Mike Tyson Honors Muhammad Ali in His Boxing Mount Rushmore
Let’s talk about something that’s caught a lot of attention in the boxing world lately—Mike Tyson naming his personal Mount Rushmore of boxing legends. What’s surprising? None of his former opponents made the cut. That’s right—no Holyfield, no Lewis, no Holmes. Instead, Tyson reached even further back in history, choosing four legendary heavyweights who helped shape the sport into what it is today: Jack Dempsey, Sonny Liston, George Foreman, and of course, Muhammad Ali.
Now, Tyson didn’t just drop those names casually—this all went down in a recent episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq , recorded live in Las Vegas. Tyson and Shaquille O'Neal sat down in front of a packed crowd and reflected on Iron Mike’s incredible career, sharing stories and insights from decades in the spotlight. But when Shaq asked Tyson who he considered the greatest to ever do it, Tyson’s picks said a lot more than just personal preference—they were a tribute to what boxing really means.
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Of the four legends Tyson named, it’s clear Muhammad Ali holds a special place. Tyson didn’t just admire Ali’s skill—he respected his mind. He said it himself: “These guys are bad guys. But Ali outsmarted them.” And that’s the point. Ali wasn’t just a fighter—he was a tactician, a thinker, someone who knew how to beat the toughest men not just with punches, but with strategy and intellect.
Think about it—Sonny Liston was considered one of the most feared heavyweights of his time. But what do we remember? That stunning upset when a young, brash Ali shocked the world. Tyson said that even though Liston’s known for the loss, it’s that very loss that launched Ali’s legacy into the stratosphere. And he's right. That’s when the world really stood up and took notice of “The Greatest.”
Then there’s Foreman, who Ali beat in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle.” And Jack Dempsey, a name that modern fans might overlook, but Tyson didn’t. Dempsey ruled his era with ferocity and style, and Tyson made sure to honor that legacy.
What makes this all even more intriguing is who Tyson left out. Despite the wars he went through with fighters like Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis, Tyson chose to look beyond his personal battles and celebrate those who defined boxing long before his time. That says a lot about his reverence for the sport. It’s not about who you fought—it’s about who shaped the game.
Boxing isn’t just about the fight—it’s about the legacy. And for Tyson, Ali’s is untouchable.
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