Mike Tyson is one of the most iconic and controversial figures in boxing history. The former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world was known for his ferocious power, speed and aggression, as well as his controversial antics inside and outside the ring. Tyson has faced some of the best boxers of his era, and has also shared his opinions on who he considers the greatest of all time. In this article, we will look at Mike Tyson’s top 10 boxers list, based on his interviews and comments over the years.
Mike Tyson’s Top 10 Boxers List
10. Jack Dempsey
Jack Dempsey was one of the first superstars of boxing, and a dominant force in the heavyweight division in the 1920s. He was known for his relentless aggression, knockout power and charisma. He held the world heavyweight title from 1919 to 1926, and defended it six times, including a famous rematch with Gene Tunney that featured the “long count” controversy. Tyson has praised Dempsey for his courage and toughness, and said he was one of his inspirations growing up.
9. Joe Frazier
Joe Frazier was one of Tyson’s idols and mentors, and a fierce rival of Muhammad Ali. Frazier was a relentless pressure fighter, who had a powerful left hook and a granite chin. He became the undisputed heavyweight champion in 1970, after defeating Ali in the “Fight of the Century”. He lost the title to George Foreman in 1973, but had two more epic battles with Ali, including the “Thrilla in Manila” in 1975. Tyson has said that Frazier was one of the greatest fighters ever, and that he learned a lot from him.
8. George Foreman
George Foreman was one of the most feared punchers in boxing history, and a two-time heavyweight champion. He won the title in 1973, after knocking out Joe Frazier in two rounds. He defended it twice, before losing it to Muhammad Ali in the “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974. He retired in 1977, but made a comeback in 1987, and became the oldest heavyweight champion in history at age 45, after knocking out Michael Moorer in 1994. Tyson has said that Foreman was one of the hardest hitters ever, and that he would have been a tough opponent for him.
7. Rocky Marciano
Rocky Marciano is the only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated, with a perfect record of 49-0, with 43 knockouts. He was a relentless fighter, who had tremendous stamina, durability and punching power. He held the world heavyweight title from 1952 to 1956, and defended it six times, including memorable fights with Jersey Joe Walcott, Ezzard Charles and Archie Moore. Tyson has said that Marciano was one of his favorite fighters, and that he admired his determination and will to win.
6. Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes is widely regarded as one of the best heavyweight champions of all time, and one of the best jabbers in boxing history. He held the world heavyweight title from 1978 to 1985, and defended it 20 times, a record for the division. He defeated some of the best fighters of his era, such as Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, Gerry Cooney and Leon Spinks. He also gave Muhammad Ali his last fight in 1980. Tyson has said that Holmes was one of his toughest opponents, and that he respected him as a fighter.
5. Lennox Lewis
Lennox Lewis is considered one of the best heavyweight champions of all time, and one of the most skilled and versatile fighters in the division. He won the Olympic gold medal in 1988, and became a three-time world heavyweight champion in the professional ranks. He defeated some of the best fighters of his era, such as Evander Holyfield, Vitali Klitschko and Mike Tyson himself. He retired in 2003, after avenging his only two losses to Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman. Tyson has said that Lewis was one of his most difficult opponents, and that he was a great champion.
4. Evander Holyfield
Evander Holyfield is one of the most accomplished fighters in boxing history, and the only four-time world heavyweight champion. He started his career as a cruiserweight, where he became the undisputed champion in 1988. He then moved up to heavyweight, where he won titles from Buster Douglas, Riddick Bowe, Mike Tyson and Michael Moorer. He also had some of the most memorable fights in boxing history, such as his trilogy with Bowe, his two fights with Tyson that featured the infamous “bite fight”, and his two fights with Lennox Lewis. Tyson has said that Holyfield was one of his toughest and bravest opponents, and that he admired him as a fighter.
3. Joe Louis
Joe Louis is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time, and one of the most influential figures in boxing history. He held the world heavyweight title from 1937 to 1949, and defended it a record 25 times. He defeated some of the best fighters of his era, such as Max Schmeling, Billy Conn, Jersey Joe Walcott and Rocky Marciano. He also became a national hero and a symbol of racial pride for his achievements and his service in World War II. Tyson has said that Louis was one of his heroes, and that he was one of the best fighters ever.
2. Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is widely regarded as the greatest boxer of all time, and one of the most influential and charismatic figures in sports and culture history. He won the Olympic gold medal in 1960, and became a three-time world heavyweight champion in the professional ranks. He defeated some of the best fighters of all time, such as Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, George Foreman and Larry Holmes. He also had some of the most iconic fights in boxing history, such as the “Fight of the Century”, the “Rumble in the Jungle” and the “Thrilla in Manila”. He also became a global icon and a civil rights activist for his stance against the Vietnam War and his conversion to Islam. Tyson has said that Ali was his idol, and that he was the greatest fighter ever.
1. Sugar Ray Robinson
Sugar Ray Robinson is widely regarded as the best boxer of all time, and the epitome of the “sweet science”. He was a master of speed, power, technique, defense and ring intelligence. He held the world welterweight title from 1946 to 1951, and the world middleweight title five times from 1951 to 1960. He fought over 200 times in his career, and defeated some of the best fighters of all time, such as Jake LaMotta, Carmen Basilio, Gene Fullmer and Kid Gavilan. He also had some of the most legendary fights in boxing history, such as his six-fight rivalry with LaMotta, his two-fight series with Basilio, and his fight with Randy Turpin that featured one of the greatest comebacks ever. Tyson has said that Robinson was his favorite fighter, and that he was the best fighter ever.
Conclusion
Mike Tyson’s top 10 boxers list is a reflection of his admiration and respect for some of the greatest fighters in boxing history. His list features fighters from different eras, styles and weight classes, who have left their mark on the sport with their achievements, skills and personalities. Tyson himself is one of the most iconic and controversial figures in boxing history, and has earned his place among the best heavyweights of all time.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
- Q: Who did Mike Tyson lose to?
- A: Mike Tyson lost six times in his professional career: to Buster Douglas, Evander Holyfield (twice), Lennox Lewis, Danny Williams and Kevin McBride.
- Q: Who did Mike Tyson beat?
- A: Mike Tyson beat some of the best fighters of his era, such as Trevor Berbick, Michael Spinks, Frank Bruno (twice), Larry Holmes, Razor Ruddock (twice) and Donovan Ruddock.
- Q: How many times did Mike Tyson win the world heavyweight title?
- A: Mike Tyson won the world heavyweight title twice: he became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at age 20 in 1986, when he unified the WBC, WBA and IBF titles; he regained the WBC and WBA titles in 1996, after defeating Frank Bruno and Bruce Seldon.
- Q: How many knockouts did Mike Tyson have?
- A: Mike Tyson had 44 knockouts in his professional career, out of 50 wins.
- Q: What is Mike Tyson’s net worth?
- A: According to Celebrity Net Worth, Mike Tyson’s net worth is estimated at $3 million as of 2021.
- Q: What is Mike Tyson doing now?
- A: Mike Tyson is currently involved in various projects, such as his podcast “Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson”, his cannabis business “Tyson Ranch”, his biopic starring Jamie Foxx, and his exhibition fights with Roy Jones Jr. and Evander Holyfield.
- Q: How old is Mike Tyson?
- A: Mike Tyson is 55 years old as of 2021. He was born on June 30, 1966.
- Q: How tall is Mike Tyson?
- A: Mike Tyson is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall.
- Q: How much does Mike Tyson weigh?
- A: Mike Tyson