Muhammad Ali’s brother insists heavyweight legend would have KO’d Mike Tyson and reveals sparring sessions with icon
MUHAMMAD ALI would have no doubt knocked out Mike Tyson if they fought in their prime, the boxing legend’s brother said.
No fantasy fight has ever been debated as hotly between fans as The Greatest against the Baddest Man on The Planet.
But Rahman Ali, brother and former gofer to iconic heavyweight Muhammad, is confident he knows how the fight for the ages would have ended.
In an exclusive interview with SunSport, he said: “Muhammad would knock him out. Muhammad Ali is the greatest of all time.
“What you don’t know is he was a very deep man, deeply religious man.”
Ali’s last fight was in 1981, a devastating defeat to Trevor Berbick, before retiring the same year.
Tyson, still an amateur at the time, was left heartbroken after seeing his hero beaten for the final time.
He vowed to gain revenge and did so five years later as he dethroned Berbick to become the youngest heavyweight champion of all time, aged 20.
Tyson, now 54, and Ali, who died in 2016 at the age of 74, were both celebrated for separate styles.
Iron Mike was a feared and brutal puncher, while his idol was gifted with speed of foot and hand, while also packing a punch.
Rahman can vouch for his brother’s sublime skillset having shared dozens of rounds sparring him.
He revealed: “To spar with Muhammad Ali, he kept me sharp and he made me a better person.
“I mean hitting and taking his punches I was improving myself. Muhammad was sharp and smarter.
“Speed and power, speed was the fastest and power was hardest.
“The thing you can say about Muhammad Ali is he’s an icon, his speed and power was excellent.“He was the hardest hitter of all time and fastest of all time.”
Ali is recognised as one of the most influential figures in sporting history for his impact outside of the ring.
His charisma and persona was almost unrivalled, but despite his worldwide fame, outside the ring he remained a humble figure.
Rahman explained: “In my opinion, what made my brother different, he had very strong conviction, he was a very powerful, nice, clean person; he didn’t smoke nor drink.
“He had a really clean life, he did not participate in what most people (celebrities) do.”
Ali, who became Muslim in 1961, suffered from Parkinson’s syndrome due to the brutal affects of his boxing career.
But he was comforted by his wife Lonnie, nine children and religion all the way up until his tragic passing five years ago.
Rahman said: “When he retired from boxing he spent time with his wife and children.
“He was comfortable and happy with his lifestyle. He was a Muslim like I am and worshiped Allah. He spent time in that manner.”
