Boxing history is filled with unforgettable moments, but few are as debated and controversial as the first showdown between Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis on March 13, 1999. Fought at Madison Square Garden in New York City, this heavyweight unification bout was supposed to determine the undisputed champion. Instead, it ended in a split draw that left fans and analysts in shock and outrage.
The Build-Up: A Clash of Heavyweight Titans
By 1999, both Holyfield and Lewis had established themselves as dominant forces in the heavyweight division. Holyfield, the reigning WBA and IBF champion, was already a boxing legend, having defeated the likes of Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe, and George Foreman. Lewis, the WBC champion, was a towering, technically skilled fighter who many believed was the best heavyweight in the world.
The stakes were immense. This was more than just another title fight—it was a battle for heavyweight supremacy. The winner would become the first undisputed champion since the days of Mike Tyson in the late 1980s.
The Fight: A One-Sided Affair?
When the opening bell rang, Lewis quickly established control, using his superior jab, reach, and footwork to keep Holyfield at bay. Round after round, Lewis landed crisp combinations while Holyfield struggled to close the distance.
Despite Holyfield's occasional bursts of aggression, the fight appeared to be a clear victory for Lewis. By the later rounds, even the pro-Holyfield crowd at Madison Square Garden seemed to recognize that the British heavyweight was dominating the contest.
The Controversial Decision
Then came the shocking moment. After 12 rounds, the judges' scorecards were announced:
Eugenia Williams (USA): 115-113 for Holyfield
Stanley Christodoulou (South Africa): 116-113 for Lewis
Larry O’Connell (UK): 115-115 Draw
The result? A split draw—and one of the most disputed decisions in boxing history.
The boxing world erupted in outrage. Most observers had Lewis winning comfortably, with some scorecards giving him nine or even ten rounds. Even HBO’s team of commentators expressed disbelief, and The New York Post headline the next day read, "Robbery!"
The Aftermath and Legacy
The controversy was so intense that it prompted an immediate rematch. On November 13, 1999, Holyfield and Lewis met again, and this time, Lewis secured a unanimous decision victory, finally claiming the undisputed heavyweight title.
The March 13th fight, however, remains a defining moment in boxing history. It highlighted issues with judging and fairness in the sport, prompting reforms and increased scrutiny on scoring. Eugenia Williams, the judge who scored the fight for Holyfield, faced significant criticism, and the event fueled ongoing debates about corruption and incompetence in boxing officiating.
For fans of the sport, Holyfield vs. Lewis I serves as a reminder of boxing's unpredictable nature—where even clear victories can be taken away by the judges’ scorecards.
What do you think? Was this the worst robbery in boxing history, or were there even more egregious decisions? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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