Deontay Wilder has once again reiterated his belief that he would have knocked out Mike Tyson during his prime, emphasizing that he possesses the necessary attributes and “killer instinct” to do so.
It would be considered audacious for any ordinary person to publicly assert that they could defeat Mike Tyson in a physical altercation. Even at 54 years old, Tyson retains a formidable presence. While he may appear amiable and lighthearted in his voiceover work for his Adult Swim cartoon, several videos showcasing his workouts over the past year demonstrate that he still possesses a dangerous aura.
Deontay Wilder, being a former WBC heavyweight champion himself, has expressed his belief that he could have prevailed against both Tyson Fury and the prime version of Mike Tyson. In a 2018 interview with TMZ, Wilder boldly stated that he could “kick the hell outta” Tyson from 1986, and he stands by that claim.
However, it’s important to note that these remarks are part of the promotional rhetoric and self-confidence often displayed by professional boxers. The outcome of hypothetical matchups between different eras of boxing is subjective and can never be definitively proven.
Despite Bob Arum’s negative assessment of Deontay Wilder as an “atrocious” boxer who relies on his extraordinary power, Wilder himself has confidently highlighted his hand speed, height, athleticism, and footwork as factors that give him an advantage. In an interview with EsNews, Wilder emphasized that he meant no disrespect to Mike Tyson, acknowledging him as the best in his era, but believed that in the new era of boxing, old-school fighters should not be able to defeat new-school fighters.
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Wilder also expressed his confidence in his own abilities, stating that his natural killer instinct sets him apart, and he firmly believes that nobody can knock him out. He speaks with conviction and backs up his words with his actions in the ring.
In 2018, when asked if he would stand a chance against Mike Tyson, Deontay Wilder confidently replied with a resounding “Yes.” He went on to assert that it would not matter which heavyweight boxer from any era he faced because he feared none of them.
Wilder boldly declared that he would knock out any opponent, regardless of whether they were from the old school or the new school. Specifically referencing Tyson in 1986, he stated that he would dominate and overpower him. Wilder firmly believed that he is the best in the world, regardless of the era or the competition he faces.
Initially, Tyson responded to Wilder’s claim of knocking him out by expressing his doubt, stating, “I don’t think so.” However, leading up to the Fury vs Wilder II fight, Tyson’s stance softened. He acknowledged that he didn’t know whether he would defeat Wilder in a hypothetical matchup but appreciated the fact that Wilder had the belief and confidence to make such a claim. Tyson recognized the significance of being the reigning heavyweight champion of the world and understood that Wilder’s mindset was a necessary attribute for a champion.
The “Baddest Man on the Planet” also revealed his support for Tyson Fury in his quest to capture the WBC crown in their upcoming fight. Tyson expressed his admiration for both fighters, recognizing their journeys from humble beginnings to becoming heavyweight champions. Having been in a similar position himself, he appreciated their achievements and respected their hard work.
In the first fight between Fury and Wilder, Tyson openly rooted for Fury because of the connection they share through their names. He acknowledged that it was natural for him to be biased toward Fury and expressed his fondness for him, emphasizing Fury’s likable personality.
In contrast, Mike Tyson stands at a height nine inches shorter than Deontay Wilder. Tyson achieved an impressive record of winning 50 out of his 58 professional bouts, with 44 victories coming by way of knockout. He made history by becoming the youngest man to win the heavyweight title at the age of 20. However, Tyson’s career and personal life were marred by six defeats as he faced various challenges and setbacks along the way.
