Poll: Lennox Lewis vs. Roy Jones Jr.

What would happen if the true heavyweight champion of the world, Lennox Lewis, defended his title against the best fighter in the world pound-for-pound, Roy Jones Jr.? Fight fans can only hope they will find out at some point in the near future. While such a bout seemed incredibly unlikely only a few short months ago, now it appears to be the ONE fight that has the potential to capture the imagination of the general public.

A fifty pound weight difference would make Lewis a prohibitive favorite but, after Jones' near flawless performance against an overmatched John Ruiz, it's probably not a good idea to put anything past Jones. As impressive a career as Lewis has had, he has never displayed the transcendant skills which place Jones in a class with the all-time greats. Jones, in fact, is now receiving comparisons to Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods as athletes who are truly head-and-shoulders above their peers. Those comparisons are well-deserved but fail to account for one important fact -- no one is punching Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods in the head. Jones proved he was more than up to the task of beating a competent - though plodding and one-dimensional - heavyweight in Ruiz. However, a very good - if not great - heavyweight might be another matter. But we'll only know if they actually get in the ring together which, unfortunately, does not appear to be in the near-term plans for either fighter. Lewis is looking at either Kirk Johnson or Vitaly Klitschko before a pointless - but lucrative - rematch with Mike Tyson. Jones is eyeing a faded Evander Holyfield as his next bout at heavyweight.

Let's hope both fighters acknowledge the wishes of the fans and prove willing to put their reputation (Lewis' concern) and health (Jones' concern) on the line for what would prove to be a huge event and a tremendous payday for both.

Prediction: Lewis, behind on points, catches Jones and retains his title via tenth round technical knockout

LENNOX LEWIS - FIGHT-BY-FIGHT CAREER RECORD

ROY JONES JR. - FIGHT-BY-FIGHT CAREER RECORD

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