter had the more eye-catching output, taking the round on two of the three scorecards.

Read More: Lennox Lewis vs. Shannon Briggs – A Tale of Triumph and Tenacity in Atlantic City

The scorecards were read out – and Lewis created history by becoming undisputed heavyweight champion, with the judges scorecards reading 115–113, 116–112 and 117–111.

Lewis’ reign as undisputed heavyweight king lasted less than six months. The WBA wanted the Brit to face their number one contender John Ruiz, but Lewis decided to face Michael Grant instead.

Listen to the latest Big Fight Weekend preview podcast when TJ and Dan Rafael preview the undisputed heavyweight championship between Usyk and Fury and look back to 1999 when Lewis faced Holyfield in the last undisputed heavyweight clash.

Heavyweight Legacy

Lewis and Holyfield went on to have memorable careers, with Lewis later defeating Mike Tyson and avenging a loss to Hasim Rahman before ending his career with a brave sixth-round TKO win over Vitali Klitschko. Lewis cemented his name in the heavyweight history books when he defeated “The Real Deal,” and 8953 days later, Usyk and Fury will meet – with the winner crowned the new undisputed king.