I was the initial boxer to go the full distance with prime Mike Tyson, but there was another fighter whose punches were so powerful that he could convert horse urine into gasoline.

JAMES TILLIS may not be a name easily recalled by many boxing fans, but he is certainly someone remembered by Mike Tyson.

Yet, the 65-year-old American is firm in his belief that the Baddest Man on the Planet was not the most powerful puncher he faced.

Accumulating a flawless 20-0 record, the ex-heavyweight boxer secured a WBA title opportunity against Mike Weaver in 1981, but unfortunately, he lost the bout on points.

In a bid to recover and re-enter the realm of championship opportunities, Tillis faced the late Earnie Shavers.

At 37 years old, Shavers still retained remarkable punching power, a fact that Tillis experienced firsthand in the ninth round when he was knocked down.

Notwithstanding that, he succeeded in rising from the canvas to secure a ten-round unanimous decision victory.

Regrettably, he couldn’t sustain that advancement and experienced three losses in 1982 and 1983, leading to his exclusion from the title contention.

Subsequently, he suffered defeats in five out of six bouts from 1984 to 1986, with the final loss being against the then 19-year-old Tyson.

During that period, Iron Mike was a destructive force, amassing 19 consecutive knockouts on his way to becoming a superstar.

Nevertheless, the tenacious Tillis held his ground and completed the entire fight, enduring a knockdown in the fourth round, ultimately losing via a unanimous decision.

Tyson went on to achieve the distinction of becoming the youngest-ever heavyweight champion, while Tillis later faced other legendary names such as Evander Holyfield and Frank Bruno.

Despite facing all the formidable opponents, Tillis is unequivocal about who possessed the most powerful punch.

In a previous interview with Boxing News 24/7, he stated, “People inquire about Tyson and Shavers – let me assure you, there’s no comparison. None at all.”

“Shavers, his punches were so powerful that he could transform horse urine into gasoline. He hit with such force that he could bring back tomorrow.”

“In comparison, Tyson’s punches lacked the power; he hit like a sissy.”

Tillis went on to say, “I defeated Shavers, and I am certain I defeated Tyson. I desperately wanted a rematch with Tyson, but Shavers? Absolutely not.

“When he landed that blow and knocked me down, I saw pink mice and rats smoking cigarettes.

“That bout was the most challenging 30 minutes of my life. The Acorn was one tough opponent, let me tell you.”