Muhammad Ali once revealed that when it came to naming the greatest boxer in history, only one fighter came to mind.
Ali built a legendary career that included becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion and competing in some of boxing’s most iconic fights. His victories over George Foreman in the “Rumble in the Jungle” and Joe Frazier in the “Thrilla in Manila” helped cement his place among the sport’s most celebrated figures. He retired in 1981 with a record of 56 wins in 61 fights.
Yet when discussing boxing’s greatest fighter in a resurfaced interview, Ali said his admiration belonged to Robinson. “Sugar Ray Robinson, he’s still my idol. Pound for pound I still say Sugar Ray Robinson was the greatest of all time,” Ali said.
Robinson compiled one of the most remarkable records in boxing history, winning 174 of his 201 professional bouts. During his career, he engaged in notable rivalries with fighters such as Jake LaMotta, whom he faced six times, and also shared the ring with contenders including Henry Armstrong and Randolph Turpin.
At one stage Robinson recorded 129 victories in his first 132 fights and went on a 91-fight unbeaten streak. He held the world welterweight title from 1946 to 1951 and later became world middleweight champion on five separate occasions.
Image Credit: Neil Leifer - Sports Illustrated