Boxing is all about records and what has been done inside the ring. Mike Tyson knows what it is all about and knows the history of the sport as well.
Like most, Iron Mike knows who stood out in their boxing career. That includes Floyd Mayweather, probably one of the greatest fighters most have seen. But as far as being “The Greatest of All Time,” the “Baddest Man on the Planet” raises an argument.
He touched on the claim of Mayweather as being the “GOAT” on his HotBoxin podcast. The former heavyweight champion singled out some names who have fought more than Mayweather’s 50-0 record.
Among the names he mentioned include “Sugar” Ray Robinson and Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. Robinson won 40 fights, dropped on and then went on to win 78-straight.
Chavez had an 89-0 record before he suffered his first loss. Tyson also explained that these were fighters who fought a lot and did not pick their foes.
But perhaps the most appalling swipe that the 54-year-old had on Mayweather is the fight comparison between “Money” and Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.
“Mayweather is not the GOAT, I enjoy watching Pacquiao more,” Tyson said.
It remains to be seen if Mayweather will come out to respond to Tyson’s claims. The 43-year-old has been silent as of late, likely preparing for his upcoming exhibition fight against YouTuber Logan Paul next month.
Mayweather has opted to settle for exhibition fights that will reward him handsomely. The last actual boxer he faced was Andre Berto in 2015. After that, he fought UFC star Conor McGregor in what was counted as his 50th win.
His last boxing exhibition was against Japanese MMA fighter Tenshin Nasukawa. He won that handily in 2018 after flooring the Japanese fighter three times in the first round.
Mayweather is a heavy favorite against Paul this February with the YouTuber lacking the boxing experience. It is seen as nothing more than another big payday for the “Flamboyant One.”
As for Tyson, he is expected to fight again soon. Evander Holyfield is the favorite to be his next foe in a highly anticipated trilogy. Holyfield revealed that both camps were already in discussions but was confident that something would be agreed upon soon.
If sealed, Holyfield projects a $200 million profit from the exhibition fight. But as far as the odds on who would win, most are siding with Iron Mike to prevail over “The Real Deal.”
