Mike Tyson questions Joshua vs. Usyk: “From what they showed, you really think they could beat me?”

Boxing legend Mike Tyson has never been shy about sharing his thoughts on the sport, and his latest comments on Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk have sparked intense debate. Following their recent bout, Tyson openly questioned whether these modern heavyweight champions could have survived against him in his prime.

Despite frequently praising skilled fighters, Tyson was unimpressed with their performance and made a bold statement about his own dominance in boxing history. His remarks reignited discussions about how today’s fighters compare to the past era of heavyweight boxing.

Mike Tyson’s Take on Joshua vs. Usyk

At 55 years old, Mike Tyson remains one of the most influential figures in boxing. As the youngest heavyweight champion in history, his insights carry significant weight in the world of combat sports. While Tyson often acknowledges elite fighters for their talent and skill, he wasn’t exactly thrilled with what he saw in the Joshua vs. Usyk fight.

In their highly anticipated clash, Joshua lost his WBA, WBO, and IBF titles to Usyk in what many saw as a technical masterclass by the Ukrainian boxer. However, Tyson took to social media to express his disappointment, stating:

“After watching Joshua vs. Usyk, I have to say—it looked like they were just having a bad night in the ring. From what they showed, do you really think they could have beaten me when I was in my prime?”

This statement sent shockwaves through the boxing world, sparking a heated debate about how Joshua and Usyk would have fared against “Iron Mike” at his peak.

Usyk’s Rise to Heavyweight Glory

Oleksandr Usyk is no ordinary heavyweight—he is one of the most decorated fighters in modern boxing. Before stepping into the heavyweight division, Usyk was the undisputed cruiserweight champion, never losing his titles in the ring. Instead, he vacated them in 2019 to test himself at heavyweight.

It didn’t take long for Usyk to make history. With just three fights at heavyweight, he dethroned Anthony Joshua, solidifying his place among the sport’s greatest. This victory made him only the third fighter—after Evander Holyfield and David Haye—to win a heavyweight world title after becoming an undisputed cruiserweight champion.

Usyk’s success continued when he defended his titles in a rematch against Joshua and then went on to defeat Tyson Fury, becoming the first boxer in the four-belt era to unify all major heavyweight titles. This historic accomplishment positioned him as one of the sport’s greatest champions.

However, despite his remarkable achievements, Tyson remained unimpressed, implying that Usyk’s path to heavyweight dominance wasn’t as challenging as some believe.

Could Joshua and Usyk Have Beaten Prime Mike Tyson?

During his prime, Mike Tyson was a force of nature, known for his explosive power, relentless aggression, and knockout ability. He dominated opponents with unmatched ferocity, securing his place as one of the most feared fighters in boxing history.

When comparing Tyson to Joshua and Usyk, there are clear differences in their fighting styles:

• Anthony Joshua is known for his size, strength, and technical skills, but he has been criticized for lacking the relentlessness that Tyson brought to the ring.
• Oleksandr Usyk, in contrast, is a master of footwork, speed, and defensive tactics, often compared to some of the greatest technical boxers in history.

Would these skill sets have been enough to handle prime Mike Tyson? Many believe Tyson’s relentless pressure and knockout power would have overwhelmed both Joshua and Usyk. At his peak, Tyson was simply a different beast, a fighter whose mere presence intimidated opponents before they even stepped into the ring.

However, some argue that Usyk’s superior movement and defensive skills could have troubled Tyson, forcing him into deep waters. Likewise, Joshua’s size and reach advantage might have posed a unique challenge for the former heavyweight king.

Regardless, Tyson’s brutal fighting style, combined with his ability to cut off the ring and land devastating punches, would have been a nightmare for most fighters—including Joshua and Usyk.

The Evolution of Heavyweight Boxing

Boxing has changed significantly since Tyson’s era. Fighters today are generally taller, heavier, and more focused on endurance and defense rather than raw aggression. This shift has led to a different type of competition, where technical skills often outweigh pure knockout power.

During Tyson’s time, heavyweight champions like Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, and Riddick Bowe engaged in brutal wars, relying on grit, power, and aggressive fighting styles. By contrast, today’s heavyweights focus more on precision, strategy, and conditioning.

While Usyk and Joshua are undoubtedly elite fighters, Tyson’s criticism highlights a growing sentiment among boxing fans—that the modern heavyweight division lacks the excitement and aggression of past eras.

Yet, the fact remains: Usyk’s ability to dominate multiple weight classes and Joshua’s explosive power have cemented their legacies in boxing history.

Mike Tyson’s Legacy vs. Modern Heavyweights

Mike Tyson’s impact on boxing is undeniable. His aggressive style, devastating knockouts, and unmatched intensity made him one of the most feared fighters of all time.

Even though Joshua and Usyk are the best of their generation, Tyson’s comments suggest that he believes today’s heavyweight champions don’t match the same level of dominance that he and his contemporaries displayed.

Would Usyk’s slick footwork have been enough to avoid Tyson’s relentless attacks? Could Joshua’s power have been a serious threat to prime “Iron Mike”? The debate will continue, but one thing is certain—Tyson remains a benchmark against which all future heavyweights will be measured.

His remarks not only challenge the legacy of Joshua and Usyk but also force fans to ask a bigger question: Has heavyweight boxing evolved or regressed?

What do you think? Would Usyk or Joshua have been able to survive against a prime Mike Tyson? Let the debate begin!