Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, and Mike Tyson are three of the best boxers in the sport’s history - but all three believe “Sugar” Ray Robinson is the greatest of all time.
Article continues below
Like many sports, boxing has a ‘greatest of all time’ debate that is fiercely argued. Fans, pundits, and fighters alike each have their own pick based on championship record, fighting style, and impact on the sport, as well as intangibles like charisma and heart.
Article continues below
For many, Ali is the standout choice. A global cultural icon, widely known by the nickname “The Greatest,” he is often regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time as he won multiple titles across his storied 56-5 record. Tyson himself made a surprising admission over the "mean and evil" former heavyweight king.
Article continues below
Albert Breer Breaks Down Bryce Huff's Trade to 49ers
READ MORE: 'I'm Muhammad Ali's grandson – here's what he'd have made of controversial Mike Tyson decision'READ MORE: Donald Trump on collision course with Saudi Arabia's audacious boxing plans with Alcatraz move
One of his great rivals was the late Foreman, who suffered his first professional loss to Ali in “The Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974 but enjoyed an incredible career. At 46, he was the oldest heavyweight champion in history and retired with a 76-5 record.
Then there’s Tyson. Divisive and controversial, there is nothing debatable about his pure power as he registered a 50-7 record with two no contests.
Despite their own claims to the throne, each of the three men believed Robinson is the greatest boxer in history. Ali even revealed that the Hall of Famer had inspired him.
“My idol when I was growing up was Sugar Ray Robinson,” Ali said. “He was the greatest of them all.”
Article continues below
Robinson remains one of the sport’s most influential figures, fighting on over 200 occasions as a professional while winning a version of the world championship on six occasions. He retired with an exceptional 174-19-6 record with a pair of no contests, winning 109 fights by knockout.
Robinson racked up a number of legacy-defining victories throughout his tenure. However, perhaps the most famous win of his career came in 1951, when he defeated Jake LaMotta to become the middleweight champion.
Foreman also spoke highly of Robinson, claiming he was the greatest fighter he’d ever laid eyes on. He said: “There’s no doubt about it: Sugar Ray Robinson was the best I ever saw.”
Article continues below
Tyson, who dominated the sport in the 1980s and early 1990s, also praised Robinson’s career and legacy. In an old interview, he said: “Sugar Ray Robinson was the greatest fighter that ever lived.”
After a monumental professional career, Robinson announced his retirement from the sport in 1965. The announcement was made after Robinson was defeated in his 201st career bout by Joey Archer.
