Mike Tyson goes viral again for reacting to Deontay Wilder’s prime vs prime claim

Mike Tyson once delivered a class response to Deontay Wilder saying that he would have beaten him if both were in their primes, and it’s once again going viral for just how good a response it is.

Like most boxers, the American duo have a degree of confidence and bravado that makes them feel 10 feet tall before stepping into the ring, so it is no surprise that Wilder backed himself to beat Tyson at the peak of their powers.

It was a brave statement to make because Mike Tyson is arguably considered as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.

Tyson enjoyed a 20-year career in the ring and won a remarkable 50 fights out of 58, which shows the longevity and consistency that he had during his boxing career.

Deontay Wilder, who has also won the WBC heavyweight title, held it during a five-year time span from 2015 to 2020, achieving 10 successful defences along the way.

It is not difficult to see why Wilder thought he could fancy his chances, however, Tyson was not having it as he delivered a response that was extremely insightful into the mentality that develops winners.

Mike Tyson’s response to Deontay Wilder

“I don’t know [whether I’d beat him]. I love the fact that he thinks that, because that’s what I would say as well. He’s supposed to think that way, he is the heavyweight champion of the world and that’s something very special.”

It’s safe to say fans who have now seen the viral clip were loving Iron Mike’s response as well.

“That’s the absolute realest and classiest answer he could have possibly given. Mad respect,” “Love him or hate him, you have to recognise his wisdom. Amazing answer,” “Classy response and answer despite the interviewer’s baiting for a sound bite,” “This is a great answer” and “Classy response” were just some of the reactions to the video.

Tyson could have easily responded differently and assumed that Wilder was being arrogant, but it was actually the opposite, because it looks as though the fighting talk from Wilder made Tyson appreciate and respect his mentality more.

Tyson knows what it takes to win and a key part of that is the mentality you have, because it will allow you to get through difficult moments, and it is that winning mentality that separates the elite from the good.

However, despite having a winning mentality, Tyson provided Wilder with some words of wisdom and that he should concentrate on himself as they look to make a name for themselves in the boxing world.

Video: Mike Tyson’s reaction to Deontay Wilder

“My best advice to the entire crop of young heavyweight champs is to focus on being the best of YOUR era! Out of respect and reality. It’s unprovable. Of course people asked, but I found no need to speculate or compare myself to my idol Ali or any other of the past greats.”

Tyson says that people can get too far ahead of themselves by trying to be something they are not because everyone is different.

So therefore, boxers now should focus on being the best versions of themselves as opposed to trying to be better than someone before them.