Most people consider Muhammad Ali the best heavyweight boxer. Ali first became heavyweight world champion in 1964 when he beat Sonny Liston. He lost his license in 1967 for refusing to be drafted into the Vietnam War. Ali started his second reign in 1974 by beating George Foreman and his third after winning a rematch with Leon Spinks.
Ali, also known as Cassius Clay, was famous for his speed, style, and new ideas in heavyweight boxing. He made a big impact on culture beyond boxing too.
When people talk about the greatest heavyweight boxers, they often mention Joe Louis. Some also bring up older boxers like Jack Dempsey and Rocky Marciano.
But Rahman finds it hard to put anyone ahead of Lewis. He thinks Lewis could beat boxers from any time period. Rahman explained his choice:
"I'm finding it hard to put somebody ahead of him. I'm finding it extremely hard to put somebody ahead of him. I just think, in any era – all time; I just really don't know who could beat him."
Rahman points out that Lewis had a size advantage over older boxers. He also mentions that Lewis moved well and used distance to his advantage. Rahman gives an example, saying Ali was too small for George Foreman, suggesting older boxers would struggle against Lewis' size.
Rahman knows Lewis well. He shocked the world by knocking out Lewis in 2001, but Lewis got his revenge in the rematch.
Lewis beat many great fighters like Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Vitali Klitschko, Ray Mercer, and Frank Bruno. He was the last undisputed heavyweight champion before Oleksandr Usyk.
Rahman's choice might surprise some, but it shows how much respect Lewis has earned in boxing history.