Boxing fans have taken one side or the other in the perennial debate over the likeliest to win if ever there was a boxing showdown between two of the greatest boxers ever, Mohammad Ali and Mike Tyson, in the prime of their boxing careers. As with debates of these sorts, consensus is hard to come by as it mostly relies on conjecture.
Last month, the arguments for and against a win for either boxer if they ever fought were rekindled by British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua. He reignited the debate in favour of “Iron Mike” saying Tyson would have won if they met.
His comments got him praise from Tyson fans who have always argued that Prime “Iron Mike” was literally unbeatable and would have been too vicious for Ali while others accused him of being ignorant of the boxing genius of Ali in his heydays.
To bring an end to the incessant back and forth of this contentious boxing trend, Tyson himself decided to wade in. Speaking to Yahoo Sports, the former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world summarily dismissed claims that he would have beaten Muhammad Ali in his prime.
“Most likely I would win the fantasy, I wouldn’t win the real fight. Ali’s the greatest there’s ever been.”
Ali, who passed away aged 74 in 2016, finished his career with 56 wins and five defeats incorporating a life of activism and religious spirituality into what was a storied legend.
Tyson said “fantasy” in reference to a World Boxing Super Series simulation of a boxing match between both boxers where he triumphed over Ali. But, the 54-year-old was keeping it real by insisting he would have lost to Ali as he described him as the ‘greatest there’s ever been’ in the game.
“I know it’s a fantasy game.”
After a glorious record of 31 first victories before taking his fight defeat against Joe Frazier, Tyson, who is 24 years younger than Ali, called time on his active career in 2005 with a record of 50-6. Only to shock the boxing world with an incredible comeback in November to face Roy Jones Jr as a 54-year-old.
His successful return was well received and welcomed with nostalgia. It has had the effect of inspiring his contemporaries to do same. Evander Holyfield is in talks to fight Tyson. It will be exciting coming 34 whole years after having had his ear bitten by his old rival.
The 58-year-old Holyfield, when asked about the possibility of the bout ever happening, said: “The thing is that if it’s meant to be it will happen, either way, it is what it is.
“What I can tell you is that my team is talking to Mike’s management, so I’m waiting for a decision. They are communicating right now.
“The thing is I’m still training for this, I know it will be some day this deal will happen and I’m ready for him. I’m doing OK.”
It is definitely no substitute for the prime Ali versus prime Tyson clash and will in no way bring an end to what fans have to say about that but every boxing fan will confess that a rematch between Holyfield and Tyson will be an unmistakable must-see delight.
