Mike Tyson asked if he could beat a prime Muhammad Ali in front of boxing legend, his response was perfect

Mike Tyson had an epic response when asked if he could beat a prime Muhammad Ali during a joint-interview.

Tyson and Ali appeared on The Arsenio Hall Show back in 1989 alongside fellow boxing great 'Sugar' Ray Leonard.

At the time of the interview, Ali was eight years retired following his defeat to Trevor Berbick back in December 1981.

'Iron' Mike, however, was unbeaten and unified world heavyweight champion.

With a former and current world heavyweight champion sat on the sofa, Hall asked Ali what was wrong to which he replied: "I'm scared of him."

The host replied said: "You're scared of this one? He's a sweetheart."

Ali replied: "He's a real champion."

Hall then proposed a question to Ali, asking him who would have won a fight between the pair in their prime. Check it out below:

Ali immediately pointed at Tyson, who cut a sheepish reaction as he waved his hands, seemingly embarrassed by the praise.

Hall and the people in attendance began to chant Ali's name, before the retired boxer said: "I was a dancer boxer.

"I wasn't that powerful, I was so fast, but if he hit me..." he added before lying back on the sofa pretending to be knocked out.

Tyson then shared his thoughts on the hypothetical fight, respectfully saying: "I know I'm great, but can I tell you something.

"In this situation, every head must bow, every tongue must profess, this is the greatest of all time."

The crowd erupted as they cheered Tyson's answer.

Ali continued: "He can be modest, humble and nice but this man is great. And I don't know what would happen if he hit me."

Tyson then spoke glowingly of Ali's ability to neutralise 'killers' in the ring, adding: "I've seen him in the ring with killers. He takes these guys' best punches and that's what makes him a champion.

"From listening to Ali, that gave me belief that there was no man who could beat me."

Topics: Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, Boxing

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar