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Muhammad Ali Caught Whispering “Speak for Yourself” in Viral Video as Larry Holmes Insults Mike Tyson

Published 01/21/2023, 12:30 PM EST

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Boxing legend Mike Tyson is considered to be one of the best heavyweight boxers of his generation by many. Iron Mike was the sport’s top guy during the 1980s and early 1990s becoming the youngest heavyweight champion ever and terrorizing the division for a long time.

This has given Tyson a lot of praise from fans and even fellow boxing legends who all consider him to be among the elite. However, there is one man who thinks ‘Iron Mike’s legacy is overblown in the sport. Moreover, this man is one who Tyson even knocked out in 1998, Larry Holmes.

Larry Holmes tries to insult Mike Tyson

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In an interview, Holmes along with former champions Muhammad Ali and Joe Fraizer were asked about Tyson’s legacy in the sport. However, when the reporter mentions Tyson’s name, Holmes quickly dismissed him, even pretending to not know who Iron Mike was.

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When pressed by the reporter who then asked if Holmes could beat Tyson in his prime, he responds by insulting Tyson. “Everybody in this room would have been able to beat Mike Tyson. Mike Tyson was born right you would’ve never heard of him” Holmes said.

However, Ali and Fraizer seemingly disagreed with Holmes and defended Iron Mike and his pedigree as a boxer.

Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier defend Tyson

Ali went on to interrupt Holmes and didn’t agree with his take on Tyson. “Speak for yourself” whispered Ali, Moreover, Frazier also came to ‘Iron Mike’s defense and claimed that three were a lot of similarities between all the pugilists.

I think that the young man has something that you know we all had ourselves. You know the idea that he’s there and he’s doing his job and he’s sacrificed” said Fraizer

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Moreover, he then touted Tyson as a marksman whose punches were accurate and thrown with a purpose or intention. “You know he’s a marksman. When you look at the young man he’s dosen’t throw punches for the h*ck of it. There was a cause or reason and believe it or not it was right on target.” he added.

via Getty

Despite Holmes’ criticism both Ali and Frazier came out and defended Tyson. Frazier and Ali with whom Tyson has had a great relationshi with, praised him for his boxing prowess on the other hand.

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What did you think about Ali and Fraizer coming to Tyson’s defense? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Sahil Sood

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Sahil Sood is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication, and holds a keen interest in the 'sweet science'. His journey towards following boxing began when he first saw the highlights of Mike Tyson as a teenager, and then closely followed the rise of Floyd Mayweather.
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Edited by:

Arijit Saha