Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson are often mentioned alongside one another in conversations about the best heavyweights in boxing, but who would win if the pair ever fought?
Muhammad Ali retired in 1981 with a record of 56-5, with the only two losses he was not able to avenge coming by Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick in his final two fights.
Mike Tyson began his pro career just four years later, and, within three years of his turning over to the pro ranks, Tyson fulfilled a promise he made to Ali and defeated Holmes for him.
With no overlap in their careers, it leaves many wondering, if the pair fought in their primes, who would win?
‘Too fast, durable, and smart’… Fans have their say on who would win if Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali met in the ring
In a post on X by Source of Boxing, fans spoke out on the fantasy match-up, and responses were extremely mixed.
Most seemed to back Ali, who was stopped for the first time at the age of 16, with some writing:
“I think people here forget that the Muhammad Ali that fought Joe Frazier was fresh off of a 3 year suspension…with like 2 tune up fights… If he doesn’t get suspended for 3 years we would get to see a true prime Ali.”
“Ali was an animal. Always willing to go through hell. Mike, on evidence, and by his own admission, wouldn’t.”
Whilst others were certain Tyson, whose ferocious power broke the eye socket of a gangster, would stop ‘The Greatest’:
“Mike Tyson only using his left blindfolded. Easy work.”
“Tyson – easy. If Joe Frazier caused Ali hell- what would Mike do who’s superior to Joe in every avenue.”
Either way, it’s clear this was a fight that plenty would have loved to see:
“The greatest Heavyweight dream fight ever. Mike Tyson is one of my 3 GOATS….whoever at their best that night…Ali 1966 boxes circles around anybody and 1988 Tyson could go to distance focused and not crash out and could cut the ring off against anybody.”
Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali both admit the other has the tools to beat them
In a 1989 showing of the Arsenio Hall show, Ali and Tyson were asked who would win if the pair fought.
Ali said: “I was a dancing master […] I wasn’t that powerful, I was so fast, but if he hit me…” Ali then slumped in his seat as though he had been knocked out.
Tyson’s response showed much respect for the heavyweight legend, stating: “I’m vain, I know I’m great [but] in this situation every head must bow, every tongue must confess, this is the greatest of all time.”
Tyson also commented that Ali has fared well with several big hitters including George Foreman, who explained that he came to love his rival Ali, and Earnie Shavers.