Mike Tyson responded graciously to Deontay Wilder’s claim that he could knock out Iron Mike in his prime.
Wilder, known as The Bronze Bomber, boasts an impressive boxing record, with only Tyson Fury managing to best him in the ring.
His remarkable power has solidified his status as one of boxing’s all-time greats, with an astounding 42 wins out of 45 fights, nearly all of which were by knockout.
Given his track record, it’s no surprise that Wilder exudes confidence in his abilities, even asserting that he could have defeated Tyson during his prime, despite Tyson’s legendary status in the sport.
Tyson, known for his ferocity in the ring, responded to Wilder’s claims with grace in 2020, stating, “I don’t know [whether I’d beat him].
I love the fact that he thinks that because that’s the way I would say as well.
He’s supposed to think that way; he is the heavyweight champion of the world, and that’s something very special.”
However, Lennox Lewis, the last undisputed heavyweight champion, who defeated Mike Tyson in 2002, disagreed with Wilder’s assertion.
Lewis advised the current crop of heavyweight champions to focus on their own era rather than speculating about hypothetical matchups with past legends.
While the outcome of a bout between Tyson and Wilder remains a matter of speculation, it serves as fodder for debate among boxing enthusiasts, with even professional boxers offering differing opinions on the matter.