Mike Tyson is considered one of the most dominant and explosive heavyweights in boxing history, a living legend who is undoubtedly always in the discussion about who is the most important boxer in history.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1966, he became a world heavyweight champion in 1986 at the age of 20, the youngest to do so. During his career, he unified the WBA, WBC and IBF titles and was known for his aggressive style, speed and knockout power, which is why he may well be the most feared fighter in the ring.
Mike Tyson reveals who his favorite boxer is
However, when asked about the most feared boxer, he did not choose himself. The scariest fighter to ever step into the ring, according to Mike Tyson, is Sonny Liston.
During his appearance on The Big Podcast with Shaq, hosted by Shaquille O’Neal, Tyson did not hesitate to mention the former heavyweight champion, highlighting not only his strength, but also his reputation inside and outside the ring.
Sonny Liston is the scariest fighter that ever lived. He would go to a town and the police would tell him he couldn’t come in. He would break their jaw, take their gun… he was a monster
Why was Sonny Liston so feared?
A violent past, overwhelming physical power and an intimidating presence made him a legend
Liston began boxing in prison, having been arrested more than 100 times for various offenses, including armed robbery. This past made him a feared figure even outside the ring, projecting an imposing and dangerous image.
His rise in professional boxing was equally impressive. In 1962, he was crowned world champion by knocking out Floyd Patterson in the first round. With a record of 50 wins and only four losses, Liston built a reputation as an invincible fighter. Only figures such as Muhammad Ali managed to beat him, but even those defeats did not erase his image as a fearsome fighter.
Tyson, who made his professional debut in 1985, went on an impressive 37-fight unbeaten streak and became the youngest heavyweight champion in history, a title he still holds.
His aggressive style and knockout power made him an icon of the sport and a rival few wanted to face, but even so, for him, Liston is the scariest, probably because his violence transcended the sport.
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