Mike Tyson Names His Favourite Heavyweight Of All Time And It’s Not Muhammad Ali: “The Best”

Both boxing legends ruled the heavyweight division during different eras, with Ali the champion throughout the 60s and 70s, defeating fellow greats like George Foreman, Joe Frazier and Sonny Liston during his tenure.

Tyson was equally as impressive during his time as king of the division, becoming the youngest world heavyweight champion in history during the 1980s, whilst beating fighters such as Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks and Trevor Berbick as he reigned in the 1990s too.

Despite ‘Iron Mike’ being a big fan of Ali, he has revealed to Ringside Videos that it is another heavyweight that was his favourite ever, heaping praise on the man known as ‘The Brown Bomber’ – Joe Louis.

“Joe Louis. He was an incredible fighter and much smarter than anybody. I think Ali was a better fighter, I think he would have beat Joe Louis but I just think Joe Louis was the best.

He was so pragmatic and so delivering. Just to see him have those guys turning, he would just turn them and just does it like he was breathing. He was a master.”

Louis first became world heavyweight champion in 1937, making a record 25 consecutive title defences until he initially retired in 1949. He is seen as one of the most influential boxers of all time, making a huge impact both inside and outside of the ring.

Tyson isn’t the only boxing legend to pay tribute to Louis, with the late, great George Foreman having also said that he views ‘The Brown Bomber’ as the greatest of all time.