Floyd Mayweather Jr. claims he's better than Muhammad Ali. The retired five-weight world champion believes he ranks higher as an all-time great in boxing.
Mayweather, who ended his career with a perfect 50-0 record, made this bold statement in a recent interview with First Post. He based his claim on his undefeated record and longevity in the sport.
"No disrespect to Ali, but I feel like I am the best. Ali lost in his career to Leon Spinks. He lost some other fights and is still known as the greatest. That is what it is."
Mayweather's career spanned over two decades. He won world titles in five different weight classes and defeated notable opponents like Canelo Alvarez, Oscar De La Hoya, and Manny Pacquiao. His final fight in 2017 saw him stop Conor McGregor in the 10th round at the age of 40.
Muhammad Ali, known as 'The Greatest', started his professional career in 1961 after winning a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He first became world heavyweight champion in 1964 by defeating Sonny Liston. Ali made eight title defenses after the Liston rematch before a three-year break from boxing.
Ali's career included many highlights. He regained the heavyweight title in 1974 by beating George Foreman in the famous 'Rumble in the Jungle' fight.
While Mayweather points to Ali's losses as a reason for his own superiority, many boxing fans and experts still regard Ali as the greatest of all time. His impact both inside and outside the ring continues to influence the sport decades after his retirement.
Mayweather's claim adds to the ongoing debate about boxing's greatest fighters. His undefeated record certainly puts him in the conversation, but many will argue that Ali's cultural impact and performances against top heavyweight competition make him impossible to surpass.
