The debate about which boxer is the greatest of all time remains perpetual. The contrasting styles, eras, and varying levels of achievement of these boxers have further fueled it. Some laud Muhammad Ali‘s charisma and impact. While some hail Mike Tyson‘s destructive might as the greatest. Many fans salute Floyd Mayweather Jr.‘s undefeated record, who, incidentally, often prefers staking his claim as the greatest. But as it transpires, ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ has a different opinion.
The debate rages forward, and it becomes impossible to conclude. Mayweather Jr. has undoubtedly left an impressive legacy in the sport. However, Mike Tyson has refuted that claim on multiple occasions and even stated this iconic statement once: “He’s very delusional. If he [were] anywhere near the realm of Muhammad Ali, he’d be able to take his kids to school by himself. He can’t take his kids to school by himself, and he’s talking about [how] he’s great.”
Recently, a Facebook post shared a quote from Mike Tyson that he said on social networks. According to the post, Tyson said, “Don’t let Floyd Mayweather tell me he’s the best fighter at 50-0. Julio César Chávez had 90 undefeated fights; he fought about 8 times a year against anyone who wanted to fight him, against anyone who was in the rankings.”
Fans join as Mike Tyson questions Floyd Mayweather Jr.
This statement sparked a heated debate among the fans as they discussed their pick for the greatest in the comments. One fan, David Garcia, reminisced about the might of Julio Cesar Chavez and his Mexican pride. He wrote, “It choked everyone who challenged him without making excuses. He had such value if he was Mexican pride in the ring and professional boxing.”
Another fan, Sergio Bibiano, wrote about how Salvador Sánchez and Chavez held the Mexican warriors’ spirits high. He wrote, “The truth is that both Salvador Sánchez and Julio Cesar Chávez were true Mexican warriors of world boxing; they both deserve all our respect and recognition for having given us very good moments and many emotions.”
Aon Duine, while lauding Mayweather Jr.’s defensive tactics, couldn’t hide his admiration for Chavez. He stated, “Chavez is the best. He is a brawler. But Floyd has the best defense ever.” Jose Ramirez agreed with what Tyson said. No one, not even Floyd Mayweather Jr., is superior to the Mexican champion. He stated, “Very sure!!! That Floyd Mayweather will never be better than our champion.”
However, Abdel Karim Beydoun differed from ‘Iron’ Mike’s statements. He claimed that superior quality always outweighs quantity, “Quality is worth more than quantity. The quantity has nothing to do with it.” Another fan, Juan Carlos Lawrence, commended the legacy of Mexican boxing legend Cesar Chavez. A true champion, his face never aged despite his many battle scars. He wrote, “Julio Cesar Chávez, a great champion; his skin never wrinkled; he fought with everyone who was put in front of him.”
The context of their times further muddies the waters. As the years pass, the debate persists, reminding us that boxing’s greatest remains a vibrant, elusive enigma. What do you think about the ongoing debate among boxing fans? Who do you think deserves the title of greatest? Share your thoughts in the comments.
