In the world of professional boxing, few opinions carry as much weight as that of Mike Tyson. As we navigate the landscape of 2026, the "Baddest Man on the Planet" remains the ultimate barometer for what makes a true warrior. Recently, during an interview ahead of his Amateur Invitational, "Iron Mike" sat down with The Ring Magazine to name the five active fighters he loves to watch most.
While the list includes some of the world's most elite pound-for-pound kings, it's his defense of a controversial, inactive star that has ignited a massive social media firestorm.
The Defensive Prodigy and the Rising Star
Tyson's list began with a nod to the "sweet science" in its purest form. He highlighted Shakur Stevenson, the defensive mastermind who currently sits at No. 3 in the global pound-for-pound rankings.
"I like Stevenson, you know. I like Keyshawn Davis," Tyson remarked, pairing the established champion with his fast-rising training partner.
For Tyson, Stevenson's ability to remain untouched while dismantling opponents is a rare gift. Adding Keyshawn Davis—who is still hunting for his major breakout world title fight—shows that Tyson is keeping a close eye on the "hungry" generation that reminds him of his own meteoric rise in the 80s.
The "Monster" and the Mentor
No modern boxing list is complete without Naoya Inoue, and Tyson was quick to give "The Japanese Monster" his flowers.
"I like Inoue, the Japanese guy, I like him," Tyson said with a smirk. To a man like Tyson, who built a legend on devastating KOs, Inoue's clinical destruction of the lower weight classes is peak entertainment.
Interestingly, Tyson also included Terence Crawford. Though "Bud" officially retired late last year after his historic victory against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, Tyson still views him as a benchmark for the active era. Crawford's legacy as a mentor to Stevenson and Davis further cements his place in Tyson's personal hall of fame.
The Shocker: Why Jermall Charlo?
The moment that left boxing promoters and fans in absolute disbelief was Tyson's vocal support for Jermall Charlo.
"What's the Charlo brother, Jermall? He is a real good fighter," Tyson declared. This is a bold, almost provocative take given that Charlo has spent nearly five years in a cycle of crushing inactivity. Just this week, news broke that Charlo had withdrawn from his scheduled WBA super-middleweight title challenge on the Benavidez-Ramirez card, with Jaime Munguia stepping in to replace him.
By calling him a "real good fighter," Tyson is issuing a fierce defense of Charlo's raw talent over his recent track record. While the world sees "inactivity" and "missed opportunities," Iron Mike still sees a champion's soul.
The "Iron Mike" Effect in 2026
Tyson's endorsement has immediate consequences. In an era where "YouTuber-turned-boxers" often steal the spotlight—a trend Tyson himself participated in during his 2024 bout with Jake Paul—his focus on pure skill is a savage reality check for the industry.
The internet is currently divided. One half of the fandom is praising Tyson for recognizing Charlo's untapped potential, while the other is questioning if the legend is being too nostalgic. Regardless of the debate, one thing is certain: Iron Mike has spoken, and in the world of boxing, his word is still law.
A Legacy of Scouting
As Mike Tyson continues to develop young fighters through his invitational events, his top 5 list serves as more than just a preference—it's a philosophy. He values the defense of Stevenson, the power of Inoue, the wisdom of Crawford, and the hidden potential of Charlo.
In a sport that often forgets its heroes the moment they stop fighting, Tyson is reminding us that greatness isn't just about the current belt you hold—it's about the fire you carry.