Mike Tyson‘s newfound love of tennis is now quite well-known among sports fans. But how popular is he in the tennis world? Boxing as a sport is not unfamiliar to tennis players, who use its advantages of improved mentality and physicality on the court for training. After all, who doesn’t want to get faster, stronger, tougher? But apparently, the legendary Boris Becker still indulges in the way of the fists, following the sport’s GOAT.
The German tennis star portrayed his admiration for the 57YO boxing legend Mike Tyson after seeing him taking part in a sparring session. Becker was left amazed at Iron Mike’s agility and precision even after retiring from the sport almost 19 years ago.
Boris Becker left awestruck with the 57YO Mike Tyson’s ability
Mike Tyson stepped on to professional boxing in 1985. And then he became the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight title at the age of 20 years, 4 months, and 22 days. The rest is history. But years after retirement, Tyson’s deep love of boxing still brings him into the ring from time to time. And seeing Kid Dynamite with his lethal punches at the age of 57 has made Boris Becker wonder, “Wow …Iron Mike at 57…think how bad/good he was at 27 !!!“
On the other hand, Tyson has also developed an interest in the racket sport, primarily thanks to his 16-year-old daughter, Milan Tyson. He once admitted tennis had ‘changed his life’. During an interview, he once reflected on his love for the sport saying, “It broadened my horizons and I’m grateful to be involved and meeting everybody. It changed our life.“
Seeing Milan Tyson getting involved in tennis has made Tyson admit that she has the same mentality that made him the heavyweight champion of the world. However, this isn’t the first time boxing legends impressed Boris Becker.
Becker hails the mutual respect between the legendary boxers
A year ago Boris Becker shared a few glimpses of an interview from 1989. It featured Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali. During that interview, Ali, who had retired in 1981, was asked to predict the winner between him in his prime time and Tyson, who was still in the early days of his career. Ali had said it’d be Tyson who’d get the upper hand. He believed although he was quick in the ring, Tyson had some serious knock-out power.
In reply to that answer, Mike Tyson said, “By no means, I am vain, I know I am great. But can I tell you something, in this situation every head must bow, every tongue must confess, this is the greatest of all time.” Boris Becker was overwhelmed by the respect shown by the two legends of the sport. He shared the clips on his social media account stating, “Wonderful moment of respect.“
