15 Facts that prove Muhammad Ali is the greatest fighter ever (With Pictures)

3. He Was The Sportsperson Of The Century

More than simply a boxing champion, Muhammad Ali is celebrated as one of the greatest athletes and personalities in history, regardless of sport. Sports Illustrated named Ali the Sportsman of the Century, and a BBC poll to determine the Sports Personality of the Century received more votes for Ali than all of the other contenders combined. Boxing inclusive, Ring magazine named Ali the number 1 heavyweight boxer in history in 1998, and The Associated Press echoed that ranking the next year. ESPN.com called Ali the second greatest fighter of all time, ranking him only behind middleweight legend Sugar Ray Robinson. Ali’s record and legacy speak for itself, and awards like this merely stand to reinforce what Ali already proved in the ring.