Hi Loi!
I do like both versions and I think you have done justice to this lovely male lion with your processing, I surely can learn from you a couple of things
The only "critique", or rather question I have, does not pertain to the processing (which is really great by the way ), but to the title " Lion Roaring". I know not enough when it comes to processing but I have spent a great deal of time in the company of these majestic animals, heard and watched them roar in close proximity on many occasions and usually their head kind of lunges forward and the muzzle slightly closes to produce that unmistakable sound we call "roar". This looks more like a yawn to me, and indeed on a rare occassion there is a yawn in-between roars or at the end of a roar - but just wanted to make sure?
Had another look at your image, my vote goes to the colour version - it has more punch, more life, definitely my "cup-of-tea", well done, congratulations!
Kind regards,