Mike Tyson for a more lucrative box-office venue, but the Nevada Boxing Commission refused him a license to box as he was facing possible sexual assault charges at the time. Two years prior to the bout, Tyson had made several inflammatory remarks to Lewis in an interview following the Savarese fight. The remarks included the statement "I want your heart, I want to eat your children." On January 22, 2002, the two boxers and their entourages were involved in a brawl at a New York press conference to publicize the planned event. A few weeks later, the Nevada State Athletic Commission refused
Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson, billed as "Lewis–Tyson: Is On", was a professional boxing match that took place on June 8, 2002 at the Pyramid Arena in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, between IBF, IBO and WBC heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis and former IBF, WBA and WBC heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. Prior to the event, Lewis was awarded the "Ring" magazine heavyweight title, which had been vacant since the late 1980s and was last held by Tyson. The fight was for Lewis' heavyweight championship titles. Lewis defeated Tyson by knockout in the eighth round. The fight