The once-formidable ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson has spoken of his regret for not facing a certain heavyweight legend during his career.

The 58-year-old from New York City began his professional career in March 1985, and just over 18 months later became the WBC heavyweight champion with a devastating second round knockout victory over Trevor Berbick, making him the youngest world heavyweight champion in history.

Tyson would go on to hold the undisputed heavyweight championship between 1987 and 1990, eventually losing his crown in a shock 10th round knockout defeat to James ‘Buster’ Douglas at the Tokyo Dome in Japan.

Despite facing, and defeating, a number of top heavyweights during his tenure including Larry Holmes, Frank Bruno and Michael Spinks, ‘Iron’ Mike once spoke of his regret in not facing George Foreman, who still holds the record for being the oldest world heavyweight champion in boxing history.

In a special feature with The Ring Magazine, Tyson revealed that one of the few regrets he had during his career was not securing a fight with ‘Big’ George.

“I would have liked to fight George Foreman. There have been many fans who wondered who was the bigger puncher. I would have liked to put an end to the discussion – one way or the other.”

Foreman was reportedly close to agreeing a fight with ‘Iron’ Mike in the late 1990’s, but it never materialised for one reason or another.

The two-time world heavyweight champion returned to the sport in 1987 after a 10-year hiatus, before going on to defeat Michael Moorer in 1994 to capture the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles, becoming the oldest man in boxing history to achieve this feat.