Tyson All For MMA Vs. Boxing Bouts

One of the most polarizing figures in boxing history, Mike Tyson has been through it all. From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, literally and figuratively, Tyson’s impact on the sport is often forgotten about by those that only look at his recent actions. What he still does have, however, is one of the brightest minds in the sport.

Speaking to The Sportsman, Tyson (50-6, 2 NC) discussed a number of topics, ranging from his life to boxing today. When he was on top of his game, Tyson’s name was all people could talk about. He is considered by those that watched his fights to be the best boxer out there today. That is the goal of the sport, according to Tyson. He also believes fighters today aren’t trying hard to do that for themselves compared to earning a profit.

“Boxing is such an enigma, as a sport,” Tyson stated. “This is what really matters: in two hundred years from now, there will probably only be five fighters that people will remember. That’s what it’s all about. It’s not about having money, about becoming rich. That they won’t stop mentioning your name until the planet’s disintegrated: that’s what this is really about.

“People are stating their names in the art of pugilist, fisticuff, combat, fighting. I like the word “fighting”. That’s not a politically correct word in this field anymore. Fighting is not cool, now. It can conjure up negative stuff, but not if you use it in a spiritual perspective. Fighting is spiritual, but you just can’t see the spiritual in it because it’s mostly dominated by the physical aspect. We want to be Achilles in our own mind. The king of all the fighters.”

A lineal heavyweight champion to go along with the WBA, WBC, IBF and The Ring Titles, Tyson has fought some of the best the world has to offer. A true golden age of boxing was when he fought Michael Spinks, Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno. His knowledge on where to strike, how to do it, when exactly to block and beyond goes to show how today’s generation may need him.

When talking about the heavyweight boxing scene, Tyson, who dominated that division, respects Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua for being in their prime and in such good shape. A few months back, Tyson Fury beat Deontay Wilder in a rematch of their 2018 bout. Wilder immediately requested a rematch, something Tyson believes is the best thing for the former WBC heavyweight Champion.