Mike Tyson Didn’t Hesitate When Asked Which Heavyweight Hit Him Hardest: “He Had Bad Intentions”
Mike Tyson has shared the ring with some huge punchers.
‘Iron Mike’ was known for his destructive power, with 44 of his 50 wins coming by knockout, but he also had his chin tested throughout his career.
Five of the six defeats that Tyson suffered occurred by knockout, having been stopped by Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Buster Douglas, Danny Williams and finally Kevin McBride, in what turned out to be his last professional bout back in 2005.
With that in mind, Tyson knows big punchers when he sees one, and he had a clear answer for who was the hardest hitter he ever faced when speaking to Ring Magazine.
“Holyfield. He threw terrific shots with both hands and with bad intentions.”
Tyson and Holyfield met twice, with the first bout coming in November 1996. Holyfield controlled the majority of the action, and claimed an 11th round TKO victory over his rival.
They had a rematch seven months later in June 1997, with this fight infamously ending in disqualification after Tyson bit the ear of Holyfield.
Despite their differences at the time, the two are now respectful of one another, and ‘Iron Mike’ also admitted that Holyfield is the best overall fighter he ever faced.
“Great champion: chin, heart, determination, work ethic, demeanour.”
Tyson is set to return to the ring for his first professional contest in over 20 years when he faces Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday 15 November, and Holyfield, Lewis and Douglas have all given their predictions for the bout.
Larry Holmes Has No Doubt Who Wins Prime Mike Tyson vs George Foreman: “It Wouldn’t Last A Round”
Mike Tyson and George Foreman are two of the best heavyweights to grace the sport.
Tyson ruled the heavyweight division in the late 80s and early 90s, becoming the youngest world heavyweight champion in history at 20 years, 4 months and 22 days.
