Mike Tyson’s stamp of approval is highly regarded in the sport of boxing, and he’s given it to a super middleweight danger man ahead of a vital fight.

Tyson exploded onto the heavyweight scene in 1985, winning his first eighteen bouts by stoppage, and fighting until he had 50 wins with 44 knockouts and just six losses.

His name is in the history books for his championship runs and the ability to strike fear into the hearts of opponents – sometimes clearly winning contests before the first bell.

It’s this scare factor that ‘Iron’ Mike draws on to name his current favourite fighter – one David Benavidez. He spoke to ES News about the 26-0 168 pounder.

“It’s just the consistency of punches and the aggressiveness. And there’s been no one that’s able to even hurt him yet. He’s my favourite fighter because everyone appears to be afraid of him. I don’t know if they are, but no-one’s fighting him.”

It’s only the latest in a string of praise ‘Iron’ Mike has offered ‘The Mexican Monster.’ Recently, the heavyweight great joked that even he would be afraid to step in the ring with him.

Benavidez is a two-time world champion, and he’s lost that title twice outside of the ring – once for missing weight and the other for testing positive for cocaine.

His goal is clear – to become three-time without any losses on his record. That begins with Caleb plant in a super-middleweight WBC Interim title fight that has fight of the year written all over it.

Even without the animosity between the pair – and there has been plenty – the speed and skill on show is to be of the highest order. Pair that with Benavidez’s swarming attacks, as well as Plant’s KO of the year lingering in the mind, the Sin City scrap is not to be missed.

Tyson is expected to be in attendance as he was for the press conference. The winner will be mandatory for Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez’s undisputed crown.