A retired heavyweight legend has revealed the regret he had over fighting Mike Tyson.
Tyson is still credited with being one of the most ferocious heavyweights in boxing history, where he racked up 19 consecutive knockout victories at the beginning of his professional career.
‘Iron’ Mike made history in 1986 when he dispatched of Trevor Berbick in the second round of their bout to capture the WBC heavyweight title and become the youngest heavyweight champion ever, an incredible record which remains unbroken to this day.
He went on to become the undisputed heavyweight champion in the years that followed his history victory over Berbick, defeating WBA champion James Smith and IBF champion Tony Tucker respectively.
After facing a number of legendary heavyweight during his tenure, there was one fighter in particular who has spoken out and admitted his regret over going ahead with a showdown against ‘Iron’ Mike.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Larry Holmes weighed in on his battle with Tyson which took place in 1988.
“I shouldn’t have come out of retirement against him. I fought Mike Tyson and I lost. He stopped me. Tyson could punch, you can’t take that away from him.”
He would stand in front of you, try and push you against the ropes, but he wouldn’t have been able to do that to me in my prime. I would have beaten him.”
‘The Easton Assassin’ then admitted the sole reason for facing ‘Iron’ Mike.
“Money. It’s the money.”
Holmes enjoyed a glittering career of his own, reigning as the world heavyweight champion between 1978 and 1985. ‘The Easton Assassin’ defeated a number of top fighters during his tenure, including the likes of Muhammad Ali and Earnie Shavers.
