A legend of the heavyweight division once admitted that he regretted ending his retirement for a showdown with Mike Tyson.
‘Iron Mike’ is widely considered to be one of the most feared and ferocious heavyweights of all time, racking up 44 stoppages in 50 victories throughout his professional career.
He captured world honours for the first time back in 1986, stopping WBC world champion Trevor Berbick in the 2nd round of their Las Vegas clash to become the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history.
Tyson later defeated IBF champion Tony Tucker and WBA champion James Smith to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion shortly after he turned 21-years-old in 1987.
In his second defence as undisputed champion, Tyson faced legendary heavyweight Larry Holmes, stopping the former long-reigning world champion in the 4th round of their showdown in Atlantic City.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Holmes reflected on his clash with ‘Iron Mike’ as he claims he regrets ending his retirement to face the undisputed heavyweight champion who was at the peak of his powers.
“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.”
Prior to facing Tyson in January of 1988, Holmes reigned as the world heavyweight champion for seven years between 1978 and 1985, making no less than 20 successful defences of his crown before he was eventually dethroned by Michael Spinks.
