Mike Tyson insists both Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury ‘deserve the respect’ of world champions ahead of their rematch.
But the former world heavyweight champion refused to acknowledge claims by the ‘Bronze Bomber’ that he could not beat the WBC champion in his prime.
Despite standing at just 5”10, Tyson ruled over his heavyweight kingdom with an iron fist as his tenacity, power and underrated skill set saw him topple giant after giant.
At the age of just 20, he defeated Trevor Berbick to win the version of the world heavyweight title now held by Wilder and made history in the process as the youngest heavyweight champion of all time.
Despite Tyson’s fearsome record, the current WBC champion has always maintained he could beat a prime version of the New Yorker and, speaking to BT Sports, Tyson perfectly quelled those talks.
“I don’t know,” Tyson said. “I love the fact that he thinks he can beat me.
“Because that’s what I would say as well. He’s supposed to think that way; he’s the heavyweight champion of the world.
“And that is something very special, and I hope he never forgets that.”
The two men will meet once again after their incredible fight in December 2018, an event you can listen to live and exclusive on talkSPORT for free.
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And although his namesake may no longer own a recognised title belt, ‘Iron Mike’ insists both fighters deserve to be considered in the pantheon of world heavyweight greats.
“Regardless if they are or if they are not, they’re champions in their right.
“They deserve the respect of a champion.”
