Deontay Wilder made some outlandish statements while speaking with TMZ Sports, during a press conference last week to announce his March 3rd showdown with Luis Ortiz.
The undefeated 39-0 WBC world heavyweight champion claims that a prime version of Mike Tyson from the mid-1980’s would have been no match for him, had they met inside the squared circle.
“Me vs Tyson in 86, I’d kick the hell outta that guy,” said Wilder.
“Listen, I’ve got to keep it real I know people always go back to the old school. Look at the new school and there’s no school where I’m not no. 1 on earth.”
Take what you want from this picture, but I rather show you than tell you.
Coming soon…#BombZquad#Promisepic.twitter.com/mCCytprelD— Deontay Wilder (@BronzeBomber) January 26, 2018
Someone who knows a thing or two about Mike Tyson would be the former 3-time world heavyweight champion, Lennox Lewis.
Lewis alongside equally great fighters such as Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe, were all phenomenal champions during the wonderful era of the 1990s.
But none could match the pulling power ‘Iron Mike’ possessed over the heavyweight division for almost 16 years as boxing’s PPV king before Floyd Mayweather took that throne in this era.
Tyson was the ultimate draw in that era and many struggled to step out of his shadow even while being champion.
Regardless, Lewis and Tyson eventually clashed in 2002. Lewis defended his world heavyweight title with an 8th round knockout in that fight.
That bout still stands as the highest grossing world heavyweight title fight, of all time.
Lewis upon hearing the news of Wilder’s interview, took to social media to defend his old nemesis.
I just heard @BronzeBomber said he would destroy a young @MikeTyson. My thoughts are that it’s easy to talk until u actually get in the ring. I like Wilder but he’s never been in there with someone that ferocious who truly wants to break his ribs with every punch. I don’t see it!
— Lennox Lewis, CBE, CM (@LennoxLewis) January 27, 2018
“I just heard Deontay Wilder said he would destroy a young Mike Tyson. My thoughts are that it’s easy to talk until you actually get in the ring.
I like Wilder but he’s never been in there with someone that ferocious who truly wants to break his ribs with every punch. I don’t see it,” Lewis stated.
“I love Wilder’s confidence… you need that to sit atop the heavyweight division… he’s hungry and shows up in probably best shape in division… but there’s levels to it… and he’s still adding to his arsenal.”
“My best advice to the entire crop of young heavyweight champs is to focus on being the best of YOUR era! Out of respect and reality.”
“It’s unprovable. Of course people asked, but I found no need to speculate or compare myself to my idol Ali or any other of the past greats.”
“History will decide your place among the all time greats… so go out there, clean up the division, defend your title, reign supreme and your work will speak for itself,” Lewis concluded.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7q4obCFa8E
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