Known as ‘The Greatest’, Ali remains one of, if not the most influential figure in the history of boxing and arguably the best fighter to have ever laced up the gloves.
He captured world honours for the first time in 1964 with an historic victory over Sonny Liston, stopping him in the sixth round of their showdown at the Convention Center in Miami, Florida.
Ali went on to share the ring with a number of legendary heavyweights throughout the remainder of his career, including George Foreman and Joe Frazier, getting the better of both fighters throughout his exceptional tenure.
In an interview with Cathal O’Sannon of RTE, Ali claimed how he only went forward with a bout against Alvin Lewis back in 1972 after it was revealed that ‘Big’ George and Frazier reportedly turned down an opportunities to share the ring with him.
“Well I’m fighting Lewis for one reason, and mainly because Frazier won’t fight him, George Foreman top notch fighter wouldn’t fight him, Jerry Quarry wouldn’t fight him.
With most boxers and manager this is just a business and they figure well they got a top contender and he’s barely on top and they don’t want to take a chance and lose unless they’re paid great.
Top notch fighters fighting ‘Blue’ Lewis can’t receive the proper pay because he’s not famous but yet he’s got a chance to beat them and they have nothing to gain but everything to lose.”
Ali would go on to stop Lewis in the penultimate round of their non-title heavyweight showdown at Croke Park in Dublin.
