Ali's boxing career kicked off with a bang. He grabbed an Olympic Gold Medal in 1960 and turned pro right after. Just four years later, at 22, he shocked the world by stopping Sonny Liston to become world champion. He didn't stop there, repeating the feat in their rematch months later.
The new champ racked up just shy of ten defenses before his career hit a roadblock. Ali refused to enlist for the Vietnam War, which forced him to put his boxing on hold for several years.
When Ali came back, he picked up right where he left off. In 1974, he pulled off one of boxing's biggest upsets in "The Rumble In The Jungle." Ali weathered an early storm from 'Big' George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire, before stopping him in the eighth round.
Despite all his achievements, Ali didn't hesitate to give credit where it was due. He said:
"I used to tease Joe Louis by reminding him that I was the greatest of all time. But Joe Louis was the greatest heavyweight fighter ever."
Ali also made a distinction between being "the greatest" and being "the best," with Louis earning the latter title in his eyes.
Joe Louis, known as "The Brown Bomber," left an indelible mark on boxing history. His reign as champion from 1937 to 1949 saw him defend his title a record 25 times. He faced tough opponents like Max Schmelling, Jersey Joe Walcott, and Tommy Farr.
Louis's impact went far beyond the ring. He became a crucial figure in the American Civil Rights Movement and a national hero. His symbolic victory over German boxer Schmeling during the rise of Nazism resonated deeply with the American public.
Ali's recognition of Louis shows the deep respect between these two boxing legends. It also highlights the lasting impact of Joe Louis on the sport and society as a whole.