ANTHONY JOSHUA claimed “unique specimen” Mike Tyson was a gift to boxing “sent from heaven”.
Joshua has revealed in the past that Tyson is his all-time favourite heavyweight.
Anthony Joshua ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk
Mike Tyson pictured in his prime in 1986
And some have urged AJ to take inspiration from Iron Mike’s spiteful style into his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday.
But Joshua admitted – just like with Floyd Mayweather – there will never be another Tyson.
He said: “Look at football, Floyd Mayweather is the Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo of boxing.
“Not everyone can be like Mike Tyson. Mike Tyson was sent from heaven to grace us with his boxing talent.
“Mike is a unique specimen. I can learn from him, but I cannot ever be anything like Mike Tyson.
“He was a separate case in my opinion. I know it will be a much tougher fight this time.
“In my heart, I definitely want to throw punches to hurt him, but I’m not Mike Tyson.
“I’m the taller man, with the longer reach, so I’m going to use those elements.”
Joshua, 32, rematches Usyk, 35, in Saudi Arabia following his points loss to the Ukrainian in September.
And Tyson, 56, spoke out on Instagram Live to give his verdict on the unified title fight.
He said: “It’s gonna be hard to beat Usyk because he’s fast and he outpunched Joshua with his jab.
“It’s gonna be hard to beat Usyk because he’s fast and he outpunched Joshua with his jab.
“Joshua has to learn to deal with his jab. That’s the only thing he couldn’t handle, he couldn’t handle his jab and his movement.
“He’s too fast for Joshua. Joshua has to put a lot of pressure on him and keep it on him all night.
“He’s a powerful puncher, but he’s not as accurate – you’ve gotta be accurate against a guy like that.
“Because he moves so much, the jab is educated and he just outsmarts the guy.”
Anthony Joshua was beaten by Oleksandr Usyk last September
