Some people are different from you.
Don't take this the wrong way. We are all God's creation. But does that mean God created us all to be of equal likes, dislikes and personality? No.
Ali was idolized and STILL will be idolized more than any other athlete ever because of 2 things.
1) His political involvement. He was involved in almost every political issue of that time from black rights to government wars to the President.
2) His belief is individual value. You can argue that he always sounded arrogant, but thats all for show business and to publicize the fight. Haven't you ever seen two wrestlers try to spice up the rivalry by saying things to each other? Same goes for boxers. It's normal and Ali was definitely not the first to do it. Like 95 percent of boxers in the world do it to publicize fights.
Plus, he backed up what he said. He showed how great he is. He wasn't overconfident. You're only overconfident if you lose. If you can back up what you say, then its called being confident. not brash. And Ali always treated his opponents with respect. Again, the trash talk was for show business. After every fight he lost, he never once said that he got robbed or anything. It was either "he beat me fair and square" or "you win this time, wait for the rematch!"
Sorry for the long essay on this question.
Aii fought the greatest list of opponents in heavyweight history none in history fought better competition and he KOed three of boxing history's greatest KO artists (Listion, Frazier and Foreman). He won an Olympic gold medal and the heavyweight championship three times, and he was in most opinions the best heavyweight boxer in the history of the division, but his accomplishments outside the ring and his personality in front of a camera and microphone transcended boxing.
He was a civil right Icon during the Civil Rights movement in America and abroad.
He was a religious leader for Islamic people the world over.
He was an American political leader during the height of the Vietnam War and a spokesman for the vast majority of Americans who opposed it.
He was a spokesman for Black Americans on par with anyone in history.
He was perhaps the most recognized sports figure on the planet.
Just watching his old interviews and talk show appearances are a history lesson in themselves. He fought against injustice from a position that most could never have attained, and was a man you were forced to respect whether you loved or hated him.
He is the greatest living American currently in existence and true National treasure whose gloves hang in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. as a testimony to his impact on American history.
What I found most impressive about Ali was that he was approachable to the ordinary people on the street, the average fan could approach him, and he would talk to a common man with the same compassion and and grace that he would a President or King. A very rare quality in someone so famous.
In short he was "The Greatest" because he cared about people enough to face down racial injustice at great personal cost during a historical time frame that America can only look back upon with shame and regret. He held true to his beliefs in the face of American institutionalized racism and never backed down from his stated beliefs no matter what the cost.
Before he converted to Islam, he was already a brash young fighter that a lot of people loved to hate. He even admitted after he retired that some of his talking was just to sell tickets, and was taking a cue from Gorgeous George, one of the best "heel" wrestlers of the 50's.
However, he stood out from the crowd and really proved his convictions to the world when he refused to accept being drafted during Vietnam. He was stripped of the championship, and was looking at five years in prison. And he didn't back down. That takes balls.
Once the Supreme Court decided the case (9-0) in his favor, Ali went back in the ring, and at The Rumble in the Jungle (Ali's name for the fight against George Foreman in Zaire) (the same George Foreman who became champ in the 90s), in 1974 Ali regained the championship that was taken from him.
He dominated the golden era of heavyweights and probably has the biggest record of notable wins of all time.
He was somewhat of a jerk, but push all that aside and go to the ring. There, Ali can show you why he was so idolized.
He is a bit overrated when people say he would 'smoke' other heavyweights, like Joe Louis, Jack Johnson, and particularly Rocky Marciano. Sure, Ali definitely ranks above Marciano, but in the ring, in a trilogy, I think Marciano could win one or two.
Because he transcended the sport. Ali made a tremendous impact both in and out of the ring. He wasn't just an athlete, he was a civil rights crusader who stood for his principles and fought against racism and all forms of injustice. He was also a media darling who never refused interviews. He loved his fans, never turning down an autograph request. Lastly, he was and still is a very generous person and philantrophist.
he was manipulated into saying these things....once the press got hold of him he had to go bigger to keep up the hype...on a purely boxing level he was not as good as he is made out to be...
he loved being different... and he pushed the envelop
I know he was a great boxer but a lot of people love him and say he was a great person and stuff. I personally feel like the only two good things about him was his boxing (fighting style, skills, stamina, strength and mainly speed of course) and the fact that he became a Muslim and found a religion that he was actually happy with.
His personality however is the question. He had some pride (show off) which isn't acceptable according to islam please do not jump into some religion insults, I am just saying what I was taught from my religion and even generally pride and arrogance is not a positive thing.
I also think Ali was way too competitive, he should have been more friendly and respected his rivals rather than trash talking them all the time. He also used to claim ''He is the greatest in the world!'' when we are all God's creation and are all special in our own ways.
Before his matches he also used to quote ''I will show you how great I am''. Confidence is good but overconfidence is not good and his arrogance used to stink at times.
I don't understand why is so idolized, if I was a boxer I would be more grateful for my achievements, thank god for getting me that far, treat my rivals with respect as to how I would like to be treated and I wouldn't brag about how great I am because anybody can do what he did its just a matter of dedication and commitment.
