Anthony Joshua showed his true colours when asked about fighting Mike Tyson

British heavyweight Anthony Joshua has previously expressed his reservations about stepping into the ring with the legendary Mike Tyson , citing a potential backlash from fans. Tyson, who became the youngest world heavyweight champion in history at just 20, is poised to make a sensational return to boxing against Jake Paul next Friday (November 15). The sporting community is divided over the 58-year-old's comeback, especially against an opponent three decades younger, with some anticipating potentially serious repercussions from the mismatch.

While he was focussed on securing a highly anticipated all-British showdown with Tyson Fury at the time, which could occur next year, Joshua refuted any suggestions of a bout with the New Yorker back in 2020. Speaking to The Sun , Joshua said: "With all due respect I wouldn't. Even if I fought Iron Mike and beat him, I think I'd be the only one cheering.



People would boo. He is a legend." He further showered praise on Tyson and his stature in the sport, stating: "He is the greatest boxer of the modern era.

There are only two recognised champions the world knows of, Ali and Mike Tyson - the most recognised faces in the world when it comes to boxing." Joshua opted to use football icon David Beckham as an analogy as he explained why a fighter of Tyson's stature might opt for a ring return despite his advancing years, reports the Mirror . He added: "I see it like this - how old is David Beckham, 44, 45? If you see him in 10 years kicking a ball, doing 100 kick-ups, a round-the-world and hitting the crossbar and then an overhead volley into the top corner, people would love it.

"But because Mike Tyson is the embodiment of like, the killing machine, he hits the pads for 15 seconds and the whole world goes crazy, it is normal. It is what Tyson knows. But for him to fight.

.. would you be shocked if Beckham came back? You would.

But for boxers, it's all they know." While Joshua may have his qualms about entering the ring with Tyson, the Brooklyn-bred legend himself has no such misgivings, as he enthusiastically expressed his willingness to go toe-to-toe against the British fighter in a charity match in 2020. When the topic surfaced during Tyson's discussion with iFL TV, he eagerly responded: "I would love to do that.

That would be mind-blowing.".