Deontay Wilder has made a bold statement about his abilities, claiming that he would have beaten Mike Tyson, even when Tyson was at his peak. In an interview with TMZ back in 2018, Wilder didn’t mince words about his confidence in a hypothetical matchup against the boxing legend.

“Me vs Tyson in ’86, I’d kick the hell outta that guy,” Wilder stated. “Listen, I’ve got to keep it real. I know people always go back to the old school or look at the new school, and there’s no school where I’m not No. 1 on Earth.”

Wilder, known for his knockout power and formidable presence in the ring, emphasized his unique attributes that he believes would give him the upper hand. “Nobody has a natural killer instinct as I do, ain’t anybody could ever knock me out,” he asserted. “My hand speed, I’m too long, I’m too tall, my athleticism, my footwork, all that gives me an advantage, it plays a big part.”

While acknowledging Tyson’s dominance in his own era, Wilder confidently stated that times have changed. “No disrespect to Mike Tyson, in his era he was the best, but this is a new era. No old-school fighter should beat a new-school fighter. Look at the technology we have.”

Wilder’s comments reflect his unwavering belief in his own capabilities and the advancements in training and sports science that he believes give modern fighters an edge. “I’m very confident in what I say, and I speak what I do,” Wilder concluded, leaving no doubt about his confidence in a clash against the iconic Tyson.