Mike Tyson has always been a boxing historian and often pays tribute to the greats who preceded him.
Even in his 50s as a retired boxer, when he has taken his place among such legends, Iron Mike still appears clearly annoyed whenever icons of the sport are disrespected.
Following the completion of his career, Floyd Mayweather proclaimed himself to be ‘TBE’ – The Best Ever.
He made this claim based on the fact that he retired undefeated with a perfect record of 50-0, surpassing that of former heavyweight world champion Rocky Marciano who quit the sport at 49-0.
Tyson does not agree with the logic of Mayweather though, and made this clear on his Hotboxin’ podcast in a 2019 episode.
“Floyd’s a great fighter, don’t get me wrong,” Tyson said. “He had 50 fights.
“Listen, Sugar Ray Robinson had 40 fights. He lost one, then he had a 78-fight winning streak.
“Forty, lost one, then a 78-fight winning streak, goddamn.
“[Julio Cesar Chavez Sr] was 87-0 before he lost.
“Don’t tell me about, ‘You’re the greatest fighter,’ with 50-0.
“You’re great, no doubt about it, but 50-0? Chavez had 90.
“He was fighting like, what? Eight times a year? Against whoever was in the rankings.
“He wasn’t picking, it was, ‘Whoever you want, come on.'”
Mayweather was recently also surpassed by ex-WBC minimumweight champion Wanheng Menayothin, however he’s since been beaten several times and is 55-3.
The American remains the only boxer to retire undefeated with over 50 fights, though continues making money in exhibition bouts to this day.
