RINGSIDE REPORT: LEWIS PUNISHES TYSON, WINS BY 8TH ROUND KO, INCLUDING
POST FIGHT INTERVIEW WITH REFEREE EDDIE COTTON
By Ron Brashear
Inside Boxing Writer
Photo: TOM CASINO
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (INSIDE BOXING 6/8/02) - The answer is in, the Lennox Lewis
that is a dominating jabber, complimented by a good uppercut and straight
right-hand puncher is who showed up and defeated the "DRAMA MAGNET",
Iron Mike Tyson, in dramas tic fashion! This was a pure example of a GOOD
"BIG" MAN dominating a GOOD "SMALL" MAN. Lennox controlled
the fight from the 2nd round onward. All three judges gave the 1st round to
Tyson, and all 3 of them gave all of the remaining rounds leading up to the
knockout to Lewis as well. A classic domination and a great performance by
Lennox Lewis. He has secured the respect from the American boxing community -
and he deserves it- Great Job Lennox Lewis. I, personally did not think he would
provide us with a performance this magnificent!
Lennox clearly stood in with Mike and controlled the fight with his jab,
uppercuts, and good overhand rights. Based on the accuracy and thrust behind the
punches he hit Mike with, (109 Jabs out of 205 for 53% connect rate.
Additionally, Lennox connected on 84 of 123 power shots for a 68% connect
rate - amazing stuff! Its a miracle this fight lasted until 2:25 of the eight
round.
Mike Tyson can definitely take a punch and his face definitely showed that is
not necessarily a good thing. By this, I mean, Mike had to absorb a great deal
of punishment in route to be stopped for only the 3rd time in his career.
Immediately following the Fight, I interviewed referee Eddie Cotton, to get
is take on the bout.
Q: Eddie - What was like being in there to referee this historic bout?
A: "Great!, These two men really came to fight and boxing fans should
feel good about getting their money's worth.
Q: Was there ever a time in the fight were you considered stopping it
earlier?
A: Not at all, both of these Champions are warriors and they deserved having
the fight go until the conclusion. Mike was taking a lot of punches yet he
seemed to withstand them up until the end."
Q: After being involved in titles fights in Vegas and Atlantic City, what was
it like being here in Memphis?
A: I am so thankful that this fight was held in Memphis. Had it been anywhere
else, I don't believe I would have had this opportunity to be the
referee."
Q: How do think the city of Memphis did in hosting the fight?
A: "Wonderful, everyone treated me very nice and made me feel like a
king."
Well Mr. Eddie Cotton, thanks for granting Insideboxing.com this interview.
You have just gone inside boxing.com
Ron Brashear can be contacted at brashear@insideboxing.com