Mike Tyson is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. But to be the best it’s not only about having the right skills, one must also have the mental fortitude to tackle the adversity in front of him. Tyson showed his mettle when he knocked out Lou Savarese within 38 seconds in June 2000 following the death of his bodyguard and closest friend Darryl Baum.
He had to show sheer mental fortitude to go through the despair of losing a dear friend and then knocking someone out that brutally. Following the victory, Tyson talked about his greatness in the post-fight interview, and reiterated why he is a class apart from the rest:
“I didn’t train for this fight. I only train for probably two weeks or three weeks for this fight. I had to bury my best friend, and I dedicate this fight to him. I wasn’t gonna fight, but I dedicate this fight to him.”
đ ON THIS DAY: Tyson & Savarese chaosđ¤Ż
âŞBack in 2000 Mike Tyson stopped Lou Savarese in 38 seconds of the first round… and wanted to keep fightingđ˛ pic.twitter.com/kbOrui7gh5
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) June 24, 2021
“I was gonna rip his heart out; I’m the best ever. I’m the most brutal, vicious, and ruthless champion that has ever been. There’s no one who can stop me. Lennox is a conqueror? No, he’s no Alexander, I’m Alexander.
“I’m the best ever, there has never been anyone as ruthless as me. I’m Sonny Liston, I’m Jack Dempsey. There is no one like me. I’m from their cloth. My style is impetuous, my defense is impregnable, and I’m just ferocious. I wanna eat his heart, I wanna eat his children.”
Mike Tyson retired in 2005, but his legacy still lives on today. He is considered as an icon both on and off the ring, and his presence is greatly appreciated by the people around him. Truly a champion!
