Mike Tyson calls Floyd Mayweather 'delusional' over outrageous claim

Mike Tyson has savagely criticised Floyd Mayweather Jr following the latter's bold assertion that he was better than boxing great Muhammad Ali.

Ali - who is regarded as one of the biggest names in the history of boxing - transcended the sport of boxing. The icon is the only fighter to win the lineal heavyweight championship on three occasions and his legacy includes epic showdowns like the 'Rumble in the Jungle' with George Foreman.

That said, during an interview with First Post, Mayweather Jr expressed his belief that he's the biggest star. "I feel like I've done just as much in the sport as Ali," he confidently declared. "It is hard for a guy like me, still sharp at 38. No disrespect to Ali, but I feel like I am the best. Ali lost in his career to Leon Spinks. He lost some other fights and is still known as the greatest. That is what it is".

Mayweather Jr's remarks have ignited a storm on social media, with Tyson himself left stunned by 'Money's comments. In a YouTube interview, 'Iron Mike' was quick to label the American as 'delusional.'

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"He's very delusional, he can't listen. If he was anywhere near that realm of great Ali he'd be able to take his kids to school by himself," Tyson remarked. "He can't take his kids to school by himself and he's talking about he's great? Greatness is not guarding yourself from the people, greatness is being accepted by the people. He can't take his kids alone to school by himself. He's a little scared man... a very small scared man."

Mayweather Jr hung up his gloves in 2017 with an undefeated professional record of 50-0 after besting former dual-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor in a highly-anticipated crossover clash. 'Money' has beaten some massive names over the years, including Manny Pacquiao, Canelo Alvarez, Shane Mosley, Ricky Hatton, and Oscar De La Hoya. Despite retiring in 2017, Mayweather couldn't stay away from the ring and has been involved in several exhibition fights over the last few years.

Meanwhile, Tyson - another fighter who is regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time - seized the heavyweight championship in a ferocious beatdown of Trevor Berbick back in 1986 at just 20 years old. His ended his career in 2005 after a loss to Kevin McBride.