Muhammad Ali, known as "The Greatest," once admitted there was a heavyweight he couldn't have beaten during his career: Mike Tyson.
Ali, a boxing icon who dominated the ring in the mid-to-late 1960s and 1970s, made this surprising confession after Tyson's rise to prominence. The legendary fighter, who had notable victories over Ken Norton, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman, recognized Tyson's exceptional power, strength, and speed.
In 1974, Ali cemented his status as one of boxing's all-time greats with his iconic fight against George Foreman, dubbed "The Rumble In The Jungle." But even with his impressive record, Ali felt Tyson would have been too much for him to handle.
Ali described Tyson as "awesome," "powerful," and "strong," emphasizing the danger of Tyson's punching ability. "If he hits you, you're in trouble," Ali said.
"I'm scared of him. He's a real champ. [Tyson would have won], I was a dancing master. You are that powerful and so fast, if he hit me [mimics falling over]."
This candid admission from Ali speaks volumes about Tyson's reputation as one of the most ferocious heavyweight fighters ever. Known as "Iron Mike," Tyson burst onto the boxing scene in the 1980s with his unique "peek-a-boo" style.
In 1986, Tyson defeated Trevor Berbick to become the youngest world heavyweight champion, a record that still stands almost 40 years later. This achievement, combined with his raw power and speed, left even the great Muhammad Ali in awe.
Ali's admission serves as a testament to Tyson's incredible impact on the sport of boxing, solidifying his place among the all-time greats alongside Ali himself.
