MIKE TYSON asserts that he stands as the greatest boxer “since the conception of God.”
Despite the American heavyweight’s reputation for blistering speed, power, and a tumultuous lifestyle, he believes his ability to vanquish opponents in the ring is divinely ordained.
Tyson, now 54, is emerging from a 15-year retirement to face Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition bout on November 28.
Amidst debates over the appropriateness of two men with a combined age of 105 competing, Tyson’s pre-fight rhetoric has raised eyebrows.
In footage capturing his preparations, the former heavyweight champion declared, “If I fail, I’m going to die.”
In a broader conversation, Tyson asserted his claim as the best fighter in history, stating, “Anything I do, I put so much into it.
If I fail, I’m going to die. How many people do that? That’s what I like to do. I go all out or nothing. I play for keeps.
You know, I’m the greatest fighter since the conception of God. How could I not take this opportunity up?”
However, Floyd Mayweather, known for his undefeated record and widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers of all time, may contest Tyson’s assertion.
Mayweather, who anticipates a hefty payday from exhibition fights like Tyson’s, excluded Tyson from his list of the five greatest boxers.
Mayweather placed himself at the top, followed by Pernell Whitaker, Roberto Duran, Larry Holmes (who faced Tyson in the ring), and Aaron Pryor.
Even Muhammad Ali failed to make Mayweather’s top five.