This is what Steward think Ali brought to boxing in terms of footwork, and I agree: "... he [Ali] changed the whole concept of boxing when it comes down to moving and punching, and changing directions, and using upper body movement, and head movement, and feints and everything, and moving in one direction and then back in another. So in his own way he had very good balance even though you dont think of him as a balance type fighter." Which are the fighters that tried to copy this style, would you say? Do many still try, or was it a kind of fad that simmered down after the 80's?
He wasn't really the first to 'dance' and move but many young boxers wanted to be Ali, so it did affect the styles of 80s fighters allot
Ali's 'dancing' had an elegance of it's own,which had n't been seen before,or since. Almost balletic. Many have tried to replicate it,but it's always a case of ......close but no cigar.