
via Imago
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 22: Mike Tyson is seen in attendance during the UFC 270 event at Honda Center on January 22, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)

via Imago
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 22: Mike Tyson is seen in attendance during the UFC 270 event at Honda Center on January 22, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)
Mike Tyson may have retired from the sport but his opinions are of great relevance to the boxing world. He is the host of the popular podcast named, “Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson”. On the podcast, he discusses topics related to the sport and many other things which interest the public. Recently, the former heavyweight champion was asked who, according to him, is an underrated boxer in the sport currently.
At times, the boxing community gets too caught up in watching boxers who rank high in marketability. Naturally, a lot of boxers, who are not particularly great at the show business aspect of boxing get neglected despite having impressive skillset. Tyson, speaking to ESPN’s “First Take”, weighed in on who he thinks is underrated and also stated his reason for the same.
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Who is the most underrated boxer, according to Tyson?
According to Tyson, Naoya Inoue is one boxer who does not get the publicity he deserves. Inoue is a professional bantamweight boxer fighting out of Japan. In his 24 bouts, the Japanese fighter managed to secure 21 knockouts under his belt.
Tyson revealed his choice of the most underrated boxer and also stated his reason behind selecting the 30-year-old boxer. He stated, “The guy who’s fighting Stephen Fulton – Naoya Inoue. No one knows him because he’s in one of those really small weight divisions, but wow he’s exciting. That fight’s gonna be amazing.”
Mike Tyson asked which fighter doesn't get the credit they deserve: “The guy who's fighting Stephen Fulton – Naoya Inoue. No-one knows him because he's in one of those really small weight divisions, but wow he's exciting. That fight's gonna be amazing.” [@FirstTake]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) April 21, 2023
Tyson is right in pointing out that, a boxer in a lower-weight category can also be an exciting fighter. Inoue has impeccable speed and agility which fetched the 30-year-old an undefeated boxing record. With time, he is only going to get better and Tyson finds it necessary to give the credit that the bantamweight fighter deserves.
Tyson gets a reality check at the weigh-in of Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury fight
Tyson retired from the sport of boxing in the year 2005 citing that he didn’t have it in him to compete anymore at the highest level. However, recently at the weigh-in of Paul-Fury, the former boxer got a reality check. In an episode of his podcast he stated, “I was at a weigh in Saudi Arabia that’s why I do miss this stuff.” He adds, “I do miss this stuff. You miss being the centre of attention.”

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MALIBU, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 12: Former professional boxer Mike Tyson attends Celebration of Smiles Event hosted by Dionne Warwick on her 81st Birthday to benefit medical charity organization, Operation Smile and The Kind Music Academy on December 12, 2021 in Malibu, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)
Read more: Mike Tyson’s Reality Check for Fans Who Admire Him Despite Countless Controversies
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Though, Tyson did make his return to the boxing ring in the year 2020 against
Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition bout. If he does express his desire to come back to boxing again, would you be interested to see “The Baddest Man On The Planet” lace up his boxing gloves again? If so, against which boxer or combatant? Let us know your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below.ADVERTISEMENT
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Watch This Story: Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas: 10 Facts You Didn’t Know About the Biggest Upset in Boxing
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