Muhammad Ali Said Both George Foreman And Joe Frazier Refused To Face One Heavyweight

Heavyweight icon Muhammad Ali once called out two former rivals for refusing to face a certain fighter.

Best known by his alias ‘The Greatest’, Ali is often credited with being one of, if not the greatest fighter in the history of boxing. His charisma and unique fighting style set him apart from the others in what was a golden era of heavyweights.

His crowning moment came back in 1964 when he dethroned the legendary Sonny Liston to become the world heavyweight champion for the first time, stopping him after six rounds of their bout in Miami.

Ali also locked horns with another two icons of the heavyweight division in George Foreman and Joe Frazier, defeating both fighters during his incredible tenure.

Despite the mutual respect that he shared with both fighters, ‘The Greatest’ once spoke out and revealed how they refused to face one man in particular.

In a resurfaced interview with Cathal O’Sannon of RTE, Ali admitted he only went ahead with a fight against Alvin Lewis in 1972 because both Foreman and Frazier had reportedly turned down opportunities to face 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.”

‘The Greatest’ went on to knock Lewis out in the eleventh round of their bout at Croke Park in Ireland in what was a non-title showdown.