Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson delivered a classy and humble response after Deontay Wilder claimed he would “kick the hell” out of a prime version of ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet.’

Wilder, who lost his last fight to Joseph Parker by unanimous decision despite surviving a barrage of overhand rights and left hooks, had previously boasted about the idea of beating a younger ‘Iron’ Mike. In 2018, when asked by TMZ if he would stand a chance against Tyson, then-WBC heavyweight champion Wilder confidently responded, “Yes.” He went on to say, “Me vs Tyson in ’86, I’d kick the hell outta that guy. Listen, I’ve got to keep it real. I know people always go back to the old school or look at the new school and there’s no school where I’m not No 1 on Earth.”

Two years later, Tyson, who is set to fight Jake Paul later this year, responded to Wilder’s bold claim. Speaking to TNT Sports, he expressed admiration for Wilder’s confidence but remained unsure about the outcome. “I don’t know [whether I’d beat him],” Tyson said. “I love the fact that he thinks that, because that’s the way I would think as well. He’s supposed to think that way, he is the heavyweight champion of the world and that’s something very special.”

Tyson’s humble demeanor continued during his response to BT cameras back in 2018 when he was asked again if Wilder could have beaten him in a fight. “I don’t think so,” he replied.

Former British heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis was far more vocal in his response to Wilder’s comments. “I just heard Deontay Wilder said he would destroy a young Mike Tyson,” Lewis said. “My thoughts are that it’s easy to talk until you actually get in the ring. I like Wilder but he’s never been in there with someone that ferocious who truly wants to break his ribs with every punch. I don’t see it.”

Lewis added, “I love Wilder’s confidence… you need that to sit atop the heavyweight division… he’s hungry and shows up in probably the best shape in the division… but there’s levels to it… and he’s still adding to his arsenal. 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.”

“History will decide your place among the all-time greats… so go out there, clean up the division, defend your title, reign supreme and your work will speak for itself.”

Tyson’s and Lewis’s responses highlight the importance of confidence and respect in the sport, with both emphasizing that history and accomplishments in the ring will ultimately determine a fighter’s legacy.