When Mike Tyson faced Jake Paul in an unprecedented boxing match, fans and commentators alike were captivated by the spectacle. Tyson, at 58 years old, faced the 25-year-old Paul in a fight that became Netflix’s first foray into combat sports, attracting an astounding 65 million viewers globally. Among those viewers was UFC commentator Joe Rogan, who enthusiastically expressed his excitement on social media. On X (formerly Twitter), Rogan wrote, “I’m getting ready to watch this Tyson vs Jake Paul fight like I’m watching someone cast a spell that I hope actually works. And I don’t really believe in magic. But I want to believe.”
Despite the hype, Tyson lost in a unanimous decision. Rogan’s response to the outcome was concise yet reflective: “Magic isn’t real.” Nevertheless, even in defeat, Tyson’s legacy remains intact in Rogan’s eyes. Recently, Rogan emphasized why the former heavyweight champion deserves a spot on the boxing heavyweight Mount Rushmore, even suggesting he belongs there over Muhammad Ali.
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During an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Rogan revisited Tyson’s remarkable career. He described Tyson as his ultimate heavyweight champion, stating, “That’s my heavyweight… my heavyweight all-timer. He’s the guy that’s like… I feel like Tyson in his prime, you have to have him on the Mount Rushmore.” Rogan acknowledged the greatness of other boxing legends like Jack Dempsey, Joe Frazier, Lennox Lewis, and Larry Holmes, but insisted Tyson’s place was non-negotiable. “For me, the one you can’t remove is Tyson. Everything else is negotiable.”
At just 20 years old, Tyson became the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight title, a record that still stands. His youth, combined with his explosive power and precision, made him a cultural icon. Tyson dominated the sport, becoming the first heavyweight to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles, unifying them in succession. His first 19 professional fights all ended in knockouts, with 12 of those victories occurring in the first round. This unmatched efficiency and power cemented Tyson’s reputation as a boxing phenomenon.
However, Tyson’s career was not without its challenges. His shocking 1990 loss to underdog Buster Douglas remains one of the most significant upsets in boxing history. Despite this setback, Tyson’s prime years continue to be a benchmark for excellence in the heavyweight division.
In a discussion about a hypothetical match between Tyson and Ali in their primes, Rogan argued that Tyson would have had the upper hand. He explained, “When I look at boxers, I try to see them as when they were red hot, burning, at the highest level they could reach. I feel that, as great as Muhammad Ali was, I don’t see him surviving against Tyson at his best.” Rogan attributed this belief to Tyson’s unique blend of power, speed, and agility, which he described as unparalleled among heavyweights.
Rogan further elaborated on Tyson’s physicality and style: “Tyson was a phenomenon. He was something very unusual because all the other heavyweights were a bit slow, and even if they could hit hard, they were clumsy. He swung, moved, and staggered. He was a small heavyweight, not even six feet tall, built like a brick house, with a twenty-inch neck. He weighed 220 pounds and moved like a guy who weighs 150.”
While Ali’s legacy as one of the greatest boxers in history is indisputable, Rogan sees Tyson’s raw power and ferocity as qualities that make him an irreplaceable figure in boxing history. For Rogan, Tyson isn’t just a legendary boxer; he’s a phenomenon who transcends eras. Whether Tyson could have defeated Ali in their primes remains a subject of debate, but for Rogan, Tyson’s place among the greatest heavyweights of all time is unquestionable.