Tyson-Lewis: Iron Mike Favored Over Lennox

Mike Tyson vs Lennox Lewis Betting Guide

While there's nothing official to announce at this point in the proceedings, there is ample evidence to suggest that there may be a boxing bout forthcoming between former world champions Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis. Lewis recently acknowledged that he's been approached by Tyson with a proposal for a fight between the two legendary heavyweights. Already, there are betting lines on the potential bout listing Iron Mike as the -160 favorite in the Tyson-Lewis odds.

• Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis are discussing a proposed boxing match
• Both men are former world heavyweight champions
• Tyson is listed as the -160 favorite should this bout ultimately come to fruition

The last time Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis stepped into a boxing ring together, it didn't end well for Iron Mike. Then heavyweight champion Lewis knocked out Tyson in the eighth round of their scheduled 12-round bout in 2002. Nearly two decades later, are these two legendary heavyweights about to get it on in the ring for a second time?

When they met in Memphis, Tennessee on June 8th, 2002, it was Lewis who covered as a -200 betting favorite in the boxing odds. Tyson was the +170 underdog.

This time, the oddsmakers are leaning in Iron Mike's direction. Even though official details - including whether the bout will even happen - are far from being formalized, already, bookmakers are establishing Tyson as the -160 chalk to win the fight in the Tyson-Lewis picks. 

Favorite			Underdog
Mike Tyson	-160	+120	Lennox Lewis

Lewis is the +120 underdog. Converting those betting lines into implied probability numbers, it is giving Tyson a 61.54 percent chance to emerge victorious in the Lewis-Tyson odds. The chances of Lewis winning are rated at 45.45 percent.

If you're new to wagering on boxing, or sports in general, check out our handy how-to-bet-on-sports guide.

Lewis Dominated First Meeting

Clashes between Lewis and Tyson extend back to the mid-1980s when both trained under Cus D'Amato and would spar together. While Tyson turned pro and would be heavyweight champion of the world by 1986, Lewis opted for a spectacular amateur career, culminating by winning the gold medal for Canada in the super-heavyweight division at the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics, defeating American Riddick Bowe in the final.

By the time they would ultimately meet in the ring, Lewis was the reigning IBF, WBC, IBO, and The Ring Magazine heavyweight champion of the world. Tyson was a former champ with declining skills, desperately trying for one more chance at glory.

It wouldn't come against Lewis. The champ bloodied Tyson under both eyes by the sixth round and finished him off with a right cross at 2:25 of the eighth round. The loss was Tyson's first defeat since 1997.

Tyson The Fresher Fighter

Since their 2002 bout, Lewis has entered the squared circle just one other time. He knocked out Vitali Klitschko in 2003 to defend his title and then retired from the ring. He finished his career unlike the majority of boxers who go out on their shield. Lewis scored a trio of knockout wins in his final three bouts.

Of course, that means he hasn't fought in 18 years. That alone likely explains the edge being given to Iron Mike in the Tyson-Lewis Vegas odds.

Tyson fought four more times after his loss to Lewis. He was also engaged in fistic competition as recently as last November when he fought an exhibition bout with Roy Jones Jr.

Iron Mike has scraped off his ring rust. The same can't be said for Lewis.

How Will The Fight Work?

September is being speculated as to the proposed date for a Tyson-Lewis bout. After the machinations of the Tyson-Jones fight, it will be curious to see how a Tyson-Lewis fight will play out, should it in fact go forward.

Tyson is 54 and Lewis is 55. Concerns over two 50-somethings getting into the ring when Tyson met Jones led the California State Athletic Commission to enforce strict regulations on how the bout could be contested.

Going for a knockout was prohibited. Rounds were shortened to two minutes. The fighters wore 12-ounce gloves. If either fighter were to be cut, the fight was to be immediately halted. The referee was also granted powers to stop the bout if one fighter became too aggressive.

These restrictions led to online sportsbooks pulling down odds on the fight and refunding money already wagered. The Jones-Tyson bout was declared a draw, even though those at ringside felt Tyson was the clear winner.

Let's suppose for sake of argument that this time around, Tyson and Lewis fight for real. One thing Lewis showed over the course of his career was a cunning savvy not common among boxers. He's not going to fight Tyson unless he is confident that he can win.

Take the price on the underdog.

Lennox Lewis To beat Mike Tyson

+120

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Where To Bet On Lewis-Tyson Fight

There are a number of leading online sports betting sites that will provide bettors the chance to place a wager on the Lewis-Tyson odds. The best bet you can make is to shop around in advance and seek out the best deal before joining one of these sportsbooks. Check out BetUS and MyBookie as examples.

The signup bonus offers that are in place at all of these recommended sites will prove advantageous to the bettor. And since you'll get a good deal wherever you go, why not shop around and find the ideal fit for your needs?

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