Mike Tyson, the legendary heavyweight boxer from Brownsville, Brooklyn, has shared his top five favorite current fighters. The former champion, known for his ferocious style and ability to strike fear into opponents, revealed his picks during an interview on the Pound 4 Pound podcast.
Tyson's career was marked by incredible highs and challenging lows. He became the youngest heavyweight champion at 20 and delivered thrilling fights against opponents like Frank Bruno, Evander Holyfield, and Lennox Lewis. His journey also included setbacks, such as his shocking knockout loss to James 'Buster' Douglas in 1990 and a prison stint that interrupted his prime fighting years.
Now, Tyson has turned his expert eye to the current boxing landscape. His top five favorites are a mix of established champions and rising stars:
David Benavidez tops Tyson's list. The undefeated two-time super-middleweight champion recently added the WBC Interim Light-Heavyweight belt to his collection. Benavidez's all-action style has put him in line for a full light-heavyweight title shot and a potential clash with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez. Fans are also looking forward to his upcoming fight with David Morrell.
Next up is Gervonta 'Tank' Davis, the WBA Lightweight World Champion. Davis has earned a reputation as possibly the hardest pound-for-pound puncher in the sport, with an impressive 28 knockouts in 30 fights. His next challenge will be against Lamont Roach Jr.
Shakur Stevenson, a three-weight world champion at just 27, also caught Tyson's attention. Stevenson, known for his exceptional defense, currently holds the WBC Lightweight Championship. He's sidelined with a hand injury but plans to return in February 2025 against number one contender William Zepeda.
"Stevenson's defense is something else. The CompuBox numbers show he's one of the hardest fighters to hit in the game today."
Terence Crawford, who tops many pound-for-pound lists, is another of Tyson's favorites. The undefeated switch-hitter has claimed world titles in four weight classes, from lightweight to super welterweight. There's talk of a potential superfight with Canelo Alvarez, which would require Crawford to move up two more divisions.
Rounding out the list is Errol Spence Jr. Despite losing his undefeated record to Crawford in their undisputed welterweight fight, Spence's previous victories over fighters like Shawn Porter, Kell Brook, and Mikey Garcia have left a lasting impression. Fans are eager to see if he'll make a comeback at super-welterweight.
"These guys remind me of the excitement we brought to the ring back in my day," Tyson said. "They're keeping boxing alive and thrilling for the fans."
Tyson's list shows his appreciation for a mix of styles and achievements in today's boxing world. From power punchers to defensive maestros, these fighters represent the best of what the sport has to offer. Tyson's own career was filled with memorable moments, and it's clear he sees that same potential in this current crop of boxers.
