Boxing legend Mike Tyson once fiercely criticized Floyd Mayweather, calling him “very delusional” after Mayweather rated himself higher than the great Muhammad Ali. Mayweather’s claim that he was the greatest boxer in history, superior to icons like Ali and Tyson, did not sit well with the former heavyweight champion.


“He’s very delusional,” ‘Iron Mike’ explained. “Listen, if he was anywhere near that realm of great as Muhammad Ali, he’d be able to take his kids to school by himself. OK, he can’t take his kids to school by himself, and he’s talking about he’s great? Greatness is not guarding yourself from the people. It’s being accepted by the people. He can’t take his kids alone to school by himself. He’s a little scared man. He’s a very small, scared man.”

Tyson’s harsh words reflect the long-standing tension between him and Mayweather. When asked about a hypothetical street fight with Mayweather in his prime, Tyson told GQ, “[I would] kick Floyd’s a**e… there wouldn’t even be no match.”

Despite their rivalry, Tyson has also shown moments of humility. He once acknowledged that if he and Mayweather were the same size, Mayweather would likely outpoint him in a boxing match. “[If] I was his size in the ring, he would outpoint me,” Tyson admitted.

Tyson’s deep respect for Muhammad Ali is evident. He once broke down mid-interview while discussing Ali’s life and career on Michael Rapaport’s podcast in March 2019. “I always like to think I’m a bad motherfker. A vicious motherfker,” Tyson began. “I don’t give a f**k, but that’s the part where Ali overshines me, because I can’t understand a man that’s willing to die for this. I talked the sh*t, but he’s the real deal.”

Fighting back tears, Tyson continued, “Ali is a giant. There’s no way other fighters can match him. He’d die for this sh*t. I’m not going to die for this. That’s real talk. Ali is a savage, he’s an animal. He’s a different breed of person. He’s not like us.”

Tyson’s reverence for Ali and his willingness to criticize Mayweather highlight his perspective on what true greatness in boxing entails. For Tyson, greatness is not just about skill and victories but also about the ability to connect with people and make profound sacrifices.