Phil Jackson entered the 1997-98 season knowing it would be his last with the Bulls. Michael Jordan insisted he wouldn't play for any other coach. 2020-04-19 Michael Phil Anne Ryan, USA TODAY, USA TODAY via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Michael Jordan Gets GOAT Endorsement From Legendary Boxing Icon

Originally posted on Back in the Day NBA on SI
By Shandel Richardson | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 11:08 AM ET

Many NBA stars have weighed in on the greatest basketball player of all time debate. Some say it's Michael Jordan. Others think LeBron James is the choice. Then there is the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar crowd. And so on.

Recently, a legend from another sport dropped his opinion. Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson made his pick while appearing on the Shaquille O'Neal podcast.

"I'm a Jordan guy," Tyson said.

Mike Tyson says Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all time

( @bigpodwithshaq / https://t.co/WoWRvyoPgh) pic.twitter.com/8OiNAnPctP
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 18, 2025

Tyson was atop the boxing world when Jordan was making his way up the NBA ranks. Tyson won 37 straight fights before losing to James "Buster" Douglas in 1990 in Tokyo. It remains one of the greatest upsets in sports history.

Tyson never regained his perch as the "baddest man on the planet." Although he did regain his title, he was unable to duplicate his early success. He won the title six years later by defeating Frank Bruno and Bruce Seldon but then lost two straight fights to Evander Holyfield.

At that time, Jordan was continuing his dominance in the NBA. His Chicago Bulls had already won four championships. The Bulls went on to win two more to complete a reign of six titles in eight seasons. The two years they missed the Finals were when Jordan retired after the 1992-93 season and when he returned at midseason in 1995.

Still, Tyson believes he remains the greatest fighter in boxing history.

"Me," Tyson told O'Neal. "I'm not being egotistical. They said they know, if you put up statistics. Ask the world."

MORE BACK IN THE DAY HOOPS NEWS

Ace Bailey trying to become next great No. 5 pick

Joe Dumars speaks on Zion Williamson

Shaquille O'Neal challenges Robert Griffin III

This article first appeared on Back in the Day NBA on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: