Tyson started his pro career in 1985 and quickly made a name for himself. He won his first 19 fights by stoppage, with 12 of those wins coming in the first round. In 1986, he became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history when he knocked out Trevor Berbick in the second round. This victory marked the start of Tyson's reign as a dominant force in the heavyweight division.
Despite his own impressive career, Tyson believes Ali was in a league of his own. In the interview with ThisIs50, Tyson shared his thoughts on Ali:
"There is no man like him, there just isn't. Everything we have he supersedes us in. He was an animal, he looked more like a model than a boxer. 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. He's very special. The best. Nobody beats Ali. I can't beat that man, hell no. No way."
Ali's legacy in boxing is unmatched. He defeated legendary heavyweights like Joe Frazier and George Foreman, including his famous win in 'The Rumble In The Jungle'. Many consider Ali the greatest boxer of all time.
Tyson's admission shows the deep respect he has for Ali's skills and achievements. Even though Tyson was a fearsome fighter in his prime, he believes Ali would have come out on top if they had ever faced each other in the ring.
This statement from one of boxing's most iconic figures adds to Ali's legacy as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, fighters to ever step into the ring.