Muhammad Ali Named The Fighter Who Was Truly The Greatest Of All Time: “I Have To Admit It”

Muhammad Ali was known simply as ‘The Greatest,’ though he once admitted there was a fighter he considered to be even greater still.

Formerly Cassius Clay, Ali was an enigma who changed the heavyweight division with his agility, speed and footwork. He captured the world title in his 20th fight with an upset win over feared Sonny Liston and continued his undefeated run for another seven years.

Though he hung up the gloves too late and was enticed back for ill-advised contests against Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick, many feel that on his day Ali was unbeatable. He felt the same way, regularly referring to himself as the best ever.

However, in a resurfaced interview, Ali admitted that though he was the greatest of the big men, he did not feel he was the greatest fighter entire. That honour he gave to one Sugar Ray Robinson.

“Pound for pound. When they say Sugar Ray Robinson was the greatest fighter, pound for pound, meaning I imagine that if he was a heavyweight fighting the same style, he’d be the greatest. I would have to admit. I would have to say yes.

“I have his fight films. That man was beautiful. Timing, speed, reflexes, rythym, everything. Even his body, everything twas beautiful. I’d say I’m the greatest heavyweight of all time, but pound for pound I still say Sugar Ray Robinson was the greatest of all time.”

Robinson was a master technician with an unparalleled blend of speed and power. His amateur record is regularly reported as 85 wins with zero losses, and he quickly translated that dominance into a stellar professional career.

The Georgia native initially reigned as the world welterweight champion before moving up to the middleweight division, capturing the title an unprecedented five times. His legendary rivalries, particularly his series of brutal fights against Jake LaMotta, remain iconic moments in the sport’s history.

Robinson’s impact on boxing is undeniable, and, like Ali, fans would struggle to find an American fighter who hasn’t tried to emulate either one of his attributes inside the ring or his charisma outside of it.