The 2002 heavyweight boxing match between the two legendary fighters, Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson, was anticipated to be one of the greatest bouts of all time. However, it turned into a farce due to the pre-fight controversies.

In the documentary film titled “Lennox: The Untold Story,” Lennox Lewis’s close friend, Courtney Shand, shed light on the tensions leading to the infamous brawl.

“There was tension when we arrived in New York. The night before the press conference, Lennox said, ‘If Mike steps to me, forget about the purse, I won’t back down. Never,'” recounted Shand.

During the press conference, as Mike Tyson took off his hat, threw it on the ground, and advanced towards Lewis, he immediately received three powerful punches and a bite. When one of Lewis’s bodyguards tried to intervene, Tyson threw a punch at him, leading to a chaotic brawl on stage.

As a result, Tyson had to pay nearly $350,000 in compensation for biting Lewis. Recently, the British boxing legend revealed to Revolt TV, “I didn’t go to that press conference to fight. I didn’t want that to happen. I really couldn’t believe it happened that way. Why would Mike attack me? It was a terrible act. We were set to make millions, so why do that? At the time, I couldn’t accept Mike biting my leg.”

The initial plan was to hold the match in Las Vegas, but after Tyson’s actions, the Nevada State Athletic Commission revoked the fight’s license. The promoters then decided to find an alternative solution, choosing Memphis as the venue for one of the highest-grossing boxing matches in history. In the ring, Lennox Lewis dominated Mike Tyson and secured a knockout victory in the 8th round.