Boxing: Tyson vs. Lewis is a no brainer

My five-star lock of the week (I love saying that) is Mike Tyson over Lennox Lewis.

You can book it, you can take it to the bank, whatever cliche you want.

The problem -- it's just another example of how bad boxing really is, especially in the heavyweight division.

Why am I so sure of this outcome?

Because it's the only way there will be able to be a Tyson-Lewis II, and then a Tyson-Lewis III.

Most people "in the know" have been talking about how Iron Mike's skills have been deteriorating since he got out of prison, and he how has to resort to street-fighting tactics to get himself out of trouble. They expect Lewis to win.

If Lewis wins, there won't be the public outcry for a rematch. If Tyson wins, there will be a rematch, that Lewis wins, and then a Tyson-Lewis III, which Lewis also wins. That should make each fighter an extra $50 million, and the promoters much more.

Boxing is a sport that is motivated by money more than any other. They have too many different sanctioning bodies, too many networks with a piece of the pie, and too many shady characters making shady deals. How may fights are never fought because one fighter has a deal with HBO, and his opponent is signed to Showtime?

I would like to preface all of this by saying I love boxing, I've watched it for over 20 years, and I've boxed a little myself, but I have become disgusted with it on numerous occasions, and this fight could be the final nail in it's coffin.

The first time I quit watching boxing forever was when Pernell Whitaker (who will now be going to jail) beat up on Julio Caesar Chavez for the entire evening, only to lose by decision. The second time I quit watching boxing forever was when Alex Stewart beat George Foreman into something that resembled a "Mr. Potato Head," and the fight was called a draw. I can guarantee the Tyson-Lewis fight will be the third time I quit watching forever.

You can't refer to boxing as a sport anymore. It's as bad as the WWF, WWE, or whatever they call themselves this week. The difference is the WWE has the decency to claim that it's just entertainment. I use the term "decency" loosely.

Not to mention, the fights are generally bad. Where is Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns? Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran? Those were fights. We have never really seen a good Heavyweight Division in my lifetime.

The fight I would have loved to see would have been Larry Holmes vs. Tyson, when they were both in their prime. Tyson would have tried to get inside, and Holmes would just beat him back with that amazing jab. Holmes was the best heavyweight in my lifetime, and he would have put a whoopin' on Tyson, Lewis, Holyfield, or any of the other fighters that we've been paying big money to watch the last 10 years.

Boxing is a sport that has been putting off its demise for some time. Will I watch the fight? Yes I will. Only because there's something about boxing that makes you want to plunk down your $55, invite all your friends over, grab a few adult beverages, and have a great time. Some of the best parties I've ever been to were centered around a fight. But believe me, I will be watching with a very critical eye Saturday night.

I know I shouldn't be feeding this badly broken down machine. But maybe, just maybe, this will be the fight that really gets me to quit watching boxing forever.

Third time's the charm... right?