Mike Tyson was one of the most feared fighters in the history of boxing – but it’s claimed he was ‘scared’ to fight George Foreman.

Following a ten-year hiatus, Foreman shocked the boxing world by announcing his return to the ring in 1987 at the age of 38.

Tyson was an intimidating figure at his peakCredit: AFP

The former heavyweight champion initially stepped away from the sport in 1977 following a defeat to Jimmy Young.

Foreman claimed he had a near-death experience during the bout and subsequently underwent a religious conversion, leading him to leave the sport to focus on his newfound faith.

His primary motivation for coming back was to raise money to fund the youth centre he had built in Houston, Texas.

However, he also claimed that he had returned with the intention of dethroning Tyson.

During Foreman’s time away from the sport, ‘Iron Mike’ had become the youngest heavyweight champion of all time and was boxing’s biggest star.

Foreman’s hopes of fighting Tyson seemed like a pipe dream at first, but by 1990 both parties were in serious negotiations after the boxing legend proved there was still plenty of gas left in his tank by stringing together an impressive 20-fight winning streak.

In April 1990, Tyson’s promoter Don King stuck them both on the same bill in separate bouts with the hope of drumming up interest in the fight.

Tyson knocked out Henry Tillman while Foreman laid waste to Adilson Rodrigues, yet talks quickly collapsed thereafter.

Tyson was locked up for six years after being convicted of rape two years later, however.

By the time he got out, Foreman had retired for good, but only after knocking out Michael Moorer in 1994 to become the oldest heavyweight champion of all time at 45 years and 299 days old.

Tyson and Foreman never fought despite being locked into negotiationsCredit: GETTY

Tyson would later admit that the biggest regret of his career was not fighting Foreman.

However, King’s former matchmaker Bobby Goodman insists he wasn’t keen on the idea at the time.

“Georgie, you’ll never believe this but, f***** Tyson is scared sh****** of Foreman and wants no part of him,” a 2005 article from Boxing Scene quotes Goodman as saying.

“I was there when Don was trying to make the fight.

“He was telling Tyson that Foreman represented huge money, plus he was old and slow and would be no problem.

“Tyson got up and screamed at King saying, ‘I’m not fighting that f***** animal, if you love the m******** so much, you fight him!'”

Foreman became the oldest heavyweight champion by knocking out Moorer at 45Credit: Getty Images

Ironically, Foreman later admitted that he never wanted any part of Tyson either.

“That guy was a nightmare in the ring. I didn’t want anything to do with that guy,” he told ESPN.

“I didn’t want a part of Mike Tyson. He was a monster. If he missed you with his left, then missed you with his right, he’d bite you.

“Those are the kind of guys you see in a nightmare. You want to wake up and say, ‘so glad that’s a dream’.

“I didn’t want any part of Mike Tyson – no way.”