Who wins this fight and why? Would the South African southpaw land a leftcross and put Lewis on his back? Or would Lewis break Sanders down like Vitaly did?
Lewis would have knocked him out inside of 3 rounds. It's no contest. Sanders was the kind of opponent whom Lewis would have came after...and succeeded in removing from his senses.
I don't think so. Going after is the only way Lewis could possibly lose this even though it would be a slim chance. He keeps his distance for a couple of rounds and busts Sanders with his jab and then bombs him outta there
Keep dreaming. Sanders would recieve the Golota treatment. Sanders was the type of guy who's more dangerous if you lay back and try to box him, rather than if you attack him. Lewis was no fool, he'd know this, and he'd go after Sanders from the start. I honestly dont see anyway that Sanders lasts longer than 3 rounds. Lummox puts him out COLD!
Nah, Sanders was dangerous if he had a chance to hit you. If Lewis went after him, he would very probably whack Sanders out in three as you said. However in that case there would be the slim chance that Sanders landed on him, and I believe Lewis would rather take the 100 % certain approach to victory and give it a coupl of rounds. Prime Lewis only ever went aggressively after Golota (whom he noticed was scared shitless), Botha (who had no punch) and Akinwande (ditto). I think he would count that Sanders' left is a potent weapon and protect himself
Sanders had a lot of talent, not an easy fight. Motivated & prime Sanders might well have been most dangerous fighter Lewis ever faced early. Lewis would be favourite though to KO a fatigued Sanders in 6 after more than a couple scary moments.:blobbox:
Agreed Sanders was an excellent counter puncher on the back foot, but looked much less sure of himself coming forward. Lewis would feel him out for a few rounds, wait for him to get careless/fatigued then finish him. Not a certainty though, because as I said, Sanders at his best was as good a heavyweight (Lewis aside) as there's been in the last 12 years or so. Lightning fast hands, KO power and surprisingly good foot speed despite his slight clumsiness. If this had happened around 99/00, it'd probably be the kind of fight that it'd be worth sticking a tenner on the underdog in.
Corrie Sanders was a poor mans Zab Judah. At Heavyweight. In other words, easily the most overrated fighter of his generation, just because of his quick hands. It's like nobody even remember's how shit he was for 12 years of his career. He had ONE good fight and it lasted two rounds. He was a pathetically conditioned, chinny, sloppy fighter, with absolutely zero defense and shitty footwork. Incredible how some seemingly educated fans mistake raw physical ability, with actual talent and skill.
Because of what? His one win over Wlad, and beating guys like Sprott and Czyz? Or losing to guys like Rahman and Tubbs? Sanders was a good heavyweight with some talent, but 2nd best HW since 1995-96?
I don't think he fought one, he just sparred with them. I remember him saying in a fight (PBF-Zab?) "Southpaws can be hard to box and figure out. I never fought one. (hour-long pause) I sparred with them".
