Those Muhammad Ali Feared And Admired

It was second on that list Archie MooreWho became a teacher and tactician. Moore taught Ali defensive habits that helped shape his style, even if Ali later joked that those lessons may have cost him an Olympic gold medal. Ali would call Moore regularly before major fights, relying on his advice. He described Moore as one of the bravest fighters he had ever faced.

Respect Ali Joe Frazier It deepened, despite years of public humiliation. In later reflections, Ali admitted that Frazier’s pressure, will, and refusal to break up brought out the best in him. He said Frazier made him a three-time champion, not by beating him, but by pushing him beyond what he thought was possible. When Fraser was hospitalized in 2011, Ali visited him, even though Parkinson’s disease limited his ability to express himself. He later told Frazier’s family how much he loved him.

Ali was also impressed Sugar Ray Robinson For his perfection and Joe Louis for his dignity and composure as a champion.

Ali’s fighters are afraid

Ali was completely honest with the guys who really scared him.

#5 – George Foreman
In Zaire, Ali told his colleagues: “George is going to kill me.” Rope of Psychedelics was born from this fear. Foreman’s power forced Ali to invent a way to survive.

#4 – Sonny Liston
Ali admitted that he was terrified of Liston. He described him as a destroyer, with dead eyes and no mercy. Liston told him directly that he would hurt him badly. Ali didn’t sleep much the night before their first fight.

#3 – Joe Frazier
Frazier’s pressure, iron chin and vicious left hook made him the toughest opponent Ali had ever faced in terms of style.

#2 – Ken Norton
Norton broke Ali’s jaw in their first fight. Ali said Norton’s style was impossible to crack, and he believes fighting him three times shortened his career.

#1 – Larry Holmes
Ali described Holmes as the most terrifying opponent of all time. Not because Holmes was the best, but because Ali was no longer himself. Holmes knew all about him. Ali taught him how to fight. Financial need pushed Ali into the match despite warnings. His corner didn’t stop the fight, and Ali knew exactly how it would end.

Ali also named others who intimidated him: Ernie Shivers, whom he described as the hardest puncher he had ever faced; Young Leon Spinks for his hunger and energy; And Jimmy Young, whose slick style made Ali feel old in the ring.

Despite all the talk and bravado, Ali never pretended he wasn’t afraid. He simply chose to fight anyway.