By Aidan Monaghan
07.06 - Admit it, although an examination of the x's
and o's regarding the Tyson/Lewis match-up can surely
generate hours of interesting debate, its the state's
of mind and personalities of at least one, if not
both combatants that has captured the attention of
even the non boxing public. Stylistically and psychologically
these fighters could not be more different. Yet they
at times seem to share a common characteristic - each
is an apparent egomaniac with an inferiority complex.
Despite their accomplishments in the ring, each at
times seems have fallen victim to a seeming insecurity
that has spelled disaster more than once.
For Lewis, the gentleman's gentleman, there has seemed
to be over the years, a need to prove that he is "bad".
Like the artist Michael Jackson, he at times has demonstrated
a seeming need to prove that he is more than the "safe"
individual that he is sometimes perceived to be. This
seeming impulse has almost always manifested itself
against perceived to be tough, streetwise American
heavyweights - Oliver McCall, Hasim Rahman and Shannon
Briggs, to name a few. In these matches, Lewis seemed
to do away with his often "safe" style of
boxing and instead seemed to go into a careless, gun-slinger
type of fighting mode. Perhaps in an attempt to demonstrate
to his opponent and himself that he could "hang"
with these guys, Lewis seemed to abandon his gentlemanly
style for a less disciplined, more impulsive brand
of fighting. Wild winging punches, careless defense
and unnecessary eye contact were in greater evidence
than usual. Will Tyson's reputation as the "baddest
man on the planet" cause Lewis to feel he must
prove something and once again depart from the tactics
that make him otherwise so difficult to defeat ? Will
his possible uncertainty about his legacy cause him
to try and beat Tyson at his own game ? If Lewis does
decide to bang instead of box and Tyson is still standing
after the early rounds, a later round stoppage for
Tyson is a distinct possibility.
As for Tyson, he is a bit easier to decipher. Oddly
enough, Tyson seems most at peace moments before the
opening bell. Relaxed and seemingly coherent when
he can control the action he can however, quickly
unravel when met with repeated frustration. Did he
bite Holyfields ear because of a Holyfield headbut
or did he simply see the writing on the wall and decide
he was going to get a piece of everyone's favorite
"good guy" one way or another. "I cant
beat him so I'll bite him". Its quite possibly
that simple. However, Tyson may not have the time
to make such a decision this time given that Lewis'
best chance for victory seems to be by a quick, early
stoppage.
What can we anticipate on Saturday night ? Who's button's
will get pushed - or have already been pushed ?
Hey, do ya think Lewis is worried about Tysons pre
fight meal ?
