A retired boxing legend has had their say on the ability of ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson.
‘Iron’ Mike enjoyed a glittering professional career, which saw him capture the world heavyweight championship on two separate occasions.
Tyson’s crowning moment came in 1986 when he sensationally knocked out Trevor Berbick in the 2nd-round of their contest to become the WBC heavyweight champion, breaking the record of being the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history.
In the years following his triumph over Berbick, ‘Iron’ Mike would go on to capture the undisputed heavyweight champion with victories over James Smith and Tony Tucker, who had held the WBA and IBF titles respectively.
Despite the success he achieved at the peak of his tenure, there is one ex-fighter in particular who doesn’t share the same views as those who believe Tyson is one of the most ferocious heavyweights ever.
Speaking to Sky Sports Boxing, former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes sensationally claimed that ‘Iron’ Mike would not have survived in his era, which included icons such as Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali.
“No [Tyson couldn’t have survived in my era]. Joe Frazier would beat him up at his own style. No [he couldn’t survive in that era]. Ali? He’d slap him all day with the jab. Kenny Norton, too strong. George Foreman would win in two seconds, he hit too hard.”
Holmes did actually clash with Tyson, despite the encounter taking place when ‘The Easton Assassin’ was passed his formidable best. The heavyweight legends locked horns in 1988, with Tyson blasting Holmes out inside four rounds to retain his undisputed championship.
