Introduction
The infamous incident involving Deontay Wilder and boxing provocateur Charlie Zelenoff has gained even more notoriety thanks to Mike Tyson‘s comedic take on it during his now-defunct podcast. Tyson, a legendary figure in the boxing world and former undisputed heavyweight champion, couldn’t contain his laughter while re-watching a clip of the confrontation that took place in 2014. The footage depicts Wilder, who later became the WBC heavyweight champion, delivering a brutal lesson to Zelenoff, a self-proclaimed boxing troll known for making controversial remarks, including offensive comments about Wilder’s daughter, who has spina bifida.
The Clash
The clash began when Zelenoff, seeking internet fame, challenged Wilder to a fight after provoking him online. In a moment that most online trolls would think twice about, Zelenoff actually stepped into the ring with the powerhouse boxer. As expected, the mismatch ended poorly for him, with Wilder dominating the encounter and Zelenoff left crumpled on the mat, clearly outmatched and on the brink of tears.
Tyson’s Commentary
Tyson remarked, “he would be in prison for that s…” while discussing the viral YouTube clip, alongside fellow boxing figures like former UFC champion Henry Cejudo and Andy Ruiz Jr.. This comment highlights not only the physicality of the bout but also how it reflects the fierce nature of the sport.
Tension in the Boxing Community
Tyson’s amusement comes amid a backdrop of tension between him and Wilder, stemming from recent comments by Wilder that questioned the caliber of Tyson’s opponents during his career, suggesting he faced only two Hall of Famers. This ongoing rivalry has created a palpable tension between two of boxing’s most recognized heavyweights.
Tyson and Wilder have crossed paths at industry events, including a recent encounter in Saudi Arabia where Wilder’s alleged inability to confront Tyson directly has been noted. Comparisons between these two heavyweight legends continue to intensify as they both carve their paths in boxing history.
The Curious Case of Charlie Zelenoff
Meanwhile, Zelenoff, often referred to as the “Greatest Boxer of All Time” by himself, continues to promote an exaggerated undefeated record of 60-0 with 60 knockouts, despite a significant amount of footage proving otherwise. His antics have even extended to alleged harassment of celebrities like Kim Kardashian, leading to legal actions against him.
At 36, Zelenoff remains infamously clinging to his boxing delusions, while the boxing community reflects on the consequences of his reckless provocations, especially in light of his embarrassing encounter with a heavyweight like Wilder.
