Larry Holmes Summed Up Mike Tyson’s Chances Of Beating Prime Muhammad Ali In Just 1 Word

‘The Easton Assassin’ caught Ali at the very end of his career in a bout most felt the man known as ‘The Greatest’ should have been nowhere near a ring. As such, Holmes became the only man to beat him by stoppage.

Eight years later the tables were turned as a 38-year-old Holmes was beaten by Tyson, 21, via knockout in four rounds. Tyson said it was to avenge the loss of his hero, Ali.

With both experiences in mind, Holmes was asked if Tyson could survive in Ali’s era by Sky Sports. He said ‘no,’ before claiming Ali would jab his way to an easy victory.

“I ain’t knocking Mike Tyson. No [he couldn’t survive in that era]. Ali? He’d slap him all day with the jab.”

Tyson, though historically brash and extremely confident in his ability, worshipped Ali and, in an interview with Michael Rapaport from 2019, explained how they were different.

“I always like to think I’m a bad motherf**ker, vicious motherf**ker, I don’t give a f**k. That’s the part of Ali where he overshines me, cause I can’t understand a man that’s willing to really die for this.

I talk that sh*t, but he’s the real deal. Ali’s a giant. There’s no way other fighters can match him. He’ll die for this sh*t. He’ll die. I’m not gonna die for this. That’s real talk. Ali’s a savage. He’s an animal. A different breed of person. He’s not like us.”

‘Iron’ Mike recently made a controversial return to the ring against at 58-years-old against Jake Paul, 27.