Mike Tyson’s reputation precedes him. He is known as the ‘baddest man on the planet’ for a reason. When his name is mentioned one would immediately think back to the ear-biting incident. It will forever be part of boxing lore. However, that is not an isolated incident as Tyson has always been at the forefront of controversy. One such Mike Tyson moment came in 2000. It was his 3rd fight after his release from jail in 1999.
Mike Tyson faced Lou Savarese at Glasgow’s Hampden Park. The fight was quick with ‘Iron’ securing the win via knockout in just 38 seconds. It was after the fight during the interviews where Tyson went on a tirade in response to Jim Gray’s questions and made a shocking comment.
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Mike Tyson calls out Lennox Lewis
In response to being asked if this was his shortest fight ever, ‘Iron’ said, “I bear witness, there’s only one God and Muhammad, blessing and peace be upon him, is his prophet. I dedicate this fight to my brother Darryl Baum, who died. I’ll be there to see you, I love you with all my heart. All praise be to my children, um I love you. God Amen, what?”
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Gray posed the same question to the victor yet again. Tyson quickly said he doesn’t know before saying yeah. Following this, he launched an attack on Lennox Lewis who was the reigning WBC, IBF, IBO, and lineal heavyweight Champion.
Read: Watch: When Mike Tyson Made a Bizarre Admission After 49 Second KO Win
‘Iron’ further went on to proclaim himself as the best of all time claiming nobody could stop him.
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“I’m the best ever. I’m the most brutal and vicious, and most ruthless champion there’s ever been. There’s no one who can stop me. Lennox is a conqueror? No, I’m Alexander, he’s no Alexander. I’m the best ever. There’s never been anybody as ruthless. I’m Sonny Liston, I’m Jack Dempsey. There’s no one like me. I’m from their cloth. There’s no one that can match me. My style is impetuous, my defense is impregnable, and I’m just ferocious. I want your heart. I want to eat his children,” said Mike Tyson before exiting the ring.
Tyson would get the opportunity to box for the titles against Lewis in 2002. He was knocked out in the 8th round in the match at the Pyramid in Tennessee in what was his career’s final title match.