Mike Tyson gave a typically humble response after Deontay Wilder boldly claimed he would “kick the hell” out of a prime version of ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’.
Wilder, who recently slumped to a unanimous decision against Joseph Parker after surviving a barrage of overhand rights and left hooks, previously bragged about the idea of beating a younger ‘Iron’ Mike.
Back in 2018, when TMZ specifically asked then-WBC heavyweight champion Wilder if he would stand a chance against Tyson, he responded: “Yes.”
‘The Bronze Bomber’ then went on to claim that he fears no heavyweight, past or present. “Me vs Tyson in ’86, I’d kick the hell outta that guy,” he said without hesitation.
“Listen, I’ve got to keep it real. I know people always go back to the old school or look at the new school and there’s no school where I’m not No 1 on Earth.”
Two years later and Tyson responded to Wilder’s bold claim. Speaking to TNT Sports, he said he was unsure if the Alabama-born fighter would have beaten him but admired the 38-year-old’s confidence.
“I don’t know [whether I’d beat him],” he said. “I love the fact that he thinks that, because that’s the way I would think as well.
“He’s supposed to think that way, he is the heavyweight champion of the world and that’s something very special.”
Tyson certainly remained humble in front of the BT cameras but back in 2018, he was once again asked if Wilder could have beaten him in a fight. “I don’t think so,” he replied.
Former British heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis was far more vocal in his response to Deontay Wilder’s comments.
“I just heard Deontay Wilder said he would destroy a young Mike Tyson,” he said.
“My thoughts are that it’s easy to talk until you actually get in the ring. I like Wilder but he’s never been in there with someone that ferocious who truly wants to break his ribs with every punch. I don’t see it.
“I love Wilder’s confidence… you need that to sit atop the heavyweight division… he’s hungry and shows up in probably best shape in division… but there’s levels to it… and he’s still adding to his arsenal.
“My best advice to the entire crop of young heavyweight champs is to focus on being the best of YOUR era! Out of respect and reality. It’s unprovable. Of course people asked, but I found no need to speculate or compare myself to my idol Ali or any other of the past greats.”
Lewis added: “History will decide your place among the all time greats… so go out there, clean up the division, defend your title, reign supreme and your work will speak for itself.”
