Tyson admitted in a 2012 interview that he wouldn't have stood a chance against Ali if both met in their primes
MUTUAL RESPECT. Muhammad Ali (R) and Mike Tyson (L) fought very different styles, but both ruled the division in their eras. Photo by John Gurzinski/AFP
MANILA, Philippines - Mike Tyson was "The Baddest Man on the Planet." That wasn't just a nickname, it was a calling which he reinforced and lived up to every day. More so than being a fearsome puncher, Tyson was also a student of boxing, well-educated in the psychology and history of the sport.
He knew Muhammad Ali's billing as "The Greatest of All Time" was more than just a monicker, too.
Ali, who died Saturday, June 4 (Manila time) at age 74 following a short hospitalization, was a 3-time heavyweight champion during the '60s and '70s, defeating the most intimidating bruisers of his day - Sonny Liston, George Foreman and Joe Frazier.
Tyson, in a 2012 interview with ThisIs50.com, showed his reverence for Ali, describing how Ali collapsed to the canvas after stopping Joe Frazier in their third fight in 1975. "He had too much pride. He'd rather die than let somebody beat him," said the-now 49-year-old Tyson.
When asked who would've won between the two had they met at age 20, Tyson didn't hesitate to give Ali the decided edge. "Never stopping and he’s dead tired? I can’t beat that man. Hell fucking no. No fucking way," said Tyson, whose own career began 4 years after Ali retired for good.
The two have long shared a mutual respect. Ali was in the ring in 1988 before Tyson fought Larry Holmes. Holmes had beaten a faded Ali in 1980, becoming the only person to stop him in his entire career, before the bell rang Ali came over to Tyson and whispered to him that he wanted the 20-year-old to avenge that defeat. Tyson destroyed Holmes in a 4-round violent exhibition. Ali was also at his "coronation" ceremony held by Don King after Tyson won the undisputed title.They maintained their friendship over the years, even after Ali's battle with Parkinson's disease severely limited his speech and mobility. In a 2013 episode of the FoxSports TV show "Being Tyson," Tyson performed Ali's trademark shuffle for his amusement.
Tyson held Ali in the highest regard as a fighter, telling ThisIs50.com that Ali was a one of a kind athlete who didn't do everything perfect, but put all of his abilities together perfectly.
"From a boxing perspective, Ali is a fucking animal. He looks more like a model than a fighter. What he is is a Tyrannosaurus Rex with a pretty face. He’s just mean and evil. He’ll take you to deep water and drown you. He’s very special. Best in the world.
"Nobody beats Ali." – Rappler.com
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