Mike Tyson has weighed in with some comparisons between the heavyweights of his generation and the current crop, and has some interesting observations.

Tyson kickstarted a professional career that would last two decades all the way back in 1985, the crowning moment of which was when he was crowned undisputed world champion in 1987 aged just 27.

And when asked by Boxing Arabia on how the modern generation of heavies compares to those active in ‘Iron Mike’s heyday, he offered up one very notable distinction.

“I’m not saying that the guys of today wouldn’t beat those guys. But guys back then were tougher. They’d fight anybody with no hesitation. There was no, “I have to talk to my manager about this.” It’s right now, let’s fight.”

“Back in the 80s, if someone said they were the best fighter in the world and they were in your division, you’d want to fight them outside. Many times I wanted to fight guys outside because my ego was involved.”

Given the fact there has not been an undisputed heavyweight world champion in 24 years and a countless big fights have failed to materialise, it is highly likely the average boxing fan would agree wholeheartedly with Tyson’s assessment.

A stark example of this came this year, when talks for a mammoth four belt unification between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk publicly collapsed, despite months being spent at the negotiating table.

This, and all the other never to be fights that have plagued the division over the years, could all be forgiven by the end of the year however, with the recent emergence of plans for a four man heavyweight bonanza in Saudi Arabia, that could potentially see Fury and Usyk square off on the same card as Deontay Wilder vs Anthony Joshua.