Mike Tyson on Naoya Inoue: “The Best Fighter in the World”

When a boxing legend talks, the fight world pays attention. And when that legend is Mike Tyson—a man who redefined the art of the knockout—his praise for a modern fighter carries real weight.

So, what does “Iron Mike” think of Japanese sensation Naoya “The Monster” Inoue?

Tyson isn’t just impressed—he’s all-in. He’s called Inoue “the best fighter in the world” and even a “bad motherf**er.”* Coming from a man who has stood across from some of the most dangerous fighters in history, that’s as high as praise gets.

A Kindred Spirit in Destruction

Tyson’s admiration comes from recognizing something familiar—an unstoppable mix of speed, precision, and fight-ending power. While Tyson and Inoue sit at opposite ends of the size spectrum, their mentalities in the ring are strikingly similar: attack with precision, punish with intent, and never let an opponent breathe.

Inoue’s punching power seems almost unfair for his weight class. He doesn’t just win—he dismantles. His body shots are crippling, his combinations ruthless, and his finishes decisive. It’s the same “seek and destroy” philosophy Tyson embodied in his prime, and it’s clear he sees that same fire in “The Monster.”

Greatness Knows No Weight Class

For boxing fans, Tyson’s endorsement is more than just a compliment—it’s a passing of the torch. It’s proof that the fundamentals of greatness transcend size, era, and style.

When one of the most feared heavyweights in history stamps his approval on a fighter from the lighter divisions, it says one thing loud and clear: Naoya Inoue isn’t just great for his weight class—he’s great, period.