Mike Tyson became the youngest man ever to hold the heavyweight world title when he knocked the WBC strap out of Trevor Berbick at the age of 20. That said Tyson had begun to box at an early age and became a superstar in the pre-mature years of his pro career. However, he doesn’t mind seeing fighters begin late.

There have been numerous debates regarding the right age to start boxing. While many people claim early age is the right period, Tyson doesn’t seem to agree with that. He has a few reasons to justify his own beliefs, and he revealed them in an interaction with Badou Jack, in the HotBoin podcast. Speaking about the issue, Tyson also referred to his former rival Larry Holmes and validated his claims.

Mike Tyson said, “This is weird, right. All the guys that, very few but when they are successful. The guys like Larry Holmes, those guys, Marciano, these are few. When they start because they are more mature and stuff. They become greats. Very few of them start late.”

“Larry Holmes started what 21 and won the title 22 times stuff like that. He started at what 18-21, he is a older guy. You know what I mean. That all has to do with desire, the will, the spirit.”

Meanwhile, Mike Tyson is still fighting at the age of 55. He returned to action last year and fought multi-division champion Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition matchup. WBC even set up a special belt for that fight. Beating every adversary, both men looked sharp in the ring. It earned them appraisal from several people and Tyson proved that age is just a number.

“Slay the Day the Tyson Way”- Mike Tyson Sends a Message to His Fans

Mike Tyson and the battle with age

While Tyson overcame his age to return to the boxing ring, it has inspired several more people to do the same. Akin to Tyson, 44-year-old Floyd Mayweather also returned in June 2021 and fought YouTuber Logan Paul. Simultaneously, Oscar De La Hoya is also eyeing a comeback and can lace up the gloves shortly. So, it seems that Mike Tyson has infused a new wave in the boxing world.

If everything goes per plan, we can see ‘Iron’ Mike fight again. However, the possibilities are very little. Besides, the heavyweight legend no longer needs to risk his life in the ring. He has achieved it all and is still a popular name in the combat world. Thus, it’s high time he enjoys the sport without actually competing in it.

Do you think Mike Tyson is an all-time pound-for-pound great?

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