Lewis' mother Violet congratulates the champion

He finished the contest two minutes and 25 seconds into the eighth with a withering right hook that put Tyson flat on his back.

Fears that the fight could descend into the kind of ugly scenes that have dogged Tyson's career proved unfounded.

Instead the event provided a timely boost for a beleaguered sport, with the boxers trading compliments after an enthralling and sporting contest.

Tyson was felled by huge punch

Lewis was on top throughout the fight and, after being docked a point for pushing Tyson to the canvas at the end of round four, he then twice floored the challenger in the eighth.

First he landed with a left uppercut and, altough Tyson survived the first count, Lewis finished the job with a huge right.

Tyson, condemned in many quarters for his behaviour in and out of the ring, was magnanimous in defeat.

"I have love and respect for Lennox," Tyson said.

"He's a magnificent fighter - and I'd love for him to give me another shot (at the title)."

Lewis paid tribute to Tyson's ability to withstand intense pressure for so long.

"Some of those punches I hit him with on the right-hand side, he took them like a man - I was shocked he was able to take them."

It was the first time the two boxers, who have dominated the division in recent years, had met in the ring - but the fight nearly never happened.

Watch a round-up of the fight

Tyson had his boxing licence revoked by the Nevada State Commission after he sparked a brawl at a news conference.

Memphis was later chosen as an alternative venue.