Mike Tyson, once known as 'The Baddest Man on the Planet', has admitted there's one fighter he'd be scared to face: David Benavidez.
Tyson's career was filled with fear-inducing moments for his opponents. He started his pro journey with 19 straight knockout wins, with 12 of those coming in the first round. At just 20 years, 4 months, and 22 days old, he became the youngest boxer to win a world heavyweight title.
As champion, Tyson beat big names like Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, and Frank Bruno. He ended his career in 2005 with 50 wins, 6 losses, and a whopping 44 knockouts.
But now, it's Benavidez who's got Tyson's respect. In a recent interview, Tyson said:
"He's so underrated but so over-polarised here. Listen, I'd be afraid to fight him too if I was in that division. No one even has a chance against him, and I'm talking facts."
Benavidez, nicknamed 'The Mexican Monster', is currently one of boxing's hardest hitters. He's beaten former world champs like Demetrius Andrade, David Lemieux, and Anthony Dirrell.
Recently, Benavidez moved up to 175lbs and won the WBC interim light heavyweight title by beating Oleksandr Gvozdyk.
While Benavidez is eyeing a fight with Canelo Alvarez, he might drop back down to 168lbs for the right opponent.
Tyson's career was marked by incredible achievements, but his praise for Benavidez shows just how impressive the current champion is. It's a testament to Benavidez's skills that even 'The Baddest Man on the Planet' admits he'd be scared to face him.