Even allowing for his controversies,and there are people who hate Ali it has to be Ali simply because no other fighter transcended the sport like him,so many non boxing fans admire him.After Ali i'd say guys like Joe Louis,Sugar Ray Robinson and Jack Dempsey.
In my part of the world 'coloured' is the polite, politically correct way of describing non-whites, so don't try and read anything into the terminology! Who are you to judge Ali? Nobody's claiming that Ali was perfect, but he's had a broader and more pronounced effect on civilisation over the past 50 years than any other 10 boxers you care to name, black or white - indisputable fact! It might be more productive for you to re-concentrate your efforts on what seems your main quest, ie trying to be the man that put a loss on Marciano's pro record - good luck with that one by the way!!
I think no one in the boxing fancy would disagree with Ali's popularity, I worshipped him when I was young, he basically create his own religion. But Ali has failed in his political aim, the King's way of doing things worked out over Elijah Muhammad's quest for violent revolt, that was supported for many years by Ali. Obama has shown that, and that is how I can judge Ali. I do not know how old you are, but Ali was a phenomenon in Britain in the 70s, and despite being very young, I have vivid memories of the Spinks fights and was fascinated by the Holmes bout and horrified when he lost. But popularity and respect are two different things, Ali was too forthright and too controversial to be considered the most respected boxer ever.
Mate, Ali is getting old... as we all are. When, the greatest boxer in the history of the sport passes away...... When the most admired boxer for his willingness to give up everything materialistic, except himself and his beliefs passes away...... When the single most inspiringly non-conformists Champion passes away.... Maybe then, you will get a clear understanding of the RESPECT people have for him. And a better understanding of why. Im not having a dig at you... He is respected as a good deal more than just a boxer...
He had an amazing affect in boxing and modern social history, and he did this by being the rarest of rare, a mainstream star with radical political views. He has played a big part in modern civil rights, but was ultimately on the wrong side, and will be judged as such by history; particularly a 100 years or so after his death, when people who knew him are no longer here, and he can judged without any emotional attachment.
TBooze i was around from before Ali's reign and while i take your point on the political side of Ali and some of the more unsavoury issues,i bet that most people both in the boxing and non boxing fraternty admire and repect him just from what they see of his personality.I'm talking mainly about the world at large.Sure there are people who dislike Ali but a vast majority from the USA to China from Iceland to Australia love and admire the man,most probably who couldn't even name a champion boxer.It really is a no brainer, the question was "Who is the most respected boxer ever"? The answer is simple.
Tbooze.... on the wrong side of what mate???? For Christ sakes, he boxed in the Olympic games in Rome.. for the' Stars and Stripes'... yet still gets refused a hamburger in his homeland... Who the hell is on the wrong side??? Once again, Im not having a dig.. will wait for Mcvey... lol... Black pride was Ali's focus... The 'whites' via the same 'U.S.A' government, who represent the States, stripped Ali of everything they possibly could... except DIGNITY. I'm a 'white' Australian.. and admire any man who tells all and sundry, to stick it where it fits. There is a good connection between Jack Johnson and Ali... both were persecuted due to their courage, self esteem, pride and colour... Neither man ever showed less than complete disinterest in the expected conformity. That is DIGNITY. A persons dignity, has to be admired. If he is 'hated' in 100 years, he still be remembered until the sun melts our planet!!!
i thnk Joe Louis, Floyd Patterson, Jim Drisscoll, Alexis Arguello, Thomas Hearns are good examples of this i would also add Benny Lynch who had bags of sportsmanships and his poularity ultimatly ended in his downfall. in his day lynch was the foremost scottish athlete in scotland in terms of popularity but now not alot of peopel know who he is also ken buchanan and jim watt are also good examples
Dempsey was incredibly popular years after he retired ,then Louis took over,I would say it is between Louis and ALi,with Ali being the man who transcended sport,and was at one time the most famous man on the planet.May he live forever!
Ali is second to none. Respect doesnt mean he has to be liked. Even those who dont like him, respect him because whether one agreed with his beliefs or not he stood by them and sacrificed everything for them. Joe Frazier hates the man but even he respects him as a fighter (lawdy in that ring he was a champion). In exile he was still to most the world over the champion. Would any other boxer who fought establishment be able to come back and light the olympic flame? Who else from the boxing world would be revered by the greatest sports team assembled as Ali was by the "Dream Team" when he was issued with his replacement medal? Add to this he has a legitimate case to be declared the greatest heavyweight champion of all time
Sure on that 3rd comment?? Ali may have dominate his era, but not to the extant of a Louis or Rocky Marciano imo.
Fair comment. Ali didn't dominate to the extent that Louis & Marciano did in terms of stringing endless wins in the ring together. But Ali's overall impact on boxing & society easily eclipses the other two combined (IMO and I'd say many others as well).
Ali was 29-0 when he entered exile, he was fighting about 5-6 times a year even in 72 he had 6 fights, 73 there were 4. Assuming he kept that pace up through exile and stayed undefeated which is a strong possibility he eclipses Louis defence record and is challenging Marcianos 49-0 by the time he actually comes back.