The boxing icons both appeared on the same talk show alongside another great Sugar Ray Leonard.

Tyson and Ali ran into each other in 1989 on an episode of the Bill Arsenio Show.

Ali was eight years retired at that point after his 1981 loss to Trevor Berbick.

But his respect for Ali was clear to see on the show and vice versa.

Ali and Sugar Ray were already on the sofa when Tyson was introduced.

Iron Mike’s arrival seemed to put Ali on edge.

Host Arsenio asked the former champion wh at was wrong, to which Ali replied: “I’m scared of him”

The host hit back: “You’re scared of this one? He’s a sweetheart.”Ali said: “He’s a real champion.”

The host then got onto the million dollar question.He asked Ali who would’ve won in a fight between the pair in their prime.

Without hesitation Ali pointed at Iron Mike, who looked a bit embarrassed by the praise.

Ali said: “I was a dancer boxer. I wasn’t that powerful, I was so fast. But if he hit me.”

And he ended his reply by pretending to be knocked out cold.Tyson responded: “I know I’m great but can I tell you something.

“In this situation, every head must bow, every tongue must profess, this is the greatest of all time.”