“Mike Tyson vs. Muhammad Ali” - Chatri Sityodtong shares his all-time dream fantasy boxing match-up
For years, boxing enthusiasts have debated who would come out on top in a generational clash between the legendary Muhammad Ali and iconic knockout artist 'Iron' Mike Tyson.
Inarguably two of the greatest talents of their time, Ali and Tyson captured the attention of the world both in and outside of the squared circle — albeit for very different reasons. In the ring, Ali was touted for his technical skills, fully embracing the art of the sweet science and dispatching his opponents methodically.
Tyson, on the other hand, was a one-man wrecking machine, destroying his first 19 opponents by way of knockout and capping off his career with 44 KOs against 50 wins.
During a recent appearance on Uprtalk with Antoine Pinto, ONE Championship founder and CEO Chatri Sityodtong revealed that Ali vs. Tyson tops his all-time fantasy wish list. Sityodtong said:
"For boxing, I want to watch Mike Tyson vs. Muhammad Ali. I’m interested because one is a technical fighter who has the best footwork while Tyson has an aggressive style and is a heavy hitter."
A quick internet search will reveal that the fight fans are essentially split down the middle on the debate with many believing that an in-his-prime Mike Tyson would land early and finish Ali with ease. Others suggest Ali would use his skill and technical prowess to drag 'Kid Dynamite' into the later rounds before putting him away.
Who do you think would win?
ONE Championship dips its toe into the world of boxing
As the home of martial arts, it should come as no surprise that ONE Championship has begun to dip its toe into the world of boxing.
In September 2023, the promotion offered fans a special rules striking bout between reigning ONE strawweight MMA world champion Xiong Jing Nan and Thai fan favorite Nat 'Wondergirl' Jaroonsak. As expected, the fighter delivered fireworks for fans inside the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium and those watching around the world on Amazon Prime Video.
Xiong walked away the victor, scoring a third-round TKO.
At ONE 165, the promotion once again offered up a special rules super fight between Dutch icon Nieky Holzken and Yoshihiro Akiyama. Scheduled for three rounds, the fight would see alternating rule sets, starting with boxing before moving to Muay Thai and MMA in the subsequent rounds.
However, Holzken only needed his boxing to put away 'Sexyama,' defeating the Japanese superstar in less than two minutes.
Do you want to see more boxing-style fights in ONE Championship?