Muhammad Ali Admitted He Was Glad He Never Had To Face One Heavyweight Champion

Muhammad Ali is known simply as ‘The Greatest,’ well regarded for an unwavering confidence of beating any man in the ring. In his later days, however, he was open about the dangers his fellow heavyweights posed.

Famous for his actions both inside and outside of the ropes, Ali was undefeated in his first 31 fights before a meeting with Joe Frazier ended in a unanimous decision loss. He would later beat Frazier twice to win their trilogy.

Ali did the same with Ken Norton, and beat Leon Spinks in an immediate rematch in 1978. The only two losses he couldn’t avenge – Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick – came in the early eighties when it was widely accepted that he was in no fit state to be fighting.

One year after Ali’s retirement, Great Britain’s Frank Bruno made his professional debut. Bruno was unbeaten in 21 before being knocked out by James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith and seeing his world title ambitions set back.

When he did reach the very top, Bruno couldn’t clinch the title, losing to Tim Witherspoon, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis but building back each time. His crowning moment came at Wembley Stadium against Oliver McCall, winning the WBC Heavyweight World Title on points. He lost it in a rematch with Tyson in his final bout.

Bruno had many fans and could consider Ali amongst them. He once revealed a letter full of praise from ‘The Greatest,’ in which he was told he would have given him ‘a whole lot of trouble.’ The touching words also included one of Ali’s famous rhymes.

“Dear Frank,

“When I watch you fight I am happy that I didn’t come along. From what I see, you could have given me a whole lot of trouble. I know you are a good man and have a nice personality, and you are not bad looking either. If we were matched for a title bout, it would be awful hard for me to make myself angry enough to fight you.

“So Frank, I am glad we never fought and I am glad we will never have to fight… I like you too much!

For I am no fool I’ve been to school.
You’re too cool.
You’re not dumb enough to stay on the stool and let me rule.

“In all seriousness, I am really sorry I can’t be there with you tonight, but know that you are in my thoughts and in my prayers. Stay strong. God bless you and good luck!

“Muhammad Ali.”

Bruno held Ali in the same regard, calling him an ‘inspiration, mentor, friend and the greatest of all time.’