Mike Tyson admits he had Anthony Joshua down as “some jumped-up young guy from England” but now believes he’s the biggest name in world boxing after his stunning victory over Wladimir Klitschko.
Heavyweight Joshua climbed off the canvas to stop Klitschko in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium last Saturday.
Although the WBA, IBO and IBF titles are now Joshua’s, Tyson revealed he picked Klitschko to emerge victorious before the fight but believes the Briton’s performance displayed all the attributes needed to reign the division for years to come.
“It was a great fight,” Tyson told ESPN. “I had actually picked Klitschko to win as I thought this was just some jumped-up young guy from England. But man he fought well. Klitschko is 41 and no one has ever done that to him.
“Importantly, he showed heart. He took a big punch from Klitschko and went down but he got back up. He showed real intestinal fortitude.
“He’s consistent, persistent and he didn’t give up. There’s no quitting in him. I love that he goes out there to hurt his opponent, too. That’s what boxing is all about – but most fighters just don’t have that hunger.”
Following a troublesome childhood, Joshua’s journey to stardom has drawn comparisons to Tyson, who endured hardships during his upbringing before becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history when he beat Trevor Berbick in 1986, aged 20.
Tyson, who also won his first 19 fights by knockout, insists Joshua’s journey is evidence that the sport of boxing can offer people an outlet for success.
“I see the comparison, sure,” Tyson added.
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