Lewis Beats Holyfield But Doesn't Win
Dateline: 03/14/99If the sport of boxing still had an eye left that wasn't already black, that eye is now black and swollen shut. Last night, Lennox Lewis decisively defeated Evander Holyfield in the world's most famous arena (New York's Madison Square Garden) yet only has one of the world's worst decisions to show for his efforts. Lewis appeared to win as many as ten of the bout's twelve rounds by outworking, outjabbing and outthinking an old-looking Holyfield. Even the Real Deal's most biased supporters would be hard-pressed to find more than four rounds that they could argue their man won.
While fight fans should be praising Lewis for fighting a tactically brilliant, if often boring, fight, the disgraceful decision renders analysis of the fight itself secondary. Only the sport of boxing could take what should have been a shining moment - the coronation of the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world - and tarnish it to the point that many more of the sport's dwindling fan base are likely to walk away.
Not since 1988, when Roy Jones Jr. was robbed of a gold medal at the Seoul Olympics, has a decision been so blatantly incorrect that observers really have no alternative but to question the integrity of the judges. Evidence later surfaced that judges in South Korea had been paid to favor the host country's fighters. It's unfortunate that no one will invest the time and energy required to determine whether the outcome of last night's bout was tampered with as well. After a bit of controversy and discussion, the result will likely be dismissed with a "well, that's boxing for you". Well, that's a shame.
Round-by-Round:
The Associated Press, which had Lewis winning 117-111, describes the action in each round. From ESPN.
Official Judges' Scoring:
Check out the round-by-round scorecards of Larry O'Connell (115-115), Stanley Christoudoulou (116-113 Lewis) and Eugenia Williams (115-113 Holyfield). From CNN/SI.
Stunning Draw Lets Holyfield Keep Titles:
According to CompuBox numbers, Lewis landed 348 out of 613 punches while Holyfield landed only 130 out of 385. From ESPN.
Holyfield Escapes Amid a Chorus of Boos:
Not really accurate -- they were booing the decision of the judges, not Holyfield. From CBS SportsLine.
Real Deal Real Lucky:
When you fight for Don King, luck doesn't enter into it. From CNN/SI.
Draw This Conclusion: Title is a Heavyweight Dispute:
Both fighters and, predictably, Don King are amenable to a rematch. Fight fans should have no such interest. From The Sporting News.
