Mike Tyson has named Muhammad Ali as the only boxer who could beat him in his prime. The former undisputed heavyweight champion shared this view in an interview with ThisIs50.
Tyson turned pro in 1985 and quickly made a name for himself. He won his first 19 fights by knockout, with 12 of those coming in the first round. By the late 1980s, he was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
During his peak, Tyson defeated several notable opponents. He won the WBC heavyweight title from Trevor Berbick and went on to beat Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, Tony Tucker, and James Smith. His reign came to a shocking end in 1990 when he lost to Buster Douglas.
Despite his own impressive career, Tyson holds Ali in the highest regard. In the interview with ThisIs50, he said:
"There is no man like him, there just isn't. Everything we have he supersedes us in. He's like a Tyrannosaurus Rex with a pretty face, he's just mean and evil, he'll take you to deep waters and drown you."
Tyson went on to praise Ali's looks and ferocity:
"He was an animal, he looked more like a model than a boxer. He's very special. The best. Nobody beats Ali. I can't beat that man, hell no. No way."
Ali, known as "The Greatest," certainly lived up to his nickname. He transcended the sport of boxing and became the only three-time lineal heavyweight champion in history. His victories over George Foreman, Joe Frazier, and Sonny Liston are stuff of legend.
The idea of a fantasy matchup between Tyson and Ali has been talked about for years. While we'll never know the outcome, it's clear that Tyson believes Ali would come out on top.
