Is Ali untouchable as far as criticism goes??

Spot on. He once carried an aura of invincibility on his shoulders, and was probably as popular and well known at his peak than anyone outside Ali. But looking back at his ring accomplishments, average. The way he won, knocking people out asap, does wonders for his career when people come to hold him in such high esteem.

 

Oh yes, being a ******, drug addict, woman beater etc etc is very hard to attack.

In the boxing ring he never beat a guy he coundn't terrify or bully. Once stood up to, tyson melted faster than soft ice cream in 120 degree F heat.

 

His star shone bright, but burnt out pretty fast. The others, including Lewis, remained competitive and even best in the world long after Tyson had dwardled by comparison.

 

Well, there is also quite a bit of backlash by the fans of virtually any really famous fighter towards criticism of him and his ability. Some of Ali's fans are among the absolute most zealous and fanatical, though, and there will certainly be a bigger backlash than there is towards criticism of many other, less popular fighters.

 

And shorter than a cigar!

 

Funny, I always thought he was stupider than a fence post

 

Give me your top three heavyweights of all time.

 

Well yes, but you are a bit of a hugger, no?

:smoke

 

Of course you do, denial is always present in those that have the tightest hug.

:smoke

 

Just throw in all the ingredients that make a great fighter. Longevity, opposition, coming off the canvas, skill, etc.

 

JT rates Tyson on what he merits, nothing to do with handling the truth. If he thought Tyson was the greatest heavyweight ever, why would he hide from the truth?.

 

And therein' lay the telltale signs and relentless reciting from the commune that is Team Tyson. Charles Manson eat your heart out, ya got nuthin.

 

:huh

 

Don't think for a minute that i didn't buy into plenty of the hype. There was a time when i didn't doubt for a minute the call that he was or was going to be the most indestructable heavyweight in history. It looked entirely possible, even probable if you'd just put the book down

The fact is he didn't quite get there. Who's the best he beat? Holmes was past it and not as good as many others at that point. Spinks was a former 175. We've gotta look at Berbick. Maybe Rudduck. Nothing amazing.

 

The best heavyweights Tyson ever beat. Thomas, Tucker, and Ruddock.

Finished at 23, well that says it all really. Never had it in him to take tough fights throughout the 90's. He continually ducked Lewis, and took the easier route with Holyfield, or so he thought. The Holyfield fight was a bigger purse with little risk on paper.