Sparring Partner To Mike Tyson, Lewis And Holyfield Has No Doubt Who Was The Best In Their Prime

Kailem Lowe

Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield all played their part during what was a golden generation for heavyweight boxing.

All three of the aforementioned heavyweight icons enjoyed outstanding success throughout their respective careers, culminating in them each capturing the undisputed championship.

Tyson became the youngest world heavyweight champion of all time in 1986 when he defeated WBC champion Trevor Berbick, breaking an impressive record which remains intact to this very day.

Holyfield, who is also known as ‘The Real Deal’, made history by becoming the first fighter in boxing history to win the undisputed championship at cruiserweight and heavyweight when he defeated Buster Douglas in 1990.

As for Lewis, the British-Canadian legend is often credited with being one of the greatest heavyweights ever, proving his credentials during a professional career that saw him beat every opponent he ever faced, avenging the defeats that he suffered to Hasim Rahman and Oliver McCall in 1994 and 2001.

One man who is all too familiar with Tyson, Lewis and Holyfield is retired American heavyweight John Bray, who spent time sparring the heavyweight great’s during his professional career which spanned between 1992 and 1998.

Speaking to ESNEWS, Bray was asked to reveal who was the best between Lewis, Tyson and ‘The Real Deal’, giving an answer that may come as a surprise.
“Actually, I would say Evander Holyfield, because he’s just non-stop pressure so you’re fighting the whole time.”

Holyfield shared the ring with both Lewis and Tyson during his tenure, defeating ‘Iron Mike’ twice before he fought to a split decision draw against Lewis in their first bout in March of 1999.

Lewis settled the score in their rematch eight months later to become the undisputed heavyweight champion in a historic victory for the Olympic gold medalist.