who is the most popular boxer in history

Popular? :roll:

Ali with out question. The guy is retired and out of action for so long and yet he's getting respect and admiration til this time from all over the world.

The guy is the perfect description of what is a living legend.

 

As time goes on and on, I think you're gonna find that Muhammad Ali's recognition with casual fans will fade a little more with each passing year. Back in the 60s, maybe even the 70s, I'm sure the most recognizable names in boxing was either Joe Louis or Sugar Ray Robinson, but both have faded into time a little bit. So by today's standards, I think if you were to ask a younger person who only casually follows boxing ( or doesn't even follow boxing period ) to name one boxer, they'll inevitably name Tyson before Ali.

And keep in mind, nobody in the history of the sport has probably gotten more press than he has, he's not just a sports-celebrity, he IS a celebrity, so I think Tyson probably edges Ali just a tad as far as worldly recognition goes.

 

pacquiao for the much younger generation.

 

The Best Asian Boxers in History

1. Pancho Villa
2. Gabriel (Flash) Elorde
3. Manny (Pacman) Pacquiao

 

ali then tyson

 

Ali, and for a latter generation Tyson.

 

Oh man...

Post-exile Ali was so popular it was ridiculous. Can you imagine the same kind of moment being captured if Tyson were to light the Olympic cauldron? Many people believe Ali was, and is, the most loved man on the planet.

 

ali, and its not even close.

 

If we're talking worldwide, it's definitely Muhammad Ali.

 

Audley Harrisson.

 

absolutely ali

 

Ali has a face recognised in more parts of the world than any other modern historical figure.

Tyson would be close in the States, but Ali by a looooong way internationally in my view.

 

Ali and Tyson right now, Louis was bigger IMO in his day.

 

Ali followed by Tyson and it's not even debateable

 

Tyson is huge internationaly as well, he was the torch bearer, too bad todays clowns are killing the sport.