Who will come out on top?

Lewis is putting his WBC and IBF belts on the line against Tyson, but there will be more than just titles at stake in Memphis.

The pair famously brawled at a press conference in January, Lewis has since promised to end the American's career, while Tyson said he wants to "kill" Britain's champion.

Victory for Lewis could establish him as a heavyweight great, while Tyson will be wanting to remind the world how great he was.

So who will be eating their words in Memphis?

One thing we should remember is that boxers are what they are, boxers; they get in the ring to whip each other as viciously as possible. While Mike Tyson admits this fact, many people, including Lewis, seem to be having a hard time understanding this.

While Lewis is going around Memphis pretending to be a chess master, Tyson is thinking of ways of hurting him into submission come fight night. I have no doubt that Tyson will beat Lewis up all the way to become the champ.
Huriy Ghirmai, UK

Lewis has to win, it's time to end the career of Mike Tyson after years of unprofessional behaviour. Come on Lennox!!!
Keith, England

Having read the above comments it seems a shame that a lot of the British are not in support of their own man! What happened to patriotism, or do the British now only support the team or player they think is likely to win?

Personally I think both Lewis and Tyson have become a pair of unprofessional yobs bringing their sport to the level of a playground brawl and getting paid a disgusting amount of money to do so.

This is no way to encourage younger generations into sport and encourage fair sportsmanlike competition.
Belinda, Greece

If Lewis survives the early rounds, I think he will take the fight.
Rav Narayan, Australia

I think that overall, Lewis has been better to himself over the years than Tyson, so he should just edge it in this fight due to his superior conditioning, but he'll have to keep an eye out for that knockout punch from Tyson.
Tom Chandler, England

I looked at Lennox Lewis's horoscope for June 9th and it said "A long cherished dream is going to be fulfilled today" We will see- hope it is true.
Liz, England

Lennox needs to be patient; he knows Tyson will explode into action in the early rounds. But while there must be doubts over Tyson's staying power, we know Lennox has been caught by inferior boxers to Tyson.

Lewis has been hailed as the greatest since Ali...has the world forgotten the great Larry Holmes?
Alan Taylor, Wales

Why does anyone consider Tyson a likely contender? He was KO'd, in his prime, the first time he faced a legitimate opponent- twelve years ago! Holyfield effectively exposed Tyson as a myth in 1996 although past his prime (at 34yrs) Lewis has proven beyond doubt that he is an exceptional heavyweight when focused on the job at hand.
Andrew, New Zealand

We can come to a conclusion of this fight by judging the Lewis-Tua fight. Lewis won on a points decision. Tua is not an experienced fighter and certainly he didn't possess the power Tyson does. If I am not wrong, Lewis will face the canvas in early rounds.
Abdul Wahid, Hong Kong / China

This is obviously a very difficult fight to assess. All indications point to Lewis being able to subdue Tyson. He has had quality opponents, excellent management with Emmanuel Lewis and he is very smart.

Tyson, on the other hand, is unpredictable. He must go out quick and hurt Lewis right away. If he becomes frustrated who knows what he'll do?
Ed, USA

Lewis will win hands down. This fight is about money for Tyson, not about boxing. Lewis would not put this much on the line unless he was very confident.
Mel, Europe

It is easier to punch upwards than to punch down. Leverage, technique and raw power all point to Tyson.
KD, USA

Tyson brags too much, he's scared. Lewis is going to flatten him, no doubt about it. Time to show the world who's the Champ!
Stephen Wilkinson, England

A great weekend for England - beating Argentina at football followed by Lennox giving Tyson a boxing lesson on Sunday morning! I can't wait - much egg on face for most contributors to these pages I feel.
Mark, England

Lots of people keep mentioning Lewis' glass jaw. First off, Lewis' jaw is certainly not fragile, he has taken plenty of punishment before and still been fighting.

Secondly, Tyson's reputation was based around a time when no one ever laid a glove on him out due to either fear or his former defensive skills. But history has shown that once he starts getting hit he slows down plenty. Remember the first fight with Holyfield?
Stephen, UK/NZ

Tyson is the best boxer ever, Lewis is alo good but he will not be able to resist the power of Tyson. Tyson can beat the best at anytime, so I think Tyson will knock lewis out before the 12 rounds. This fight will end Lewis's career, and Tyson will be regarded as the worlds best since Muhammed Ali.
Ali, England

The facts are one - the Nevada commision failed to grant Tyson a licence and two - the Memphis commision have, and said that they do not have to 'touch gloves'.

Question: Does this not negate this as a true boxing contest?
Fiona Evans, Wales

Mike Tyson is gonna whoop Lennox Lewis' ass all over Memphis! There aint nothing anyone can do.... I know Lewis says he aint scared of Iron Mike, but when Tyson glares at him from across the ring, he is gonna weaken at the knees and cry like a baby to get his ass out of that ring!

I predict Tyson in round four or five, if not, the crazy son of a bitch will get himself disqualified for biting Lewis' crown jewels or something as crazy as that.
Mike Lewis, Austin Texas

I think Tyson is a very strong apponant but I believe Lewis will win. Tyson will have his usaull game plan and try to knock Lewis out early, Lewis will wait for the right time and then come forward (near the end rounds eight to ten).

Tyson doesn't like going all 12 rounds and Lewis will abuse that weakness. Also Lewis will discipline him. Tyson doesn't deserve to fight in a ring - only in a cage.
Adam, England

This is the battle of the titans. It is difficult to predict. We'll all be proved wrong in the ring. It is like during the cold war, if you were asked to predict who would have won the war betwwen USA and former USSR. Therefore the true result will be known in the ring
M.Chalwe, England

Tyson? Past it. I'm amazed by the number of people here who are recalling his past glories. That was 12 years ago! Since 1990 he's done nothing. Lewis has fought regularly against competition who people though would beat him each time (Grant, Golota, Holyfield, Tua).

Tyson is the best. He's been with the best and he's beaten the best. Lewis is definately good, but a Tyson he's not. I am sure not only will Tyson emerge the champion, he'll also end Lewis's career.
Fahad Khalid, Pakistan

Tyson has put all his power and history on the coming match and he deeply knows that if he does lose it he will never come back again. Tyson may win during the first five rounds; if not then Lewis will beat him with points.
Hassan, UK

Lewis has never been or never will be a true champion. Tyson will knock him out.
John Dunn, England

Lewis in two. Tyson will present a very big target for Lennox. His movement (a great asset in his time as champ) is not as good as it was. Tyson will undoubtedly look to end it early, and this will play into the hands of the smarter fighter. A big straight right by Lennox ends it all in two!
Carl Redman, China

Although I am a staunch supporter of Tyson, Lewis is going to win this fight. Tyson is a shadow of his former self and he will not be able to withstand the sort of punishment he will receive from Lewis. He can only win if Lewis acts careless and gets intimidated. I don't see that happening because Lewis is well prepared and will send Tyson into retirement.
Abid, Pakistan

Lewis doesn't like an "in your face" fight. He's a distance guy so he can look from the outside and pick and choose his moments. Tyson doesn't have the fire he once had. Although he is my pick to win, I fear that the "new" Tyson is much more reserved in the ring. He has to stay cool as Lewis will try to keep him at a distance like he did against Tua.

I hope Tyson knocks the Lewis's posting arm out of his way and rushes him. I don't think Lewis will be ready or equipped for it. His reach is to long to go chest to chest. Best of luck to both of them.
Mike, USA

Fighters have to come out mentally and physically prepared to do some damage. Tyson will win the fight because of one thing that everybody has failed to mention, his intelligence in the ring. Lewis will get careless and Tyson will pounce, and knock him out. Good luck guys - I hope Tyson wins.
Chuma Ottah, Nigeria

This will be the greatest showdown of all time. I think Lewis will win but it will be close. Good luck Lewis.
Spencer Hill, UK

Does anyone really care who wins this fight? I mean, boxing as a sport is a bit of a joke at the moment anyway, and there are so many boards and world champions. Plus it's going to be a fix anyway and the smart money is on the draw, as the bookies are probably the only ones who really care about the fight. In these days of pay-per-view at 5am on a Sunday morning does it matter?
Simon Conrich, England

Everything I have read makes sense. But I don't think Lewis knows what kind of fighter Tyson really is. I don't think Lewis is aware of the power Tyson packs in his punches. Because of Lewis's glass jaw he will hit the canvas by round four.
Andrew, USA

This is a fight that is going to be won or lost early; I think that if his head is right and his condition good, Tyson is going to be prove a nightmare for Lewis; if he can box anywhere near his peak, with the head movement and hand speed of his prime, he can take Lewis out, no question.

Tyson loves the big guys, especially ones with weak chins (remember Carl Williams) but in reality I think if Lewis can contain and frustrate Tyson over the first third of the fight, I can't see him losing.

Tyson has always had problems controlling his emotions and I think he won't be able to discipline to box to a plan over the distance. I think Tyson will go for an early knockout, and if Lewis isn't gazing up at the ring lights by the fourth it will be Tyson getting stopped in the ninth!
John Beesley, UK

From all the hype and speculation over the last couple of months about who is going to win, I think all game plans will go out of the window when they meet in the ring. It's not just a fight for the titles, it's a fight for each one's pride and on that basis there is no fighter with as much pride as Lewis.
James, England

Lewis is, no doubt, the superior boxer, yet when Tyson is in shape and focused he is a devastating fighter. Look at the tapes of his KOs when he had Kevin Rooney in his corner - he was invincible.

His dismissal of Rooney was his great mistake that led to his downfall. Word is that he has trained for this fight like he did in the old days... and that spells doom for Lewis, who cannot handle being hurt.
Brent, California, USA

I believe that Saturday will confirm Mike Tyson's place in boxing history as an all time great! He is in incredible shape and will expose Lewis' weak chin and knock him out in round 3!
Anthony Ratnasothy, England

Mike Tyson is the greatest boxer in the whole world, and has every opportunity to win this fight. Lewis is a product of the British media, and cannot challenge Iron Mike.
Xirsi Qurux, Sweden

Tyson is a one-style fighter, who gets confused if his only style doesn't work. This is a style which Lewis is well equipped to nullify. I think Lewis would prove to be too versatile for Tyson on the night.
Dipo, UK

Tyson is an absolute legend in the boxing world for the way he used to fight. The question is, has he still got it? In my opinion he looks like he has. Coupled with the fact that Tyson has the experience of fighting much better boxers than Lewis has faced, Lewis will be on his back by the 5th. However, if Tyson doesn't manage to get him by then, Lewis' odds of winning will go up with every round.

Tyson knows this is his last real chance to show everyone what he's got and with a temper and attitude like his nothing will get in his way.
Chris K, England

Tyson's a shadow of his former self, still living off his 'monster' reputation. Lewis only lost twice because of losing his focus; he'll be very focused this time. Lewis to do the job by frustrating Tyson, late finish.
Bri, England

We are to witness Tyson's huge comeback to the boxing arena on 8th June 2002 - no doubt about it.
Tamanda Nyimba, Malawi

Has Lewis ever lost to a serious challenger? Never, and not this time. Has Mike ever defeated a serious challenger? Never, and not this time.
Sam C. Okudah, USA

If I were Lewis I would take steps to ensure that Tyson's appetite had been satisfied before he steps into the ring. Failure to do so could result in painful consequences!
Peter, UK

The way to be beat Iron Mike is to 'Rope a dope' him like Ali v Forman in Zaire. If I was Lewis I would jab and move for the first six to eight rounds wearing down and frustrating Tyson. Only then, would I seek to land the bigger shots. Tyson is there for the taking, BUT can Lewis take him out? I'd say Lewis by the later stages.
Nicolas Barrow, London, England

While I don't particularly rate Lewis I think he will win however if this was fought during Tyson's prime he would no doubt have won. These days I don't think Tyson has the intelligence or will power to do any damage to Lewis. Lewis has far superior mental power and brawn alone is not enough.

Very interesting to read the differing quality of comments. Almost without exception the supporters of Tyson are driven by half-remembered blind enthusiasm of the ignorant. Anybody who knows boxing or who has boxed as I have at the top level will tell you that in any heavyweight fight an unpredictable punch can end proceedings for either combatant. Aside from that Lewis is by far the better fighter, just as strong, faster, much more intelligent, and has fought better fighters than Tyson ever has or will. Most of all he deserves to win.
Alex, Australia

Does Lewis really have a glass jaw? He's been caught twice in his career but by punches that would send any fighter to the dressing room. I've seen Lewis take punishment before without going down. If he doesn't get careless he should win the fight easily. Tyson has looked very ordinary indeed in the past few years against less than ordinary opponents. Lewis within 6.
Jeff James, England

If Lewis moves and jabs during the first three rounds, his greater size and reach will tell in the later rounds. Lewis is the younger man and if he can survive the first three rounds, Tyson will slow down and opportunities will open up for Lewis. I expect Lewis to win by KO in 8th or later.
David Yau, Bahrain, Arabian Gulf

Tyson is (much) stronger physically. Lewis is (much) stronger mentally. As for most things, a boxing fight is essentially mental. Conclusion: Lewis late in the fight.
John, USA

Tyson's boxing legacy is on the line he has always done great against taller fighters. The first three rounds are crucial whoever dictates the pace will win the fight.

Lewis is a good fighter but not a legend and incredibly he doesn't have the charisma or the intensity to knock a fighter out with one punch. He also has a weak chin and with Tyson's speed and power Lewis will fall. The outcome is obvious: a KO for Tyson with one of his legendary left hooks in the latter rounds.
Amin Yasin, UK

This fight was supposed to happen. These two fighters used to spar against each other when they were teenagers - back at the time they were both ranked one and two in the world and yet they didn't fight each other in the world junior championships. Whoever wins this fight was suppose to win, so good luck to both fighters.
Jermaine, USA

This fight is perfect for Lewis. I see shades of the Razor Ruddock fight here. Lewis will have his head together for this one and will KO Tyson inside three rounds.
Stu, England

I think Tyson will win - Lewis for all his experience is still too laid back and Mike will be really up for this. I know everyone is expecting a mad start from Tyson but I think he will simply wear Lennox down with body punches and end it in the last few rounds. Lewis is just not mean enough, though he does have great boxing skills.
Dan, UK

Lennox Lewis will come in prepared - mentally and physically. He may respect Tyson's power but he is not going to be psyched out or lose his nerve. He's done this for decades and his mindset is right. Tyson is the underdog here - he has to get it all together on the night and he is the one that may crack.
Idai Makaya, Zimbabwe

Tyson's got a puncher's chance and that's pretty much all he's got against Lennox. There's no doubting the power that Tyson used to pack in his fists but he's up against a guy who is the consummate professional. With the exception of that lucky punch connecting, I think Mr Tyson's in for a painful night.
Jim Burford, UK

Lewis is the great pretender of the heavyweight division - who has he really fought other than Holyfield? Tyson will finish him inside five rounds.
Neil, Australia

I don't understand all the hype with Tyson. If he was a "normal guy" everyone would want him in jail but because he`s a boxer that's OK! I hope Lennox teaches Tyson a real lesson and puts him out of his misery once and for all - Lewis fifth round.
Mark, Glasgow

Tyson by KO - Lewis hasn't got the mental toughness to cope with Tyson, Holyfield did. I still have big doubts about Lewis and consider Tyson a great.
Colin, UK

Lewis will taunt and confuse Tyson with long-range jabs in the first few rounds before finishing him off with a right cross bomb during or after the fifth round. It's a mismatch - Lewis is by far the most skilful and has got all it takes to send Tyson into retirement.
Nick, England

Lewis has never fought someone like Tyson - three rounds at the most and Lewis will be just another victim of Tyson's wrath.
Ahmed Khan, USA

If Lewis does not make any mistakes, he will definitely win. The bout will probably be very similar to the Lewis v Tua fight. Sure, Tyson will come out strong but at the end of round four or five he will be out of gas and Lewis will jab him out.
Hans Gustafsson, Iceland

Tyson has too much to prove and will make a mistake due to his hunger to destroy Lewis. Lewis will box smart and use his reach to teach!
Tony, USA

On his day, Tyson can beat any top heavyweight in the world today. Lewis is a good boxer but not a 'great' boxer. I am a fan of both Lewis and Tyson but I feel Tyson is destined to defeat Lewis convincingly by sheer strength and regain the championship. The match has all the ingredients of a classic. It's a shame that it didn't happen five years ago. Tyson KO's Lewis in 8th!
Irfan A, UK

Lewis is a boxer. Tyson is a brawler. Therefore Lewis is likely to get unceremoniously beaten up. Having said that, I'd love to see Lewis win - but I most definitely wouldn't bet on it happening!
Chris B, England

I think both fighters will be in excellent condition for this fight. If Tyson catches Lewis early on, it's lights out for Lennox. However, we all know Lennox's physical ability and ring intelligence, so Tyson will have to take serious risks to land the big one. Don't be surprised if Lennox tries to bully the bully and KOs Tyson in Round 1 (see fights with Golota and Ruddock).
Jonny, UK

For Lewis to win he'll have to absorb punishment from the first bell which the whole world knows he can't.
Lebowa, Johannesburg, South Africa

Tyson with his excellent punching can KO Lewis. All the Best Tyson.
Shaik Zulfakhar, India

If Tyson is at three-quarter's of his best, he will win within five rounds. Lewis has only ever fought one world class Heavyweight (Holyfield), and is afraid to come forward and fight when the chips are down.
Craig Miller, UK

I was waiting for this moment since he lost his title in 1990 against Douglas. My heart is for Tyson. He is really the most exciting boxer in the world. Tyson : You are the king !
Stephan, France

Let's look at the variables:

Tyson's two-handed power is unmatched. Lewis has a suspect chin. The only fighters who were successful at beating Tyson, came forward, pushed him around, were ready to fight, not to mention that they took some bombs along the way aswell. Lewis cannot fight on the inside - it is not his style, plus he wouldn't risk his chin against one of the biggest punchers in history.
Naved Siddiqi, United Kingdom

When the dust has cleared there will stand one man iron Mike Tyson
Kevin, England

I have a big huge feeling that this amazing fight won't actually happen. Something is going to go wrong.

It will either be one of them will back out or Tyson will just turn into a psycho as usual and launch for him and start scrapping over the ropes or something.

I predict Tyson will blast the glass jawed Lewis and pound the Brit into submission in 9.Tyson uses the old adage "kill the body and the head will die".

Lewis will try to box him and he'll get caught up with and get destroyed eventually cause Tyson is too strong and built for him. Tyson will not be afraid like David Tua, Micheal Grant or Frans Botha were, theay all allowed lewis to get away with his tactics.

Tyson would definately not allow him to get way with it.
Hannah, Ireland

Lennox Lewis wins via a second round knockout. He's been more active than Tyson, fought better competition, and is better prepared mentally. Tyson still can punch, but really I think Lewis will demolish him.
Steve, USA

Just look at George Foreman to see whats possible. Tyson inside 5 rounds. (Lewis doesn't like being hit)
Ian, New Zealand

I think Tyson will be disqualified!!!
John Campbell, Canada

Tyson just needs to land one punch, and Lewis has never fought anyone with th intensity that Tyson brings. Should be a cracker,can't wait !
Craig, England

People seem to be forgetting that Tyson still has the greatest knock-out punch in boxing. Both his hands are capable of putting Lewis on the canvas
Nasir, England

Tyson in a back and forth battle. Mike will win by the eighth round.
Norman S., USA

Both fighters are very hungry for this fight and also in great shape - Tyson especially, judging from recent pics. This paves the way for a potentially great fight and it all depends on the styles they adopt.

For Lewis to win he has to fight coming forward (as in Lewis-Rahman II). For Tyson to win, he has to show his old technique and confuse Lewis with his speed and movement. Gut feeling is Lewis in the 10th by knockout.
Muzamil Saleem, England

I reckon Tyson will KO Lewis inside three rounds. Tyson hates Lewis, he considers Lewis a fake. When Mike is angry there's no stopping him, look what he did to Lou Savarese, he looked like the old Tyson, his conditioning was excellent.

I expect his conditioning to be even better for the Lewis fight. Also, Lewis always says the same thing, regardless of who he is fighting: "he's never seen a fighter like me". On this occasion, I think it is the other way round to be honest.
Matt Turfrey, England

Lewis is scared of Tyson! Tyson will knock Lewis out within three rounds!
Marcus Olsson, Sweden

The fight will end early - maybe inside three rounds if Tyson is able to connect with his legendary punches. However, if Lewis is able to stay out of trouble during those early rounds then he will succeed later in the fight either by knocking out a tiring Tyson or taking it on points.
Steven Betts, England

My mind says Tyson and my heart says Lewis - it will be a exciting fight indeed. I won't be surprised if Tyson wins this fight.
George Nipah, England

Lewis on the other hand, apart from the Rahman blip, has been professional and world class. Excellent movement, punching power in abundance and lastly something Tyson doesn't have... skill. Lewis to drop Tyson in 6
Allan, England

This is really hard to call, not least because one of the protagonists is completely unpredictable. Will Tyson be able to get round Lewis' reach advantage? If Tyson lands, will Lewis take the punch? If Lewis is up for this he'll win, but on the other hand, what if Tyson does intimidate him on the night? As a Brit though you've got to back Lennox. He's got the size and power, and twice the skill of Tyson. Let's just hope he's mentally prepared.
Ben Bond, England

It is clear that Lewis is the favourite with the bookies and the experts. If I was a betting man though, I would put my money on Tyson. Tyson may not be in his prime, but as every boxer will tell you, power is the last thing to go. Tyson still has an awesome punch and when you combine that with the glass jaw of Lennox Lewis, Tyson has a good chance. If Lewis can frustrate Tyson by keeping him away with his good jab, then Lewis will win in 8 rounds.
Jonathan Michaud, UK