Mike Tyson Revealed Only Boxer Tough Enough to Take His Full Punch Power

Mike Tyson once named the only fighter who he felt could take his full punching power after admitting he hit his opponent in question with everything he had.

The 59-year-old is one of boxing's most legendary figures after he became the first heavyweight to hold simultaneously the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles and unifying them in succession.

Iron Mike has fought 59 times professionally and, of these, he has won 50 bouts.

A total of 44 wins have come via knockout, while five were by decision and another came through his opponent being disqualified.

He also has two no contests and seven losses to his name following a career which has spanned several decades.

Tyson last fought in the boxing ring in November 2024 when he fought YouTuber Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The fight - which was classed as a professional bout - saw Paul win via a unanimous decision as he beat a man nearly 30 years older than him.

However, Tyson is still not done in the boxing ring after it was recently announced he will take on fellow boxing great Floyd Mayweather Jnr in an exhibition match next year.

Though a precise date and location are yet to be confirmed, the fight will take place in the spring and the bout will be promoted by CSI Sports/Fight Sports.

Mike Tyson once named the only boxer who could take his full punching power. (Image: Getty)

Mayweather famously has gone his entire professional boxing career undefeated, with a remarkable 50 wins in as many fights, 27 of which were by knockout.

With the fight next year being an exhibition fight, should Mayweather lose to Tyson, his professional record will remain untouched and he will stay unbeaten.

And Tyson once named the fighter who he felt could take his entire punching power.

In August 1986, Tyson took on Jose Ribalta at the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in what was his 26th professional fight.

Tyson won the fight in the tenth round via a technical knockout against the Cuban as the bout went nearly the whole distance.

And Iron Mike once made it clear he felt Ribalta was the only opponent who he felt could take his whole punching power.

Speaking to Ring TV in a Q&A back in 2014, Tyson said: "I hit Jose Ribalta with everything, and he took everything and kept coming back for more.

"Jose Ribalta stood toe to toe with me. He was very strong in the clinches."

Ribalta fought 56 times during his professional boxing career and had 38 wins, one draw and 17 losses.