- Floyd Mayweather vs Muhammad Ali remains a big debate decades later
- Ali was as fierce in the ring as he was on the activism stage
- History suggests he was an eyesore to his opponents, both in the boxing world and in government
Floyd Mayweather vs Muhammad Ali remains a big debate decades later on which of the two boxers is a boxing legend.
Well, the plain truth is that both Mayweather Jr and Ali are legends of their time and draw merit from a different fanbase. The latter, known for his civil rights activism inspired a dozen boxers who now rule in the ring. He represented a fierce boxer who spoke the hard truth that many other athletes at the time wouldn’t.
Ali was as fierce in the ring as he was on the activism stage. History suggests he was an eyesore to his opponents, both in the boxing world and in government. For Mayweather, he is the legendary and flamboyant boxer of his time who many active boxers dare for a bout.
WHO IS THE KING OF BOXING BETWEEN FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS MUHAMMAD ALI?
The enduring debate surrounding Floyd Mayweather vs Muhammad Ali delves into the heart of determining the greatest boxer of all time. Boxing pundits view it as a presentation of a captivating clash of styles and eras.
Floyd Mayweather at a past bout. Photo/Sporting news
Mayweather, renowned for his unparalleled defensive prowess, boasts an impeccable 50-0 record, including 27 knockouts. His strategic finesse and ability to counterattack with precision characterize the modern era of boxing, emphasizing technical mastery.
In contrast, Ali, an emblem of the golden era, dazzled with his aggressive and flamboyant style, coupled with extraordinary athleticism, footwork, and speed. Ali’s record of 56-5, with 37 knockouts, captures the essence of an era where boxing was a mesmerizing blend of athleticism and showmanship.
Further, the boxing supremacy debate hinges on contrasting philosophies. One of them is that Mayweather epitomizes the contemporary era’s technical and strategic approach. On the other hand, Ali embodies the dynamic athleticism and theatricality of a bygone golden age.
Muhammad Ali. Photo/Muscle and Fitness
Opinions diverge on who would prevail in a hypothetical showdown, with some favouring Mayweather’s defensive brilliance. Others fall onto Ali’s side citing his relentless aggression and powerful punches. Essentially, these two legendary boxers fought and won in different eras and with a different crop of opponents. Therefore, determining who between Floyd Mayweather vs Muhammad Ali is the greatest boxer of all time is subjective.
WHAT DID FLOYD MAYWEATHER SAY ABOUT MUHAMMAD ALI?
The flamboyant Mayweather in the past said a lot about Ali, most of it in blatant shades. He disputed the greatness of the late boxer as a man who proved beyond reasonable doubt to be the best of his era. What is interesting is that he recognized Ali’s effort in popularizing the sport and inspiring many boxers in the world today.
In a 2015 interview with ESPN, Mayweather said: “Muhammad Ali is a legend. He paved the way for me and all the other fighters who came after him. I respect him for that.”
However, in a 2017 interview with TMZ, Mayweather was more critical of Ali. He said: “Muhammad Ali was a good fighter, but he wasn’t the greatest. He was more of a showman than a fighter. He took a lot of punishment in the ring, and that’s why he lost so many fights.”
Mayweather has also criticized Ali for his outspokenness on social and political issues. In a 2016 interview with The Undefeated, Mayweather said: “Muhammad Ali was a great fighter, but he was also a clown. He was always talking about things that had nothing to do with boxing. He was a distraction to the sport.”
Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. Photo/CNN
WHO WAS MUHAMMAD ALI’S TOUGHEST OPPONENT?
Beyond the Floyd Mayweather vs Muhammad Ali debacle, retired boxer Joe Frazier remains Ali’s toughest opponent. He fought a lot of smart boxers but Fazier gave him the hardest time ever in the ring. The latter was a relentless pressure fighter with a powerful left hook. He was also so zealous and unbowed that he could take a heavy beating such as Ali’s whose aggression in the ring isn’t a secret.
Ali fought Frazier three times, and each fight was a brutal war. The first fight, known as the “Fight of the Century,” remains one of the greatest boxing matches of all time. Ali won the fight by unanimous decision, but he was forced to go the full 15 rounds and was nearly knocked out on several occasions.
The second fight was the “Super Fight”. Ali won by a split decision, but Frazier gave him all he could handle. The third fight, known as the “Thrilla in Manila,” was perhaps the most brutal of the three. Ali won by TKO in the 14th round, but both fighters were exhausted and battered by the end of the fight.
Ali once admitted that Frazier was his toughest opponent.
“Joe Frazier was the toughest opponent I ever faced. He was a great champion and a great man. I have a lot of respect for him.”
CONCLUSION
Floyd Mayweather vs Muhammad Ali debate is merely a story of two boxing legends fighting at different stages in their lives. They both inspire boxers with their zeal and dedication to the sport.
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