On November 13, 1999, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield faced off once again at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The rematch was highly anticipated after their controversial draw earlier in the year. This time, both fighters were determined to leave no doubt about who was the undisputed heavyweight champion. Here’s a detailed, casual breakdown of each round of this memorable bout.
Round 1: Cautious Start
The first round began with both fighters showing respect for each other’s power. Lewis, known for his jab, started working it early to keep Holyfield at a distance. Holyfield, more cautious than usual, was looking for openings but not committing too much. Lewis landed a few solid jabs and a right hand that caught Holyfield’s attention. The round was relatively uneventful, with Lewis slightly edging it due to his effective jab.
Round 2: Lewis’s Jab Sets the Tone
Lewis continued to establish his jab in the second round. He used his reach advantage to keep Holyfield at bay, popping him with jabs and occasionally throwing a right hand. Holyfield tried to get inside but found it difficult to penetrate Lewis’s long arms and solid defense. Lewis’s jab was on point, and he landed some crisp right hands, winning the round clearly.
Round 3: Holyfield’s Aggression
Holyfield picked up the pace in the third round. He started to press forward more aggressively, looking to close the distance. He landed a couple of good body shots and a right hand to Lewis’s head. Lewis responded with his jab and a few right hands, but Holyfield’s increased activity made it a closer round. Both fighters had their moments, but Holyfield’s aggression might have given him the edge.
Round 4: Lewis’s Control
Lewis regained control in the fourth round. He continued to work behind his jab, landing it with precision. Holyfield tried to slip the jab and get inside, but Lewis’s timing and reach made it difficult. Lewis landed some solid right hands and controlled the distance well. Holyfield managed to land a couple of punches, but Lewis’s jab and right hand combinations were the story of the round.
Round 5: Holyfield’s Resilience
In the fifth round, Holyfield showed his resilience. He continued to press forward, trying to get inside and land his shots. Holyfield landed a good right hand and a left hook, but Lewis’s jab kept him at bay for most of the round. Lewis landed a few right hands and continued to control the distance. Holyfield’s aggression made it a competitive round, but Lewis’s cleaner punches likely gave him the edge.
Round 6: Lewis’s Dominance
Lewis started to dominate in the sixth round. His jab was working overtime, snapping Holyfield’s head back repeatedly. He followed up with some powerful right hands that landed flush. Holyfield looked frustrated, unable to get inside and mount any significant offense. Lewis’s combination of reach, power, and precision was too much for Holyfield in this round. Lewis ended the round with a big right hand that rocked Holyfield.
Round 7: Holyfield’s Determination
Holyfield came out determined in the seventh round. He knew he needed to change the course of the fight. He landed some good body shots and a right hand that seemed to momentarily stun Lewis. Holyfield’s aggression and work rate made it a closer round. Lewis continued to land his jab and a few right hands, but Holyfield’s determination and activity made it a competitive round.
Round 8: Lewis’s Precision
The eighth round saw Lewis reestablishing his dominance. He landed several clean jabs and right hands, keeping Holyfield at bay. Holyfield tried to press the action but found it difficult to get inside. Lewis’s jab was like a piston, constantly in Holyfield’s face. Lewis landed a big right hand that seemed to hurt Holyfield. By the end of the round, Lewis was firmly in control, dictating the pace and landing the cleaner punches.
Round 9: Holyfield’s Heart
Holyfield showed his heart in the ninth round. Despite taking a lot of punishment, he continued to come forward and throw punches. He landed some good body shots and a couple of right hands to Lewis’s head. Lewis remained composed and continued to work behind his jab. He landed some heavy shots that visibly shook Holyfield, but Holyfield’s heart and toughness kept him in the fight. It was a closer round, but Lewis’s cleaner punches gave him the edge.
Round 10: Lewis’s Dominance
In the tenth round, Lewis’s dominance was on full display. He landed several hard jabs and right hands that seemed to sap Holyfield’s energy. Holyfield continued to press forward, but his punches lacked the snap they had earlier in the fight. Lewis’s superior boxing skills and power were evident as he landed clean shots almost at will. By the end of the round, Holyfield looked tired and frustrated, while Lewis remained composed and focused.
Round 11: Holyfield’s Resilience
Holyfield continued to show his resilience in the eleventh round. He took some hard shots from Lewis but kept coming forward. Holyfield landed a few good punches, including a left hook that momentarily backed Lewis up. However, Lewis’s jab continued to be the story of the fight. He kept Holyfield at bay and landed some heavy right hands. Holyfield’s aggression made it a closer round, but Lewis’s cleaner punches gave him the edge.
Round 12: A Strong Finish
The final round saw both fighters giving it their all. Holyfield came out aggressively, knowing he needed a knockout to win. He landed some good shots, but Lewis’s defense and jab kept him at bay. Lewis landed several big right hands that seemed to hurt Holyfield. Despite Holyfield’s valiant effort, Lewis’s superior boxing skills and power were too much. The round ended with both fighters throwing punches, but it was clear that Lewis had the upper hand.
The Decision
When the final bell rang, it was evident to most observers that Lewis had won the fight. He had controlled the majority of the rounds with his jab and clean punching. The judges scored the fight 117-111, 116-112, and 115-113, all in favor of Lewis, making him the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Post-Fight Reactions
The clear victory for Lewis was a redemption after the controversial draw in their first fight. Lewis proved that he was the superior boxer, using his reach and power to dominate the majority of the rounds. Holyfield showed tremendous heart and resilience, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Lewis’s technical skills and power. The victory solidified Lewis’s place as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
Conclusion
The rematch between Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield was a classic bout that showcased the skills and determination of both fighters. Lewis’s dominance with his jab and clean punching were the highlights of the fight, while Holyfield’s heart and resilience kept him competitive throughout. The fight was a definitive end to their rivalry, with Lewis leaving no doubt about who was the undisputed heavyweight champion. Despite the controversy of their first fight, the rematch provided a clear and decisive victory for Lennox Lewis, cementing his legacy in the sport of boxing.
