Tyson burst onto the boxing scene in 1985 at just 18 years old. He won his first 19 fights by knockout, showing his incredible power early on. In 1986, he became the youngest world heavyweight champion ever when he knocked out Trevor Berbick in the second round to win the WBC title.
By 1987, at only 21, Tyson had unified the heavyweight division. He held the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles after beating James Smith and Tony Tucker. Tyson went on to defend his undisputed crown six times before suffering his first loss to James 'Buster' Douglas in what many consider one of boxing's biggest upsets.
Despite his own impressive career, Tyson believes Ali stands alone at the top. In the interview, he couldn't stop praising the three-time world heavyweight champion.
"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."
Tyson went on to describe Ali's fierce competitive nature:
"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 career included legendary victories over Sonny Liston, Ken Norton, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman. Many consider him the greatest boxer of all time, a sentiment Tyson clearly shares.
Tyson's words paint a vivid picture of Ali's dominance in the ring. He compares the boxing legend to a prehistoric predator with model-like looks, emphasizing both Ali's ferocity and charisma. Tyson's belief that Ali would "take you to deep waters and drown you" speaks to Ali's ability to outlast and overcome his opponents.
Tyson's praise for Ali shows the lasting impact "The Greatest" had on the sport and future generations of boxers. Even one of the most feared heavyweights in history admits he couldn't have beaten Ali in his prime.