Many boxing fans view Muhammad Ali as the greatest of all time, but the man himself once revealed his own pick.
Ali’s own illustrious accolades include becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion, whilst talking part in some of the biggest fights in history, including the ‘Rumble In The Jungle’ against George Foreman and the ‘Thrilla In Manila’ against Joe Frazier.
His final record stood at 56 wins from 61 fights, having also defeated the likes of Sonny Liston, Floyd Patterson, Earnie Shavers and Ken Norton, along with becoming a cultural icon outside of the ring.
Those achievements are the reason why a lot of fans deem Ali to be the best ever, but in a resurfaced interview, the heavyweight legend once revealed his choice for that honour to be Sugar Ray Robinson.
“That man was beautiful. Timing, speed, reflexes, rhythm, his body, everything was 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 reigned as world welterweight title for five years from 1946 to 1951, going on an incredible 91-fight unbeaten streak in the process.
His record at one stage read 129 wins from 132 fights, with 85 of those victories coming by knockout. After his welterweight reign, he moved up to middleweight where he became a five-time world champion in that division.
When he eventually hung up the gloves in 1965, he ended his career with a record of 174 wins from his 201 fights, and it is clear to see just why Ali ranks him as the greatest.
