Mike Tyson on meeting Muhammad Ali for first time: ‘He inspired me to go in that direction’

So who wins in a fight between Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali, both in their prime? That discussion below. But I think I know what Tyson’s answer would be. Tyson first met Ali when Tyson was just a kid serving time in a detention center in the Bronx, circa 1977 or so. Tyson said that the meeting was “totally overwhelming,” and that it inspired him to become a boxer. Tyson, in a radio interview with 97.5 the Fanatic in Philadelphia:

“This is what my mentor (Cus D’Amato) used to tell me about Ali, he always talked about his characteristics more so than his speed or power or anything. He said Ali just wanted it more than any other fighter in the world. He just had so much inner belief and confidence, and that made him the best fighter in the world.”

Ali turned 70 on Tuesday, and was the center of a discussion on ESPN First Take between Jay Feely, Rob Parker, and Skip Bayless: In a fight between Tyson and Ali in their prime, who wins?

I have to agree with Bayless on this one.

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Mike Tyson on Meeting Muhammad Ali for the First time: ‘It inspired me to want to go truly in that direction’ [Sports Radio Interviews]