Mike Tyson Changes Mind on Who in Boxing is Really The Greatest

Mike Tyson appears to have changed his mind when it comes to boxing’s greatest ever fighter, as he seemingly no longer believes it’s Muhammad Ali.

Though the sport has numerous all-timers in its extensive history, including Joe Louis, ‘Sugar Ray’ Robinson, and Roberto Duran, it is Tyson and Ali who are the best-known, and often-times, most-celebrated. They have been seen on talk shows together, with Tyson frequently speaking of his affection for the self-proclaimed ‘Greatest’.

A three-time world heavyweight boxing champion, Ali is revered for his rivalries and wins over the likes of Sonny Liston, George Foreman, and Joe Frazier, among others. And, though Tyson has long pointed at Ali as the greatest boxer to ever do it, he recently pointed at a different fighter when asked who really is the best.

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Mike Tyson Names Boxing’s Greatest Fighter

The former heavyweight ruler appears to have changed his mind on the topic

Tyson once said of Ali that he’s “the greatest fighter that ever lived.”

He also called Ali “a giant,” adding: “There’s no way other fighters could match him. He’d die for this stuff.”

During a recent podcast with Shaquille O’Neal, though, Tyson’s opinion on who the greatest in boxing ever was may have evolved, as, when the NBA legend asked him who boxing’s best in history was, Tyson gave a simple, one-word, answer: “Me.”

He has said similar before. “If you talk about who’s the best fighter, then I’m the best fighter. But if you talk about who’s the greatest, it’s Muhammad Ali.”

When Ali was alive, he also spoke glowingly of Tyson, calling him “a good fighter” who “can punch.”

‘The Greatest’ was even once asked about a mythical match-up involving them both. Who would come out on top if Muhammad Ali fought Mike Tyson in their respective primes? Here’s what Ali said:

Ali’s daughter Hana Ali even wrote once: “My father always said Mike Tyson hit harder than anyone he ver saw. He loved him.”

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