Mike Tyson’s Candid Assessment of Boxing’s Current Stars
Tyson’s Surprising Pick for Fearful Opponent
In a recent revelation, Mike Tyson has candidly named the one current boxer he would fear to face in the ring. Although Tyson, now 58, retired from professional boxing in 2005, he made a notable return in 2020 for an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr. He is slated to face Jake Paul under professional rules in November, a fight initially set for July but postponed due to Tyson’s health issues.
Despite his formidable history and remarkable comeback, Tyson has pointed to an unexpected name as the one fighter who would make him think twice. Rather than mentioning high-profile names such as Deontay Wilder or Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson has highlighted David Benavidez, the WBC interim light heavyweight champion, as the one fighter who stands out.
Tyson commented to ES News: “He’s so underrated but so over-polarised here. Listen, I’d be afraid to fight him too, if I was in that division. No-one even has a chance against him, and I’m talking facts.”
Benavidez’s Unblemished Record
David Benavidez, known as ‘The Mexican Monster,’ has carved out a formidable reputation in the boxing world. With a record that boasts 29 victories from 29 fights, his record is a testament to his prowess in the ring. His most recent victories include a decisive corner stoppage of Demetrius Andrade, marking Andrade’s first career defeat, and a unanimous decision win against Oleksandr Gvozdyk, the London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist.
Benavidez’s achievements have not only solidified his standing in the light heavyweight division but also heightened interest in potential match-ups with other top fighters, including Mexican star Canelo Alvarez.
Potential Showdown with Canelo Alvarez
Speculation has surrounded a potential clash between Benavidez and Canelo Alvarez, a fight many boxing fans eagerly anticipate. However, Alvarez has recently indicated that his focus is currently on other challenges. Speaking to BoxingScene, Alvarez stated, “I just go fight by fight. Right now, I’m 100 per cent focused on [Edgar] Berlanga, and then I’ll come to other opponents in the future. You never know. There’s always a possibility [that I fight Benavidez]. If [Dmitry] Bivol wins that fight, I’d like to take that chance [instead] for the rematch.”
Alvarez’s comments suggest that while the Benavidez fight remains a possibility, his immediate plans are centred on other opponents. The boxing world remains intrigued by the potential for a future bout between these two fighters, which would undoubtedly capture considerable attention.
Tyson’s Perspective on Modern Boxing
Tyson’s comments highlight an intriguing aspect of modern boxing, where even the most experienced fighters acknowledge the evolving nature of the sport. Benavidez’s rise and impressive record have clearly caught Tyson’s attention, reflecting the respect he holds for the current generation of boxers.
As Tyson prepares for his bout with Jake Paul, his insight into the capabilities of contemporary fighters like Benavidez provides a unique perspective on the state of boxing today. It underscores the competitive nature of the sport and the emergence of new talents who command respect from even the sport’s legends.
