Mike Tyson has hailed Anthony Joshua's victory over Wladimir Klitschko as a turning point in professional boxing due to the excitement generated by the heavyweight contest that shattered UK box office records last weekend.
The boxing legend was speaking to ESPN at the launch of the Mike Tyson Academy in Dubai when he claimed that heavyweight fights are what truly captures the enthusiasm of the fans, and that the 'little guys' who had been making money in the sport were in trouble.
Whenever there's a new heavyweight champion and he's explosive like that and wins the title like that it changes the whole game. All the little guys that were making a lot of money are not going to make their money any more.
It's all going to be about Joshua and the heavyweights now. That one fight changed boxing.
Despite it all being about Joshua now, Tyson openly admitted that he had written the Englishman off as just another product of the hype-machine before his 11th round TKO victory against Klitschko.
However, having seen his power, athleticism, but most importantly his heart, Tyson has been converted.
It was a great fight. I had actually picked Klitschko to win as I thought this was just some jumped-up young guy from England. But man he fought well. Klitschko is 41 and no-one has ever done that to him.
Importantly, he showed heart. He took a big punch from Klitschko and went down but he got back up. He showed real intestinal fortitude. He's consistent, persistent and he didn't give up. There's no quitting in him. I love that he goes out there to hurt his opponent, too. That's what boxing is all about but most fighters just don't have that hunger.
The sky is the limit for him now and he is going to dominate the division and make so much money if he just keeps on doing what he's doing.
High praise that will certainly being a smile to Anthony Joshua's face, you'd have to imagine.
While also speaking to ESPN, Tyson gave his views on the potential meeting of Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather, a prospect he is far less enthused about.
Rather than see McGregor attempt to box Mayweather, Tyson, it seems, would rather see Floyd compete in MMA.
If Mayweather boxes McGregor, it will be total garbage. But if Floyd goes to UFC... now that would be interesting. I want to see an MMA fighter fight a boxer, not an MMA fighter box a boxer.
In a boxing ring, McGregor is outmatched by Mayweather -- it won't be fair. McGregor is a colourful guy, but I'd much prefer to see where he's at in a match with UFC rules.
That would also be garbage, you'd have to imagine, as Mayweather has never participated in any aspect of MMA other than pure boxing.
Anyway, that fight is still some way off happening, but what lies ahead for Anthony Joshua is currently being debated.
Reports that emerged today have suggested that he would be willing to lose IBF title belt for a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko, while other conflicting reports suggest Tyson Fury in Wembley is next. Either way, it's going to be unmissable.
Who would you rather seen Joshua face next? Get in touch and let us know.
