Mike Tyson names the best opponent he has ever faced

Mike Tyson is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. 

During his playing career, he faced some tough opponents and shared the ring with some of the finest heavyweight boxers of his generation.

Tyson has named Evander Holyfield as the best opponent he has ever faced.

Tyson told Ring Magazine (h/t TalkSPORT): “Holyfield. Great champion: chin, heart, determination, work ethic, demeanour.

“He threw terrific shots with both hands and with bad intentions.

“I want people to react and get in their heads, but he never reacted. He was an awesome counter-puncher. I’d say the best ever.”

The pair first met in 1996 after Tyson was released from prison.

Tyson was enjoying a successful 16-month spell and defeated the likes of Buster Mathis Jr, Frank Bruno, and Peter McNeeley.

At Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Arena, he came up against Holyfield. And it proved to be a massive test for him as he tried to defend boxing’s oldest world title.

Holyfield was already a heavyweight world champion and shook Tyson off with sharp counter punches. The youngest heavyweight world champion of all time suffered his second defeat of his illustrious career, and a rematch was set up in 1997.

Again, Tyson struggled to control Holyfield, but this time, he opted to bite a chunk out of his opponent’s ear and was disqualified.

Nevertheless, Tyson has not lost respect for Holyfield.