Prime Mike Tyson vs prime Muhammad Ali? Boxers pick who would win

Some names become synonymous with their sport; this may be due to their skill, results or legacy.

Some even enter the public consciousness cemented as legends and become identifiable by just their last names.

Ronaldo, Jordan, Federer, Pele, Messi, Bolt, Senna, just to name a few.

Debate about who was better or who would win is inevitable, and Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson are prime examples, but now the boxing world has had its say.

Cassius Clay beat Sonny Liston in 1964 to become world heavyweight champion. Later changing his name to Muhammad Ali, he was stripped of his titles due to his ethical opposition and ‘draft evasion’ during the Vietnam war.

Ali had his boxing license banned for four years, arguably during his prime. His comeback, however, later saw him beat such legends as Joe Frazier and George Foreman, who he famously beat using his rope-a-dope technique.

Ali relied on his quick hands, speed and movement, which was echoed in his famous catchphrase ‘float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.’

Mike Tyson was born in Brooklyn, 1966. He gained fame early on through winning gold at the Junior Olympic Games, as well as winning 26 of his first 28 fights.

Iron Mike, although plagued with troubles and controversy, we won’t mention the biting, became famous for his knockout power. He claimed 44 of his 50 wins by KO and became known for beating the likes of Trevor Berbick, Michael Spinks and Larry Holmes.

But when the boxing community was asked by BT Sport who would win, split decision favoured one fighter.

Ricky Hatton, Frank Bruno, Amir Khan and Anthony Crolla were all behind Ali, claiming that he pioneered a new style of boxing and that they would never bet against him.

Meanwhile, Deontay Wilder and Anthony Yarde