By Joe Coleman
Mike Tyson insists there is ‘no doubt’ he would have beaten the current crop of heavyweights if he was in his prime right now.
The heavyweight division exploded back into life in 2015 when Tyson Fury outwitted Wladimir Klitschko on that infamous night in Dusseldorf before the belts were scattered across the globe.
Mike Tyson relished facing taller fighters throughout his career
GETTY IMAGES – GETTY
Mike Tyson relished facing taller fighters throughout his career
Fellow Brit Anthony Joshua collected the IBF, WBA and then WBO strap, while Deontay Wilder made sure the WBC belt remained in America as he continued to obliterate opponents with his concussive power.
But all of the heavyweight belts now residing in the UK after Fury toppled yet another champion in his back yard, the question was put to ‘Iron Mike’ as to how well he could have fared in this current generation.
Despite standing just 5ft 11ins, ‘Kid Dynamite’ blew away the best talent in the heavyweight division during the 1980’s as he became the youngest world heavyweight champion in history – a record which still stands.
But finally, the 53-year-old addressed the issue about how would his prime self would do against the likes of Fury, Wilder and Joshua.
Tyson Fury comprehensively beat Deontay Wilder, flooring him twice and forcing a round seven stoppage six weeks ago
GETTY IMAGES – GETTY
Tyson Fury comprehensively beat Deontay Wilder, flooring him twice and forcing a round seven stoppage six weeks ago
The debate has been settled during his latest YouTube live chats with fans. When Tyson was asked if he thinks he would have unified all the belts if he was still in his 20s today, he confidently said “Yes!”
“Listen, if you’re asking me if I was 20 years old, Yes! There’s no doubt. They’re really good fighters and I respect all these skills. It would have been very tough fighting them,” Tyson said.
Anthony Joshua on Mike Tyson vs Muhammad Ali
“I know it’s a fantasy game,” he told Yahoo Sports.
“Most likely I would win the fantasy, I wouldn’t win the real fight. Ali’s the greatest there’s ever been.”
Despite his confidence in being able to defeat the current generation of heavyweight stars, Tyson was effusive in his praise for the past.
A firm fan of Muhammad Ali, Tyson admitted he could never beat ‘The Greatest’ if the two actually ever met – despite a computer game simulation suggesting it would be he who triumphed.