The outcome of a fantasy showdown between Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson has been debated for many, many years.
The heavyweight icons dominated the heavyweight division on multiple occasions throughout their respective professional careers, each ruling during different eras of the sport.
Ali’s tenure spanned across 21 years from 1960, where he would become the world heavyweight champion on three occasions, defeating the likes of Ken Norton, Joe Frazier and George Foreman amongst others before retiring in 1981.
‘Iron Mike’ would explode onto the scene a few years afterwards, making his professional debut in 1985. He made history 18 months after entering the paid ranks when he became the youngest world heavyweight champion of all time, stopping WBC champion Trevor Berbick in the second round of their clash in Las Vegas.
One man who has experience in facing both Ali and Tyson is former long-reigning world heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, who locked horns with both men during his tenure.
Holmes told TMZ Sports that he believes Ali would have gotten the better of Tyson, as he claims ‘The Greatest’ would have knocked out ‘Iron Mike’ had they faced each other.
“Mike Tyson would get beat up because he’s a face fighter. He comes in down low, and Muhammad Ali is a jabber. He’d get that jab in there just like he did with Joe Frazier.
So, Mike Tyson would have to get around that jab, and he’d have a lot of problems getting around that jab. Mike Tyson would’ve been knocked out by Muhammad Ali.”
Holmes stopped Ali in the tenth round of their bout back in October of 1980, but would eventually fall short to Tyson when they clashed for the undisputed heavyweight championship eight years later, suffering a fourth round stoppage to his fellow countryman.
