‘My only problem’… Mike Tyson passionately states the one issue he has with modern day boxers

Mike Tyson has had one of the most unique boxing careers of all time, which has led him to being one of sport’s most recognisable figures.From returning in 2024 to face Jake Paul, to the list of people Tyson has knocked out in less than a minute, there will never be another ‘Iron Mike’.It is unlikely that Tyson will ever put on the gloves again for a professional fight, given the fact he is now 59 years old. However, he is still a prominent figure in the sport.There is one aspect of modern boxing however that Tyson does not agree with, which he has expressed dissatisfaction in.

Mike Tyson is unimpressed with the activity levels of modern boxersA lot has changed in boxing when you compare the modern day to Tyson’s prime in the 1980s and 1990s. However, there is seemingly one aspect in particular that is getting under the skin of Tyson when it comes to modern fighters.Speaking on The Big Podcast with Shaq, one of the greatest heavyweights of all time was asked what he didn’t like about today’s boxers.Tyson replied by saying, “My only problem with the generation now is, they take too long to fight.”‘Iron Mike’ went on to add, “[They’ll say] I’ll fight you [now], then I’ll fight you next year. By next year I had 10 fights!”Going on to describe more activity as a boxer as ‘entertainment’. Tyson said, “When you’re a great fighter, or a great entertainer in general, you want the person to say, ‘When can I see that person again? When can I see him play again? When is he going to fight again?”Mike Tyson won 10 world title bouts in 32 monthsTyson is by no means being a hypocrite when he criticizes the current activity levels of modern boxers.Whilst competing in world title bouts, Tyson was an active heavyweight who was constantly in the ring.Winning his first world title in November 1986 against Trevor Berbick, Tyson would return in March of the following year. In 1987, Tyson would secure four world title victories between March and October.In 1988, Tyson would compete three more times, improving his record to 36-0. These fights would come against Larry Holmes, Tony Tubbs, and Michael Spinks.Two further outings for Tyson in 1989 would make it 10 world title victories in 32 months. His 10th victory came against Carl Williams in July 1989.‘Iron Mike’s’ unbeaten streak would come to an end in 1990. Tyson suffered a shock loss to James ‘Buster’ Douglas in Tokyo to reduce his record to 37-1.