{"id":623686,"date":"2026-06-06T02:10:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T02:10:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/623686\/"},"modified":"2026-06-06T02:10:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T02:10:08","slug":"emanuel-steward-gave-a-clear-prediction-on-mike-tyson-vs-muhammad-ali-fantasy-fight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/623686\/","title":{"rendered":"Emanuel Steward gave a clear prediction on Mike Tyson vs Muhammad Ali fantasy fight"},"content":{"rendered":"

Emanuel Steward always backed one man to win a fantasy showdown between Muhammad Ali<\/a> and Mike Tyson<\/a>, which is still fiercely debated within boxing circles.<\/p>\n

Many consider Ali to be the greatest heavyweight of all time, while few would back against a prime \u2018Iron Mike\u2019 with any real certainty.<\/p>\n

The Brooklyn knockout artist seemed an unstoppable force in his early 20s, claiming his first world title with a blistering second-round finish over Trevor Berbick<\/a> in 1986.<\/p>\n

Even as the reigning WBC champion, Tyson\u2019s air of invincibility showed no signs of faltering until he suddenly lost to James \u2018Buster\u2019 Douglas<\/a> in 1990.<\/p>\n

The stunning 10th-round stoppage is still considered one of the greatest sporting upsets, yet Tyson eventually rebuilt his career and returned to the highest level.<\/p>\n

Like Tyson, Ali possessed razor-sharp footwork and reflexes, especially for a heavyweight, but, unlike Tyson, was a far more active operator in the later rounds.<\/p>\n

This extraordinary gas tank contributed to iconic victories over the likes of Joe Frazier and George Foreman, enhancing his legacy as quite possibly \u2018The Greatest\u2019.<\/p>\n

For this reason, and while also considering Tyson\u2019s disadvantages from a physical and mental perspective, legendary coach Steward could never look beyond an Ali victory.<\/p>\n

In a resurfaced clip,<\/a> the all-time great trainer analysed the nuances of a prime-for-prime battle between the pair.<\/p>\n

\u201cMike is one of the most amazing men, and I have so much respect for [him]. The fact he accomplished what he did, it\u2019s amazing.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes he lost when he fought big guys, who were talented guys who weren\u2019t intimidated by him. He was really nothing much more than a cruiserweight fighting these super-heavyweights.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think Ali would\u2019ve won the fight, because I thought he had too much boxing skills and physical size, and just all-round generalship.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs he tired physically and mentally, [Tyson] had problems in the later rounds. Ali actually fought better in the later rounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

Many would agree that Ali had the intelligence and durability to defeat a prime Tyson who, as Steward suggested, would not have had much success in the game of mental warfare.<\/p>\n