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Mike Tyson's Response When Asked If He Would Have Beaten The Klitschko Brothers

Mike Tyson's Response When Asked If He Would Have Beaten The Klitschko Brothers

A fantasy heavyweight clash between Tyson and either of the Klitschko brothers is still talked about today.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson believes he would have knocked out either of the Klitschko brothers in his prime.

Wladimir Klitschko became an unstoppable force in the heavyweight division from the mid-2000s after appointing famed trainer Emanuel Steward.

He went unbeaten from October 2004 to November 2015 as he reigned over the division, unifying the heavyweight belts.

Image: PA
Image: PA

But 'Iron Mike', who's still the youngest heavyweight champion in history, reckons he'd beat "almost anybody" on water, vegetables and vitamins.

"I'm not being offensive; I'm not being egotistical. Clean fighting, no drugs, food and water - the basics and I think I could beat almost anybody. I think I'd put my life on it that I could," he said back in 2013 during Klitschko's spell as heavyweight king.

"I would beat anybody in my prime on water, vegetables and vitamins."

Asked if he would return to the sport in the form of a reality show which pits former champions against each other, at the time, he replied: "Never. I don't want to be a part of bringing somebody back to the ring. The risk is so high.

"Now we are dealing with guys that have enhancement drugs. You are going to hurt these guys or they're gonna die, get brain damage or broken bones," he added.

Image: PA
Image: PA

The boxing icon, though, recognised Klitschko's brilliance.

A fan on social media asked Tyson if he thought Klitschko would have been a "formidable heavyweight champion even in the 'Golden Age?'" He answered: "I think he would have done well in any era."

Klitschko's reign as unified heavyweight champion came to a stunning end when Tyson Fury dethroned him of the WBA (super), IBF and WBO titles.

'Dr Steelhammer' fought Anthony Joshua in his comeback bout but suffered a dramatic 11th round stoppage defeat at Wembley Stadium.

A blockbuster rematch with Joshua was discussed, but the Ukrainian retired from the sport.

He ended his professional career with 64 wins in 69 fights, 53 wins by knockout, and holds three major records of the modern heavyweight era; the most wins in heavyweight title bouts (25), most wins in unified championship bouts (15) and most consecutive defenses of the unified title (14).

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/PA

Topics: Dr Steelhammer, Mike Tyson, Boxing News, Boxing, Iron Mike, Wladimir Klitschko

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, Darren Till, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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