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Reactions: Lennox Lewis

Tyson is the greatest of the latest

Lennox Lewis tore up David Tua's speech. Will he tear him up in the ring, too? AP

Lennox Lewis claims to be the best heavyweight of his era. We asked CNNSI.com users for their thoughts on who is the best heavyweight of this era. Judging by most of your responses Mike Tyson sits atop the throne of modern day heavyweights. Some of the most interesting responses follows:

I don't agree that Lewis is the best of his era. If he beats Mike Tyson then maybe we can say that he is really the best boxer at this time. But as of now, I still give the credit to Mike Tyson. He is the best.
Bonifacio N. Paguigan, Daet, Philippines

Lewis? No way! Tyson in his prime instilled a fear in his opponents not seen since the days of Sonny Liston. All his troubles aside, Lewis doesn't hold a candle to Tyson.
Chris Wright, Atlanta

He has beaten the best and fought the best. He has ducked no one. He simply fights the best.
Danny Reyes, Daly City, Calif.

Of his "era"? Maybe, for the last couple of years. But if you go back to when Tyson, was in his twenties, Lewis would not be able to handle Mike's speed, power and ferociousness. Mike could (and still can, but not as sharp), knock anyone silly, with his uppercuts, left hooks and straight rights. He couldn't be hit because of his style, and he had a "seek and destroy mentality" that was overwhelming to his opponents.
Dave, Trenton, N.J.

Hands down Mike Tyson, 1988 or pre-incarceration. Before he served time behind bars he had the hunger, desire and physical ability to beat any of the named contenders. Nobody was as fast or had as much power as Tyson. After he served time he lost his fire and his marbles to an extent. In his last two abbreviated fights I thought saw glimpses of the old punishing, lightning fast Tyson, but the fights were over before I could be sure.
Dwayne, Los Angeles, Calif.

I believe that the best of this era is Evander Holyfield. Mike Tyson maybe the strongest during this era, but Holyfield has better boxing skills. When Holyfield and Lewis met, Holyfield was not at his peak. Still, Lewis' win was not very impressive. He was afraid to mix it up with Holyfield. Holyfield may have lost to Riddick Bowe. But I really believe that when it comes to boxing skills, Holyfield is the best for this era.
Eudz, Philippines

Lennox Lewis is nothing. Mike Tyson is the best fighter of his era. If they fight Mike Tyson will destroy Lewis.
Jaakko Parkko, Finland

Unfortunately, I disagree. He is a great fighter. But before you can be labeled the best of the best you have to have fights that push you to the limit. His best fight was against Razor Rudduck who had two crushing defeats by Mike Tyson. Given all the trouble that Tyson has gone through he is still holds the title for being the best of this era.
Jean Borgella, Charlotte, N.C.

Lewis has to fight Tyson to even be considered as the best, bar none.
Matt, Toronto, Ont.

You've got to be kidding! Has everyone so easily forgotten how Mike Tyson literally terrorized the heavyweight division in the '80s and into the '90s? Does anyone think that Lennox Lewis or Evander Holyfield would have beaten Tyson during the Jim Jacobs, Bill Cayton and Kevin Rooney era? No way! That Mike Tyson is clearly the heavyweight fighter of this era.
Monte, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Lewis is a great fighter, but the nod has to go to Tyson due to his early dominance as champion. The latter years he fell off, but what Tyson did for boxing in the '80s and early '90s cannot be overlooked.
Raymond Morton, Raleigh, N.C.

Lewis is a pretty boy. And will be, if the fight ever occurs, knocked to the canvas inside six rounds by "Iron" Mike Tyson.
Thebignose, Albany, Australia

Is Lewis the best of his era? No, that title goes to Tyson. Before the rape conviction, Tyson fought the best heavyweights available at the time. With the exception of Buster Douglas, he beat them all easily.
Tino Trung, Mebourne, Victoria

Lewis couldn't beat the skin off rice custard with a stock whip! Mike Tyson even though he's a goose, is the best (at his best 1986-1990) of the heavyweights since 1985.
Tony Goodwin, Sydney, Australia

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