Mike Tyson’s former trainer has boldly claimed that he could knock out Deontay Wilder in less than a minute.
Jeff Fenech trained the two-time heavyweight world champion towards the back-end of Tyson’s career and believes the 53-year-old would be capable of dispatching former WBC king Wilder.
Tyson’s impressive career spanned 20 years between 1985 to 2005, beating 44 of his 56 opponents with knock-out victories.
He still holds the record for youngest ever heavyweight champion, achieved when he knocked out Trevor Berbick in 1986 at the tender age of 20.
Despite being out of the sport for the past 15 years, Tyson’s former trainer Fenech believes a short training regime would be enough for him to dispatch Wilder in less than sixty seconds.
Fenech said: “Boxing’s not the same now. I’d guarantee that if Mike Tyson trained for six weeks, he’d knock Wilder out in a minute.
“He would hit them. If these guys are getting knocked out by Tyson Fury - who’s a great fighter, but not a huge puncher - Tyson would kill these guys.
“They’re not on the same level today.”
Tyson’s 20-year career came to an end when he was knocked out by Kevin McBridge in 2005 but Fenech is certain Tyson could beat Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Wilder.
Fenech added: “Mike today, I reckon if he trained he could still beat these guys.
“Fury’s got these other skills, but Deontay Wilder’s got a punch and nothing else. If you punch him, it’s over.
“And Mike don’t miss.”
Tyson and Wilder share a similar boxing record with the majority of their opponents being left in a state of unconsciousness.
Wilder left 41 of his 44 opponents unconscious and tasted defeat only once - a knockout loss to Tyson Fury in February.