A recent clip on Instagram has resurfaced where Mike Tyson said he didn’t want to be like his idol Muhammad Ali when growing up in the world of boxing.

Two of the greatest heavyweights to have fought in the last 50 years and many boxing world heavyweight championships between them, Tyson and Ali have often been compared to each other.

Ali made his professional debut in 1960 and within three years he was heavyweight champion of the world as he defeated Sonny Liston in an upset via TKO to capture his first title.

He had historic bouts with the likes of Liston, Joe Frazier and George Foreman in a storied and decorated career.

Ali singlehandedly ruled the old boxing era, but the sport was looking for a new star after his retirement in December 1981.

Four years later, Tyson came into the limelight and rose to superstardom in little to no time as he embarked on a journey of his own.

Making his professional debut in 1985, Tyson became world champion and later undisputed champion within three years of his debut, similarly to Ali.

He holds the record of the youngest heavyweight champion in history, having won his first title at 20 years of age and was the first to hold the WBA, WBC and IBF titles simultaneously.

Iron Mike always idolised Ali, having shown and given his respect to the great man on numerous occasions. Throughout the years, the two remained connected.

Many feel that Tyson wanted to be like Ali growing up, but Tyson himself made a candid statement as he claimed that wasn’t the case.

Speaking in an interview with Steve Bunce, he said: “I didn’t want to be like Muhammad Ali because where I came from, Muhammad Ali didn’t come from the world I came from.

“I came from filth, scum and sewage, so I wanted to be mean like Sonny Liston and Jack Dempsey. I wanted to be ferocious, I wanted to kill you with my stare.

“I wasn’t like Muhammad Ali. I love and respect Muhammad Ali, but Muhammad Ali is not like me. He don’t come from the world I come from.”

This statement really does reflect well in the fighting styles of both men, as Tyson truly was a knockout artist while Ali was all about speed, technique and breaking an opponent down.

Tyson could do that too, but he was more well known for his ferocity and ability to end a bout with one powerful punch.

One thing that is for certain is that these two are the greatest in the history of the sport and their records will stand for the rest of time.