Lennox Lewis knocked out in the first round. Lewis retained the WBC world title in 1998 when he knocked out lineal champion Shannon Briggs, who had recently outpointed George Foreman in a controversial fight to win the lineal title in five rounds, and beat formerly-undefeated European champion Željko Mavrović from Croatia in a 12-round unanimous decision. Lewis stated in 2006 that his fight with Mavrovic was the most awkward win of his career. On 13 March 1999, Lewis faced WBA and IBF title holder Evander Holyfield in New York City in what was supposed to be a heavyweight unification bout. Lewis fought
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