Bob Arum, the 93-year-old boxing promoter, has named Muhammad Ali as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. Arum's long career in boxing gives his opinion significant weight.
Arum's journey in boxing began in 1966 when he promoted the world title fight between Muhammad Ali and George Chuvalo. Since then, he's worked with some of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing, including George Foreman, Mike Tyson, and Tyson Fury.
When asked about Ali, Arum said:
"I think when you talk about Muhammad Ali, as great an athlete, as great a boxer as he was – he was the greatest boxer of all time – he means so much more to the United States and the world."
Ali's skills in the ring were unmatched. He moved like no other heavyweight before him and threw punches from angles that confused his opponents. Up until mid-1967, many considered him the greatest fighter in history.
Ali's career took a dramatic turn in mid-1967 when he refused to be drafted into the US military for the Vietnam War. Officials stripped him of his boxing license, and he faced potential jail time. This period out of the ring only added to his legend.
When Ali returned to boxing, he picked up where he left off. He changed the landscape of the heavyweight division with notable wins over Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman.
Ali's impact on boxing was so profound that he's commonly regarded as the greatest heavyweight of all time. His name became synonymous with boxing, and his skills backed up the hype.
Arum's declaration comes as no surprise to many boxing fans. Ali's influence extended far beyond the ring, making him not just a great boxer, but a cultural icon. His story continues to inspire new generations of fighters and fans alike.
