Best 90s Heavyweight Fight That Didn't Happen But Should Have?

[streetsaresafer]

So which heavyweight fight from the 90s that didn't happen did you most want to see and why? How would that fight have changed the perception of the respective fighters had it come off?

Also, post your predictions as to who you think would win the following 'what if' heavyweight fights from the 90s -

1991 - HOLYFIELD/TYSON

Thanks to Elijah Tillery injuring Tyson's ribs in a sparring session three weeks before the fight, we didn't get to see this fight in 91. To me this is the fight I would have most wanted to see, even though we got the two fights in 96/97 - this would have been a much greater fight than the good/very good fight the 96 one was (too many clinches though).

Tyson was the best Tyson there was post Rooney coming off two wins v. Ruddock and Holyfield was in his prime. Tyson was 25 years old at the time (as opposed to 30 in 96) and would have taken the undefeated Holyfield more seriously than he did in 96. Tyson would have had better stamina and thus been more competitive in the late rounds and although he had lost much of his bob and weave defensive prowess, offensively the Tyson of 91 was still there in full force.

Holyfield unquestionably was in his prime (29 years old), biggest difference between the Holy of 91 and 96 was Holy in 91 had a much better workrate. He threw more punches and used his feet more than the 96 Holy, and in 91 Holy had yet to have any stamina problems (like he showed starting in 94 on). Anyway this is my choice for for the best heavyweight fight that didn't happen but should have.

Prediction - Holyfield TKO 12th in a classic

1992 - BOWE/TYSON

This fight was actually discussed at one point - if you watch the postfight interviews of Bowe's first fight against Elijiah Tillery on Oct. 29th, 1991 - Rock Newman talks about a Bowe/Tyson bout. So let's say that the fight is signed and they agree to fight the first weekend in January of 92 (seeing as though Tyson's trial would have been an issue by the end of January/early February). This fight would have been pretty big I imagine, Tyson was still the number one draw and Bowe was undefeated. Could have been a fascinating fight. Tyson after the two Rudduck wins v. a potentially prime Bowe.

Prediction - Tyson KO 7th round

1993 - BOWE/LEWIS

This I suspect will get the most votes. Bowe was unquestionably still prime in 93 (Futch said Bowe never looked better when he fought Jesse Ferguson) and Lewis was certainly a top contender by then having destroyed Ruddock. Lewis wasn't prime yet (no Manny Steward) but nontheless would have presented some serious challenges to the champion Bowe. Anyway, a great fight that was missed. While Lewis eventually became the greater fighter, at this point I think Bowe would have had the edge.

Prediction - Bowe KO Lewis 9th round

1993 - HOLYFIELD/LEWIS

I know this one probably isn't on too many people's lists but hear me out. Lewis unquestionably was looking for respect in 93 seeing as though he won the WBC belt while on vacation. Since Rock Newman didn't want Bowe to fight Lewis at this point, why not have Lewis fight Holyfield? Holyfield has shown he was willing to fight anyone and after losing to Bowe, Holyfield wanted to be undisputed heavyweight champ of the world again. What better way than to go after Lewis's WBC belt? Anyway, I know this fight never came close to being discussed or signed but I am just throwing it out there to see if fight fans would have been interested in it.

Prediction - Holyfield UD

1995 - BOWE/LEWIS

I put this one on here because apparently they were going to fight in early 95, but unfortunatlely Lewis lost to McCall and the fight didn't come off. While the fight would have been bigger in 93 (in 93 the fight would have been for the undisputed heavyweight championship and both men were unbeaten) - it still would have been a big fight in 95, even though Bowe had now been beaten by that point. So let's say Lewis doesn't lose to McCall, but still hires Manny Steward anyway, and this fight comes off in the first part of 95.

Prediction - Lewis TKO 10th round

1996 - LEWIS/TYSON

I suspect this will get a lot of votes as well. Obviously we know that Tyson/Don King paid Lewis 4 million to step aside so Tyson could fight Bruno - but let's say that doesn't happen and instead Lewis and Tyson fight? Would have been pretty big I imagine as Tyson still had the aura of invincibility and Lewis only had the 1 defeat to McCall and certainly was a talented, if still looking for respect as the best heavyweight in 96.

Prediction - Lewis TKO 11th round

For the record, I think it would take a prime Tyson to beat a prime Lewis, and although Tyson was formidable in 96 still (much better than the shot version that eventually fought Lewis) I think since he didn't have the head movement and overall defensive skills at this point, that he'd lose (but be more competitive than he was when they actually fought).

So what say you? What was the 90s heavyweight fight you would have most wanted to see?

[andyZOR]

1993 - Bowe/lewis

[Zakman]

So which heavyweight fight from the 90s that didn't happen did you most want to see and why? How would that fight have changed the perception of the respective fighters had it come off?

Also, post your predictions as to who you think would win the following 'what if' heavyweight fights from the 90s -

1991 - HOLYFIELD/TYSON

Thanks to Elijah Tillery injuring Tyson's ribs in a sparring session three weeks before the fight, we didn't get to see this fight in 91. To me this is the fight I would have most wanted to see, even though we got the two fights in 96/97 - this would have been a much greater fight than the good/very good fight the 96 one was (too many clinches though).

Tyson was the best Tyson there was post Rooney coming off two wins v. Ruddock and Holyfield was in his prime. Tyson was 25 years old at the time (as opposed to 30 in 96) and would have taken the undefeated Holyfield more seriously than he did in 96. Tyson would have had better stamina and thus been more competitive in the late rounds and although he had lost much of his bob and weave defensive prowess, offensively the Tyson of 91 was still there in full force.

Holyfield unquestionably was in his prime (29 years old), biggest difference between the Holy of 91 and 96 was Holy in 91 had a much better workrate. He threw more punches and used his feet more than the 96 Holy, and in 91 Holy had yet to have any stamina problems (like he showed starting in 94 on). Anyway this is my choice for for the best heavyweight fight that didn't happen but should have.

Prediction - Holyfield TKO 12th in a classic

1992 - BOWE/TYSON

This fight was actually discussed at one point - if you watch the postfight interviews of Bowe's first fight against Elijiah Tillery on Oct. 29th, 1991 - Rock Newman talks about a Bowe/Tyson bout. So let's say that the fight is signed and they agree to fight the first weekend in January of 92 (seeing as though Tyson's trial would have been an issue by the end of January/early February). This fight would have been pretty big I imagine, Tyson was still the number one draw and Bowe was undefeated. Could have been a fascinating fight. Tyson after the two Rudduck wins v. a potentially prime Bowe.

Prediction - Tyson KO 7th round

1993 - BOWE/LEWIS

This I suspect will get the most votes. Bowe was unquestionably still prime in 93 (Futch said Bowe never looked better when he fought Jesse Ferguson) and Lewis was certainly a top contender by then having destroyed Ruddock. Lewis wasn't prime yet (no Manny Steward) but nontheless would have presented some serious challenges to the champion Bowe. Anyway, a great fight that was missed. While Lewis eventually became the greater fighter, at this point I think Bowe would have had the edge.

Prediction - Bowe KO Lewis 9th round

1993 - HOLYFIELD/LEWIS

I know this one probably isn't on too many people's lists but hear me out. Lewis unquestionably was looking for respect in 93 seeing as though he won the WBC belt while on vacation. Since Rock Newman didn't want Bowe to fight Lewis at this point, why not have Lewis fight Holyfield? Holyfield has shown he was willing to fight anyone and after losing to Bowe, Holyfield wanted to be undisputed heavyweight champ of the world again. What better way than to go after Lewis's WBC belt? Anyway, I know this fight never came close to being discussed or signed but I am just throwing it out there to see if fight fans would have been interested in it.

Prediction - Holyfield UD

1995 - BOWE/LEWIS

I put this one on here because apparently they were going to fight in early 95, but unfortunatlely Lewis lost to McCall and the fight didn't come off. While the fight would have been bigger in 93 (in 93 the fight would have been for the undisputed heavyweight championship and both men were unbeaten) - it still would have been a big fight in 95, even though Bowe had now been beaten by that point. So let's say Lewis doesn't lose to McCall, but still hires Manny Steward anyway, and this fight comes off in the first part of 95.

Prediction - Lewis TKO 10th round

1996 - LEWIS/TYSON

I suspect this will get a lot of votes as well. Obviously we know that Tyson/Don King paid Lewis 4 million to step aside so Tyson could fight Bruno - but let's say that doesn't happen and instead Lewis and Tyson fight? Would have been pretty big I imagine as Tyson still had the aura of invincibility and Lewis only had the 1 defeat to McCall and certainly was a talented, if still looking for respect as the best heavyweight in 96.

Prediction - Lewis TKO 11th round

For the record, I think it would take a prime Tyson to beat a prime Lewis, and although Tyson was formidable in 96 still (much better than the shot version that eventually fought Lewis) I think since he didn't have the head movement and overall defensive skills at this point, that he'd lose (but be more competitive than he was when they actually fought).

So what say you? What was the 90s heavyweight fight you would have most wanted to see?

I think your analysis and predictions are, for the most part, right on the money. I would give the '96 Tyson, however, a very good shot to take Lewis out early, just like McCall did. If it got beyond the 5th or so, I think your scenario would likely be the one that plays out.

[streetsaresafer]

Yeah the 96 Lewis/Tyson fight is the one I was least sure about the result in - could see either man winning it.

[Illmatic]

good list....I cant think of any other big matchups...

maybe moorer-bowe? They both had such short primes. Also, Foreman-Tyson wouldve been entertaining.

[streetsaresafer]

bump

[lefthook31]

So which heavyweight fight from the 90s that didn't happen did you most want to see and why? How would that fight have changed the perception of the respective fighters had it come off?

Also, post your predictions as to who you think would win the following 'what if' heavyweight fights from the 90s -

1991 - HOLYFIELD/TYSON

Thanks to Elijah Tillery injuring Tyson's ribs in a sparring session three weeks before the fight, we didn't get to see this fight in 91. To me this is the fight I would have most wanted to see, even though we got the two fights in 96/97 - this would have been a much greater fight than the good/very good fight the 96 one was (too many clinches though).

Tyson was the best Tyson there was post Rooney coming off two wins v. Ruddock and Holyfield was in his prime. Tyson was 25 years old at the time (as opposed to 30 in 96) and would have taken the undefeated Holyfield more seriously than he did in 96. Tyson would have had better stamina and thus been more competitive in the late rounds and although he had lost much of his bob and weave defensive prowess, offensively the Tyson of 91 was still there in full force.

Holyfield unquestionably was in his prime (29 years old), biggest difference between the Holy of 91 and 96 was Holy in 91 had a much better workrate. He threw more punches and used his feet more than the 96 Holy, and in 91 Holy had yet to have any stamina problems (like he showed starting in 94 on). Anyway this is my choice for for the best heavyweight fight that didn't happen but should have.

Prediction - Holyfield TKO 12th in a classic

1992 - BOWE/TYSON

This fight was actually discussed at one point - if you watch the postfight interviews of Bowe's first fight against Elijiah Tillery on Oct. 29th, 1991 - Rock Newman talks about a Bowe/Tyson bout. So let's say that the fight is signed and they agree to fight the first weekend in January of 92 (seeing as though Tyson's trial would have been an issue by the end of January/early February). This fight would have been pretty big I imagine, Tyson was still the number one draw and Bowe was undefeated. Could have been a fascinating fight. Tyson after the two Rudduck wins v. a potentially prime Bowe.

Prediction - Tyson KO 7th round

1993 - BOWE/LEWIS

This I suspect will get the most votes. Bowe was unquestionably still prime in 93 (Futch said Bowe never looked better when he fought Jesse Ferguson) and Lewis was certainly a top contender by then having destroyed Ruddock. Lewis wasn't prime yet (no Manny Steward) but nontheless would have presented some serious challenges to the champion Bowe. Anyway, a great fight that was missed. While Lewis eventually became the greater fighter, at this point I think Bowe would have had the edge.

Prediction - Bowe KO Lewis 9th round

1993 - HOLYFIELD/LEWIS

I know this one probably isn't on too many people's lists but hear me out. Lewis unquestionably was looking for respect in 93 seeing as though he won the WBC belt while on vacation. Since Rock Newman didn't want Bowe to fight Lewis at this point, why not have Lewis fight Holyfield? Holyfield has shown he was willing to fight anyone and after losing to Bowe, Holyfield wanted to be undisputed heavyweight champ of the world again. What better way than to go after Lewis's WBC belt? Anyway, I know this fight never came close to being discussed or signed but I am just throwing it out there to see if fight fans would have been interested in it.

Prediction - Holyfield UD

1995 - BOWE/LEWIS

I put this one on here because apparently they were going to fight in early 95, but unfortunatlely Lewis lost to McCall and the fight didn't come off. While the fight would have been bigger in 93 (in 93 the fight would have been for the undisputed heavyweight championship and both men were unbeaten) - it still would have been a big fight in 95, even though Bowe had now been beaten by that point. So let's say Lewis doesn't lose to McCall, but still hires Manny Steward anyway, and this fight comes off in the first part of 95.

Prediction - Lewis TKO 10th round

1996 - LEWIS/TYSON

I suspect this will get a lot of votes as well. Obviously we know that Tyson/Don King paid Lewis 4 million to step aside so Tyson could fight Bruno - but let's say that doesn't happen and instead Lewis and Tyson fight? Would have been pretty big I imagine as Tyson still had the aura of invincibility and Lewis only had the 1 defeat to McCall and certainly was a talented, if still looking for respect as the best heavyweight in 96.

Prediction - Lewis TKO 11th round

For the record, I think it would take a prime Tyson to beat a prime Lewis, and although Tyson was formidable in 96 still (much better than the shot version that eventually fought Lewis) I think since he didn't have the head movement and overall defensive skills at this point, that he'd lose (but be more competitive than he was when they actually fought).

So what say you? What was the 90s heavyweight fight you would have most wanted to see?

I agree, with all except Tyson Holy in 91 and Bowe Tyson in 92. Tyson was still a very good determined fighter, with 90% of his skills in tact. Holyfield on the other hand was not as ring savvy as he became later in his career. He loved to brawl and open up as much as possible, and the bigger punchers, like Cooper Foreman, and Stewart were able to sting him and get him hurt. Had Tyson got him hurt he would have finished him. I would also give Bowe a better chance against Tyson in 92. Bowe was a complete fighter and he would have given that version of Tyson a tough time on the inside.

[RUSKULL]

Interesting thread. :thumbsup

[AJAX]

1993 morrison-Tyson

[anut]

tyson/holy in 91....tyson would have been closer to peak:smoke:smoke:smoke:smoke

[AJAX]

tyson/holy in 91....tyson would have been closer to peak:smoke:smoke:smoke:smoke

Closer to peak? you mean he didn't fight tomato cans anymore.

[streetsaresafer]

bump

[ripcity]

1995 - BOWE/LEWIS is the best match up. Bowe was at the end of his prime and Lewis was entering his. Very close fight. I lean toward Bowe but not with full confdences.
1992 - BOWE/TYSON By this time Tyson still dangures was past his prime. If they both fought there best and smartest Bowe wins easy.
1991 - HOLYFIELD/TYSON This was susposed to happen in 91. By than Tyson could still punch but his best days were behind him. Holyfield ontheother hand had not reached his prime. I think that Holyfield's "hart" would do him in. Tyson by mid round ko.
1993 - BOWE/LEWIS. Bowe is slightly better than Lewis in 93. It is realy to bad Bowe dumped the WBC belt in the trash. I think he had a good chance to beat Lewis than. It is a shame we will never know.
1996 - LEWIS/TYSON Would not have been much difrent from their actual 2002 fight.

[streetsaresafer]

bump

[Vanboxingfan]

Bowe/Lewis in '93 would have been the fight I most wanted to see. Not sure who would have won but apparently Lewis wanted the fight and Bowe didn't so that in itself gives you some idea of what they thought.

[streetsaresafer]

It's interesting that after the Jesse Ferguson fight Jim Lampley asks Rock Newman about Lennox Lewis and Newman says that they offered Lennox the fight but that he didn't take it. Now who knows if the offer was any good, perhaps Newman lowballed Lewis knowing he wouldn't take it.

But I am curious if anyone knows how those negotiations went between Bowe and Lewis after Bowe/Holy I?

[ozziebattler]

I think a Mike Tyson vs Tommy Morrison in 95 would of been a top fight to watch..

Always wanted that bout.

Though i wanted around 91.

[streetsaresafer]

Tyson Bowe in 95 could have been interesting as well

[C.J.Rock]

So which heavyweight fight from the 90s that didn't happen did you most want to see and why? How would that fight have changed the perception of the respective fighters had it come off?

Also, post your predictions as to who you think would win the following 'what if' heavyweight fights from the 90s -

1991 - HOLYFIELD/TYSON

Thanks to Elijah Tillery injuring Tyson's ribs in a sparring session three weeks before the fight, we didn't get to see this fight in 91. To me this is the fight I would have most wanted to see, even though we got the two fights in 96/97 - this would have been a much greater fight than the good/very good fight the 96 one was (too many clinches though).

Tyson was the best Tyson there was post Rooney coming off two wins v. Ruddock and Holyfield was in his prime. Tyson was 25 years old at the time (as opposed to 30 in 96) and would have taken the undefeated Holyfield more seriously than he did in 96. Tyson would have had better stamina and thus been more competitive in the late rounds and although he had lost much of his bob and weave defensive prowess, offensively the Tyson of 91 was still there in full force.

Holyfield unquestionably was in his prime (29 years old), biggest difference between the Holy of 91 and 96 was Holy in 91 had a much better workrate. He threw more punches and used his feet more than the 96 Holy, and in 91 Holy had yet to have any stamina problems (like he showed starting in 94 on). Anyway this is my choice for for the best heavyweight fight that didn't happen but should have.

Prediction - Holyfield TKO 12th in a classic

1992 - BOWE/TYSON

This fight was actually discussed at one point - if you watch the postfight interviews of Bowe's first fight against Elijiah Tillery on Oct. 29th, 1991 - Rock Newman talks about a Bowe/Tyson bout. So let's say that the fight is signed and they agree to fight the first weekend in January of 92 (seeing as though Tyson's trial would have been an issue by the end of January/early February). This fight would have been pretty big I imagine, Tyson was still the number one draw and Bowe was undefeated. Could have been a fascinating fight. Tyson after the two Rudduck wins v. a potentially prime Bowe.

Prediction - Tyson KO 7th round

1993 - BOWE/LEWIS

This I suspect will get the most votes. Bowe was unquestionably still prime in 93 (Futch said Bowe never looked better when he fought Jesse Ferguson) and Lewis was certainly a top contender by then having destroyed Ruddock. Lewis wasn't prime yet (no Manny Steward) but nontheless would have presented some serious challenges to the champion Bowe. Anyway, a great fight that was missed. While Lewis eventually became the greater fighter, at this point I think Bowe would have had the edge.

Prediction - Bowe KO Lewis 9th round

1993 - HOLYFIELD/LEWIS

I know this one probably isn't on too many people's lists but hear me out. Lewis unquestionably was looking for respect in 93 seeing as though he won the WBC belt while on vacation. Since Rock Newman didn't want Bowe to fight Lewis at this point, why not have Lewis fight Holyfield? Holyfield has shown he was willing to fight anyone and after losing to Bowe, Holyfield wanted to be undisputed heavyweight champ of the world again. What better way than to go after Lewis's WBC belt? Anyway, I know this fight never came close to being discussed or signed but I am just throwing it out there to see if fight fans would have been interested in it.

Prediction - Holyfield UD

1995 - BOWE/LEWIS

I put this one on here because apparently they were going to fight in early 95, but unfortunatlely Lewis lost to McCall and the fight didn't come off. While the fight would have been bigger in 93 (in 93 the fight would have been for the undisputed heavyweight championship and both men were unbeaten) - it still would have been a big fight in 95, even though Bowe had now been beaten by that point. So let's say Lewis doesn't lose to McCall, but still hires Manny Steward anyway, and this fight comes off in the first part of 95.

Prediction - Lewis TKO 10th round

1996 - LEWIS/TYSON

I suspect this will get a lot of votes as well. Obviously we know that Tyson/Don King paid Lewis 4 million to step aside so Tyson could fight Bruno - but let's say that doesn't happen and instead Lewis and Tyson fight? Would have been pretty big I imagine as Tyson still had the aura of invincibility and Lewis only had the 1 defeat to McCall and certainly was a talented, if still looking for respect as the best heavyweight in 96.

Prediction - Lewis TKO 11th round

For the record, I think it would take a prime Tyson to beat a prime Lewis, and although Tyson was formidable in 96 still (much better than the shot version that eventually fought Lewis) I think since he didn't have the head movement and overall defensive skills at this point, that he'd lose (but be more competitive than he was when they actually fought).

So what say you? What was the 90s heavyweight fight you would have most wanted to see?

Lennox Lewis would have KO'd Blubber Bowe AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bowe renaged coz he knew Lewis would kick his fat ass

[Morrissey]

Lewis-Holyfield 1993. This would have been a greater fight.

I was thinking of Ibebeuchi vs Lewis somewhere in early 2000.

[streetsaresafer]

Imagine if we as boxing fans just got the top 2 polled fights - 91 Tyson/Holyfield and 93 Bowe/Lewis. No doubt the 90s would rank higher than it does not, and in fact I believe it would be close with the 70s.

91 Tyson/Holyfield
This fight would have elevated both men's stock significantly.

If Holyfield won, it would have legitimized him much sooner as a legitimate HW and a great fighter. If Tyson still goes to jail in 92, now the division looks better than it did with Holyfield (the man who has beaten Tyson) as the champ instead of the questions the division had with Tyson in jail. This also would have elevated Bowe more as well by beating Holyfield in 92.

If Tyson won, it would have been the best win of his career. Holyfield would probably even in defeat have been Mike's best fight (outside of the loss to Douglas). Holyfield would not have slinked away after losing to Tyson, considering his resiliency he still would have been a player in the division. Tyson would now have a win over a prime Holyfield which would elevate his stock enormously.

Point being, both men would be elevated from where they are now had they fought in 91. They also would have drastically improved the perception at the time as to the strength of the HW division in the early 90s.

93 Bowe/Lewis

Would have been the best, most skilled big man fight ever. Both guys would have been elevated no matter who would have won. Bowe was already thought of pretty highly having beaten Holyfield, and beating an undefeated, talented Lewis, (who had beaten him in the amateurs) would be a big win.

Had Lewis won, his stock clearly would be higher. It would be the best win of Lewis's career to have a win over a prime Bowe. Plus I'm sure a Lewis win would have meant an immediate rematch.

In any case, had the 93 fight happened, I actually think we as boxing fans would have gotten a trilogy between Bowe and Lewis.

For the record
In 93 - Bowe wins by 9th round KO (Bowe more advanced than Lewis)
In 95 - Lewis wins rematch by UD (Lewis now has Steward)
In 96 - Lewis KOs Bowe by 6th round (Bowe too faded)

The 90s could have matched the 70s had some of these fights gone off when the big 4 (Tyson, Holyfield, Bowe, Lewis) were in their primes or close