It’s no secret that Mike Tyson had a special bond with the ultimate legend of boxing Muhammad Ali. He has openly stated that he was a huge fan of Muhammad Ali, often referring to him as his idol and expressing deep admiration for the boxing legend. With Tyson’s recent bout against YouTube star Jake Paul coming to a close, an old clip of Tyson visiting Ali in his final days surfaced on social media. This left Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, at a loss for words.

Muhammad Ali, the ‘Greatest of All Time,’ passed away on June 3, 2016, at the age of 74 in a Scottsdale, Arizona hospital after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. A touching clip, shared recently on Instagram, shows Mike Tyson visiting Ali in his final days. The footage was filmed during the production of ‘Being Mike Tyson,’ a six-episode documentary series that offered fans an intimate look into the 58-year-old’s life.

The clip captured a touching moment between Tyson and the legendary fighter, as they shared some quality time playing a game of chess. At one point, Tyson stood up and playfully demonstrated a shuffle, a gesture that seemed to bring a smile to the ailing Ali’s face. Despite his illness, Ali’s joy in that moment was evident, highlighting the deep bond between the two icons.

In the documentary series, Tyson passionately shared how Ali’s courage and resilience, both in the ring and life, had profoundly shaped and inspired him throughout his own journey. Regardless, when Nico Ali Walsh found the clip, he had barely any words to describe his emotions about seeing the two legends of the sport together. “🦋🖤,” he wrote instead. 

That said, Tyson admired Ali so deeply that he sought revenge on Ali’s behalf.

Mike Tyson floors world champion to exact vengeance for Muhammad Ali

Going back to 1988, ‘Iron’ Mike delivered a powerful act of vengeance for Muhammad Ali in one of the most memorable moments in his career, flooring former world champion Larry Holmes with a brutal fourth-round knockout. Mike Tyson, at just 21, stepped in the ring with a single goal in his mind, fulfilling the promise he made to Ali years earlier. 

As a teenager, Tyson and his mentor Cus D’Amato had watched in disbelief as Ali, at 38, was thoroughly beaten by Holmes. Enraged by the spectacle, Tyson had vowed to avenge his hero’s loss. Just as the fight started on 22nd January at the Convention Center in Atlantic City, Tyson’s determination was evident while Holmes, 38 at the time, was seen as past his prime, but the ‘Easton Assassin’ had made a resurgence. 

Despite that, Tyson’s power was way too explosive for the champion at the tail end of his career. In his autobiography ‘The Undisputed Truth’ Tyson recalled, “I had a personal stake in the fight… Cus had given me a blueprint – hit him with the right, behind my jab.” Tyson followed it to the tee, as he sent Holmes crashing onto the canvas in round fourth. 

Later, recalling the post-fight exchange with Holmes, Tyson humbly acknowledged Holmes’ greatness but also reminded him, “You’re a great fighter too, but f*** you.” 

Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali might be the greats from the past, but their bond continues to inspire fans the world over, especially Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, who has a boxing career ahead of him. What did you think of the blast from the past?