Mike Tyson honors Muhammad Ali by sharing a throwback photo of the boxing greats together

BOXING legend Mike Tyson paid tribute to Muhammad Ali via social media by posting an amazing throwback photo.

Tyson, a former undisputed heavyweight champion, idolized The Greatest as a young man. He watched his legendary career on television and old videos.

Tyson holds Ali, who died in June 2016, in the greatest regard. He also uploaded an old photo to Instagram to express his admiration for this sporting icon.

The caption that accompanied his photo read: "Still an admirer @muhammadali#thegreatest."

Tyson, then 14 years old, watched his hero fight Larry Holmes in 1980. This was his penultimate fight in his career.

Ali, 38 years old, was battered by Holmes until he retired at the conclusion of the tenth round.

Tyson, who was there with Cus D'Amato, his mentor, was devastated. He said that he was offended at how Ali beat him up.

"When we drove to Catskill [about one hour from Albany], no one in the car spoke a word, and we were all so upset."

Iron Mike didn't know that he would be able to speak with his hero the next day by phone.

Tyson said, "He told Ali, 'I had this young black kid who will be heavyweight champion one day. I want you talk to him."

A young Tyson made the phone call to Holmes, vowing revenge. Holmes was killed eight years later.

Ali replied, "When I grow up I'll fight Holmes, and I'll get his back for you."

Boxing fans have been wondering for decades how a fight between prime Ali and prime Tyson could go.

Tyson's answer to this often-asked question is simple.

Yahoo Sports told him: "It's a fantasy sport."

"Most likely, I would win the fantasy fight. But I wouldn't win in the real fight." Ali is the greatest fighter there has ever been.

Many consider Tyson to be the greatest fighter of all time, but Ali's determination is more impressive than his.

He told GQ in 2016: "He will fight you until the end. He's a real gamer, just like a pitbull.

He looked more like a model than he was in his prime. He was more like a model and less like a fighter.

He was a dead-game guy. He was dead-game. He was too proud. He refused to let go."

He said, "Ali has been the most competitive fighter of all time."