Muhammad Ali Finally Admitted One Heavyweight Rival Was ‘Greater Than I Ever Thought He Was’

Muhammad Ali is often recognised as the greatest fighter in boxing history.

The heavyweight legend’s legacy is undeniable, coming through adversity in the early stages of his career to catapult himself to the pinnacle of the sport.

His crowning moment came in February 1964 when he knocked out Sonny Liston to become world heavyweight champion for the first time. He repeated this just over one year later, knocking Liston out for the second time in the opening round of their rematch.

Nine years later, ‘The Greatest’ clashed with George Foreman in the iconic ‘Rumble In The Jungle’ in Kinshasa, Zaire.

Ali’s infamous ‘rope-a-dope’ style was too much for ‘Big’ George to handle as he secured an eighth round stoppage victory to capture the undisputed heavyweight championship, which he would hold for four years until his defeat to Leon Spinks in February 1978.

Ali also had an epic trilogy Joe Frazier. In the post-fight press conference following their last battle in 1975, Ali payed homage to Joe Frazier, claiming ‘Smokin’ Joe’ was ‘greater than he ever thought he was’.

“He’s greater than I ever thought he was, when I say great, his style is a style that only he can be successful with. I think he fought a good fight. The last round was close, it could have gone either way.”

Frazier fought Ali for the first time in March 1971, defeating ‘The Greatest’ over 15 rounds to retain his WBC and WBA heavyweight titles. Their rematch came three years later as Ali got his revenge, securing a unanimous decision victory over ‘Smokin’ Joe’ in New York City.

On October 1 1975, the historic ‘Thrilla In Manila’ took place as Frazier and Ali clashed for the third and final time. In one of the most memorable moments in boxing folklore, ‘The Greatest’ forced Frazier to retire in his corner at the end of the penultimate round.