JULY 19TH AUCTION
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/20/2013
The Mike Tyson/Lennox Lewis fight in June 2002 will long be remember for the events that took place both inside and outside of the ring. The build-up for the fight included a press conference on January 22 of that year. At the press conference, a brawl broke out involving Tyson, Lewis and both fighters’ entourages. The brawl featured punches thrown, a bite on Lewis’ leg and a claim by WBC president José Sulaimán that he was knocked out when he hit his head on the table. Following the brawl, Tyson came to the edge of the podium and issued a profanity-laden tirade directed to a freelance journalist who commented Tyson should be put in a straightjacket. Ironically, the brawl at the press conference was named The Ring magazine Event of the Year for 2002.
These training shoes were worn by Iron Mike to prepare for his battle against Lewis at the Pyramid Arena in Memphis, Tennessee. Included is a photo of Tyson wearing the shoes. Both shoes have been beautifully signed by Tyson with a silver Sharpie. The shoes were originally sourced by a ‘Team Tyson’ member whose fight credentials for the Tyson/Lewis bout are available separately in this auction. The Tyson signatures on both shoes have been authenticated by PSA/DNA.