Heavyweight great, Mike Tyson, was known for being both feared and fearless in the boxing ring – but there’s one active fighter that would make even ‘The Baddest Man On The Planet’ uneasy.
David Benavidez is undefeated in a 26 fight career boasting 23 knockouts. He’s a two-time champion in the super middleweight division, losing the belt once for having cocaine in his system and the second time for missing weight before a defence.
He’s widely regarded by fans as the biggest threat to Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez’ undisputed status in that division, and has been angling for a fight with the pound-for-pound star.
‘Iron’ Mike praised ‘The Mexican Monster’ to ES News – admitting that even he would be afraid to step through the ropes with him.
“He’s so underrated but so over-polarising. I’d be afraid to fight him, too, if I was in that division. No one even has a chance against him, it appears to be. I’m talking from facts.”
It will come as no surprise then that Tyson is picking Benavidez to beat Caleb Plant – his next test set for March 25. In an interview with Fight Hub TV, the heavyweight legend highlighted the Mexican’s attitude as a key attribute.
“Benavidez [beats Plant.] He could beat everybody. My money’s with Benavidez until he gets beat, and then if he gets beat I’m still with him.
It’s his attitude. He was a little heavy fat kid, and he wanted to prove himself to the world. The greatest fighters in the world are the most insecure fighters.”
Asked if he sees victory for ‘La Bandera Roja’ against Canelo, too, Tyson confirmed he did.
“I think he beats everybody he gets in the ring with, so I don’t have to say nobody’s name or anything.”
If Benavidez beats Plant as predicted by Tyson, he’ll be knocking on the championship door louder than ever. Canelo, whilst dabbling in the light heavyweight division, will have to defend those belts sooner or later.