Jones, who retired with 66 wins and 9 losses, made his mark on boxing history. He won his first world title in 1993 by beating Bernard Hopkins. Later, he dominated James Toney for the IBF super middleweight title. Jones became an undisputed champion with the WBA, WBC, and IBF belts.
In 2003, Jones achieved a rare feat. He defeated John Ruiz for the WBA heavyweight title, becoming the first former middleweight champion in over 100 years to win a heavyweight title.
Jones's place among boxing's greatest is secure. His speed, reflexes, and showmanship made him one of the most exciting fighters to watch. Now, he works as a pundit and trainer, sharing his vast knowledge of the sport.
In a recent interview with Jay Midnyte, Jones left no room for doubt about who he considers the best:
"The greatest fighter of all time, the greatest athlete of all time in my book, always is going to be Muhammad Ali. It ain't what I think, it's what I know."
Ali's achievements back up Jones's claim. He won the heavyweight championship three times and was the undisputed champion from 1974 to 1978. But Ali's impact went beyond the ring. He transcended the sport and became a cultural icon.
Even years after his death in 2016, Ali's legacy continues to inspire. While he considered himself the best heavyweight ever, he named Sugar Ray Robinson as the greatest pound-for-pound fighter.
Jones's declaration adds to the ongoing debate about boxing's greatest. Coming from a fighter of his caliber, it carries significant weight in the boxing community.