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5 reasons Muhammad Ali is the greatest boxer of all time

By Dave Stevenson

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Sarah Foster, 21, looks at a signed 'Float like a butterfly sting like a bee' robe worn by Ali's cornerman Bundini Brown at the 'Rumble in the Jungle' fight - at the preview of the 'I Am The Greatest' Muhammad Ali exhibition on March 3, 2016 in London, England. The exhibition showcases the life and career of heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali and features over more than 100 artefacts including personal memorabilia, unseen footage and photographs. It is open to the public from Friday March 4, 2016 at the O2 in London. (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Sarah Foster, 21, looks at a signed 'Float like a butterfly sting like a bee' robe worn by Ali's cornerman Bundini Brown at the 'Rumble in the Jungle' fight - at the preview of the 'I Am The Greatest' Muhammad Ali exhibition on March 3, 2016 in London, England. The exhibition showcases the life and career of heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali and features over more than 100 artefacts including personal memorabilia, unseen footage and photographs. It is open to the public from Friday March 4, 2016 at the O2 in London. (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Getty Images /

2. He could adapt

The thing that made Muhammad Ali such a tough boxer to beat was that he could beat his opponents using a variety of strategies. He started off using his youthful energy and fresh legs to his advantage, almost dancing around his opponents. Ali was extremely difficult to hit and outlast during the 1960s, a decade in which he never lost a fight.

What’s more impressive is that he was able to win even after his speed began to fail him following his suspension. The “new” Muhammad Ali debuted during “The Rumble in the Jungle” against George Foreman. Ali, known as an agile fighter, was daring Foreman to come after him. Rather than use his feet, Ali deftly blocked and countered the best that Foreman (who was undefeated at the time) had to offer. Once Foreman tired himself out, Ali went after him relentlessly.

Maybe Ali’s speed leaving him was what confirmed that he is the greatest boxer of all time. Had his quickness never left him, many people wouldn’t have realized how amazing Muhammad Ali was at taking a punch. Ali could beat anyone, and he could do it however he felt like beating them because of his adaptability and his intelligence.

Next: 1. He never backed down from a challenge

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