Mike Tyson has questioned the work ethic of today’s top fighters.
The heavyweight legend was known for staying active early in his career, famously fighting 15 times in 1985.
On the other hand, today’s biggest names tend to appear just once or twice a year.
Mike Tyson calls out modern boxers over inactivity
Tyson made a return to the ring in November 2024, stepping back in after nearly 20 years away from the sport.
Even though he came up short against Jake Paul, ‘Iron Mike’ still took home $20 million and broke several records in the process.
The fight drew an incredible 108 million live viewers worldwide, with a peak of 65 million concurrent streams. It became the most-watched sporting event ever on streaming platforms.
Tyson did not hold back in his criticism of today’s fighters, questioning how someone of his age could still be setting records decades after first stepping into the ring.
“This is what fighters should be thinking right now about me. ‘How can this guy be 60 years old and break all the records?’ They should be disappointed with themselves,” he said on The Ariel Helwani Show.
“They fight once or twice a year. No one knows who they are. They need to have a story behind them.
“It’s not that they’re getting paid too much, they just don’t want to do it. If you like getting paid a lot of money, why not do that three times a year instead of once? It’s a no-lose situation. It’s all up. All a win. You’re fighting, getting in shape, and getting paid more money than you ever did before.”
“I want to compete against people. I want to know who the biggest draw in the history of the world is. I want to see if anyone is bigger than me. My talent speaks for itself.”
When will Mike Tyson fight again?
Tyson is set to return to the ring against Floyd Mayweather on April 25.
The two legends will meet in an eight-round exhibition bout scheduled for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Tyson is currently dealing with a hand injury, but he expects to be ready in time for the fight.
The 59-year-old played down concerns about his hand, describing it as a minor issue that will not keep him out of action.
“It’s just a little sprain,” Tyson stated.
“I’ve gotta go hard. It’s the only way I know how to go.”
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