KEY POINTS

  • Mike Tyson sends Deontay Wilder message ahead of Tyson Fury trilogy fight
  • Tyson was grateful Fury was named after him
  • Wilder has never forged a good relationship with Tyson

Mike Tyson has a piece of advice for former WBC Heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder amid Tyson Fury rematch talks.

Last Feb. 22, Fury finally settled the score between him and his heavyweight nemesis Wilder. “The Gypsy King” was able to stop the American boxing superstar in just nearly 7 rounds. As expected, many are still yearning for a third showdown between the two as the fight was so hyped that almost the entire boxing world got engaged into it. But one big name in the sport has relatively been linked to both fighters – Tyson.

In an exclusive interview with The Sportsman, the 53-year-old legend once again expressed his thoughts about the Fury-Wilder rivalry. Apparently, Tyson will always be connected to Fury as the British boxing star was named after him. This was something Tyson was grateful for and also the reason why he was always biased about Fury.

“I like him a lot. I take pride that he’s named after me. I really appreciate that. I was really grateful and humbled when I first learned he was named after me,” Tyson said of Fury.

Tyson was ringside when Fury TKO’d Wilder. In fact, he even caught by cameras celebrating wildly after the fight. But despite evidently showing full support on Fury, Tyson also acknowledges Wilder’s talent.

With regards to Wilder’s apparent desire for a quick rematch against Fury, Tyson gave him some piece of advice and said that “The Bronze Bomber” should go right back in there and fight.

“He (Wilder) has to go right back in, right away. Get yourself healthy, your head right, and get back in the ring,” Tyson said.

Mike Tyson
Outside of the big four, former boxing great Mike Tyson was pulled over for a DUI in 2006 in Scottsdale, Ariz. Apparently that is the spot to get pulled over if you’re a famous former athlete. Reuters

Wilder has never forged a good relationship with Tyson. In fact, shortly after knocking out Luis Ortiz in November, Wilder claimed that Tyson sung his praises at ringside but was reluctant to express his admiration public .

Prior to the Ortiz rematch, Wilder already took a dig at “Iron Mike” back in 2018. The 34-year-old turned heads when he told TMZ Sports he would beat the 1986 version of Tyson. Wilder’s claim sparked fire among boxing legends including Lennox Lewis, who fought and defeated Tyson in the past.

When Tyson heard about Wilder’s bold prediction, “The Baddest Man on the Planet” quickly shut it down by saying "I don't think so."

Fury vs. Wilder 3 is a highly anticipated bout. However, Fury is heavily linked to his fellow countrymen Anthony Joshua.

Deontay Wilder (left) says he is keeping trainer Mark Breland in his corner as he targets a rematch with Tyson Fury
Deontay Wilder (left) says he is keeping trainer Mark Breland in his corner as he targets a rematch with Tyson Fury GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AL BELLO