simply put, the basis for this post is reason enough for people to label you an unknowledgeable boxing fan
Muhammad Ali beat the highest class of competition in heavyweight history. He had incredible physical gifts, which were his phenomenal speed, a great chin and razor sharp reflexes. He was tough beyond tough having only been stopped in one of his last fights. He is the only 3 time legitimate lineal champion. He beat Frazier,Foreman,Patterson,Liston,Norton,Lyle,Shavers,Quarry,Archie Moore etc He is ten times better than any heavyweight fighting today.
To be fair.. some people honestly DO overrate Ali... He was able to get away with A LOT of holding.. hitting in the back of the head 'n such.. LOL, then he would complain about the other guy hitting him in the back of the head..
Ali beat Liston, Frazier and Foreman 5 times out of 6, and for 4 of those fights, he wasnt even in his prime. Those are 3 the baddest mofos in heavyweight history If hes overrated what does that make the Klits, who have beat absolute NOBODIES?
He didn't beat Liston, Sonny took a pair of dive. Frazier deserved that second fight decision, where Ali held most of fight.
I think he deserves to be rated number 1 heavyweight all time, but he is sill vastly overrated by some.