Stevenson vs Ali, the DREAM fight that never happened, Ali pays tribute.

Many fans are still sad and in shock ( me included ) of the sad news of the passing of former 3 Time Olympic Champion Cuban Heavyweight Legend Teófilo Stevenson. Muhammad Ali has just paid tribute to Stevenson by saying “Stevenson was one of the greatest,” Ali, 70, said. “He was a great man. My condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.”

Ali also said, “Despite his never fighting as a professional, having conquered three Olympic gold medals in three different Olympic games meant that he wouldn’t have been an easy rival,” Ali said. “He would have been a great challenger for any champion.”

And indeed Ali is right. Stevenson was possibly one of the best pure boxer/punchers that has ever stepped into a boxing ring. Standing at 6'6 with a huge jab, excellent skills ( unseen in a HV ) and a devastating right hand Stevenson was the complete package.

Many fans are still " wondering " how Teófilo would had done as a pro and between a bout between him and Ali, I myself included. Even though it was amateur vs pro there was not much of a difference back then when they fought without head gear. The only main difference of course was the much more rounds to fight.

Like countless of Cuban amateurs, Stevenson never gave profesional boxing an opportunity and stayed loyal to Castro thus preventing the boxing World from seeing their great talents.

Teófilo's response to fighting Ali: " What's 10 million dollars compared to the love of 10 million Cubans? ".

How would Teófilo had performed as a pro? Who would have won the DREAM fight between him and Ali?

Something to take into consideration, Teófilo was 10 years younger than Ali.

May God have mercy on his soul.

Vote !!!

:good