Once again, Lennox Lewis outboxed Evander Holyfield. This time, he came away the unified heavyweight champion of the world.

In a rematch much better than their first encounter eight months ago, Lewis posted a unanimous decision and added Holyfield' s WBC and IBF titles to his own WBA belt on Saturday tonight in Las Vegas, the United States.

The 34-year-old Lewis won on all three judges' scorecards by the margins of 115-113, 116-112 and 117-111. He improved to 35-1-1 and Holyfield fell to 36-4-1.

"I did all that I could," Holyfield said. "I wasn't judging the fight. When things fall into the judges, the judges make a decision as to who they want to give it to. I don't observe the fight, I do all I can out there."

Relying on a consistent left jab, Lewis was able to keep Holyfield at bay throughout much of the fight. He captured four of the first five rounds and was never really in trouble at any point.

Much like their fight on March 13, which Lewis clearly dominated but was forced to settle for a controversial draw, the 6- 5 Lewis was able to jab at will from the outside and used his height advantage to tie Holyfield when necessary.

After a lackluster first round, Lewis began to take charge in the second. Setting Holyfield up with the jab, he landed a big right uppercut midway through the second. Lewis continued to peck away at Holyfield and was able to land at will through the third, fourth and fifth.

The crowd at the Thomas & Mack Center began to grow restless in the sixth round and Holyfield responded. Hoping to get inside, he tried to bully Lewis and had his most success when in close.

The seventh round saw both fighters trade power punches in the middle of the ring. Holyfield landed a strong right to the body that buckled Lewis and was able to dig two uppercuts into the body. In what was clearly Holyfield's best round of the fight, Lewis closed the round by firing back just before the bell.

"He was able to come back when I was able to hit him with some shots," Holyfield added. "I felt that I hurt him a few times and he was able to rally back....I gave it all that I had today. The fact is, when it fall into the judges hands, you get decisions."

Just as the momentum seemed to favor Holyfield, Lewis responded with a strong eighth round. Using the jab, he was able to take advantage of a tired Holyfield. Another very close round in the ninth could have gone either way but Lewis positioned himself to win by outboxing Holyfield in both the 10th and 11th.

"I was really concerned because he wasn't trying to do anything at the beginning of the rounds, and trying to steal it at the end of the round," Lewis said. "I didn't know what the judges are looking for, so I was trying to bide my time and score punches at the same time."

Holyfield put the pressure on in the 12th but a savvy Lewis hung on at the right times and was able to avoid Holyfield's power punches.

The victory put Lewis on a pedestal and should ease memories of him claiming his first title after Riddick Bowe had dumped it in a garbage can. He also should be able to erase memories of an embarrassing second-round knockout at the hands of Oliver McCall in September 1994.

The newly crowned champion has hinted at bringing the title back to his native England and possibly facing the winner of next week's Michael Grant-Andrew Golota bout.

"I think I went through some trials and tribulations and enough people were trying to stop me," Lewis said. "The Americans didn't want me to bring the titles over to Britain.

"Yeah, the money is big over here. I realize the casinos pay big money. I may fight one fight over in Europe first and have everyone have to come over there."

It marked the third straight time that Holyfield was forced to go the distance. Unlike last time, when he appeared sluggish and distant, Holyfield attempted to rise to the occasion.

The fighters are expected to receive roughly $15 million each. (Xinhua)