2. Where would you rank him all time? in the HW?
3. What's his greatest performance?
4. Was he a dirty fighter?
1. Ali is bigger than the sport of boxing. He revolutionized the sport with his amazing skills never before seen in boxing and exceptional physical prowess - speed, quickness, reflexes and athleticism - packaged in a 6'3", 210-pound body, which Dr. Ferdie Pacheco (Ali's doctor) called the perfect specimen of a man. He drove boxing purists nuts with his fighting style - hands hanging on his sides, pulling his head back to avoid punches instead of ducking them, throwing arm punches - which are all no-no's in boxing. But he got away with it because of his speed and unmatched reflexes. And despite his perceived lack of power, he knocked out a lot of future hall of famers at a time when the heavyweight division featured the cream of the crop. More importantly, Ali transcended the sport. He had charisma, charm, wit and intelligence that allowed him to express his views on civil rights, thereby making him a hero to Americans and the rest of the world.
2. I think Holyfield should be in the top 10, around 9 or 10. He had the talent, strength and athleticism to go with it, and his competitive drive, resilience and fighting heart are comparable to Ali.
3. Against Tyson in their first fight. He slayed the beast by preparing smartly and diligently.
4. No. That thing about leading with his head is just part of his style.
1. Ali was a bigger name, fought in a golden era for heavyweights beating many all time greats plus he held the title for longer than Holyfield and fought at a time when there wasn't as many titles.
2. Lower half of the top ten, on his day he would have been a tough fight for any heavyweight he was the complete package, speed, skill, chin, respectable power and heart. He was rarely the biggest man in the ring as a heavyweight but would fight anybody and often beat bigger opponents.
3. It would have to be the first Tyson fight, hardly anybody expected him to win, even Tyson praised his performance.
4. He wasn't a truly dirty fighter like Galota or the like but he was well known for using his head as a third fist.
1. Ali fought better competition and was on top for a lot longer than Holyfield.
2. In the top 15.
3. His first fight against Mike Tyson defined him. He had a great chin, hit hard enough to get it done, and had amazing heart/courage. Neither fighter was in his prime, and Tyson stopped trying to be defensive at that point in his career but the point is Holyfield had his number. It's my favorite Holyfield fight.
4. Not intentionally, but he did lead with his head in some fights.
Holyfield is the only 4-time World Heavyweight Champion, winning the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles in 1990, the WBA and IBF titles in 1993 and the WBA title in 1996 and 2000.
The WBF title isn't legit.
1. Why isnt he greater than ALi despite being 5 time HW champ?
2. Where would you rank him all time? in the HW?
3. What's his greatest performance?
4. Was he a dirty fighter?
