Floyd Mayweather didn't hold back when ESPN asked him if Muhammad Ali was the greatest fighter of all time. His response? "It's Floyd Mayweather."
The 47-year-old boxing legend has good reason to be confident. He's got a perfect 50-0 record, titles in five divisions, and four of the top five biggest selling pay-per-view events. Many consider him the best defensive fighter ever.
But Mayweather's claim isn't just about numbers. He explained his view to ESPN:
"Muhammad Ali paved the way for me to be where I'm at today. He's a legend. But if we're talking about record-breaking, we have to look at Ali losing his world title to a fighter with only seven fights [Leon Spinks]."
Mayweather acknowledged Ali's huge impact both inside and outside the ring. Ali was a cultural icon who brought a fresh style to heavyweight boxing and showed supreme confidence. He paved the way for future boxers and was an enigma in and out of the ring.
When it comes to standing up for a cause, Mayweather gives Ali full credit. But for taking less punishment and breaking records? That's where Mayweather sees himself on top.
He doesn't buy the idea that more thrilling fights make a better fighter. Mayweather said:
"For me to be known as the best, I have to be in a drag-out, knockout fight? I can make the extraordinary look ordinary; that's what's so great about my career."
Mayweather's comments haven't gone over well with everyone. Boxing legends like Mike Tyson and James Toney have taken serious issue with his claim to be greater than Ali.
The debate over boxing's greatest of all time will likely rage on. But one thing's for sure – Floyd Mayweather isn't shy about putting himself at the top of the list.
