Second on that list was Archie Moorewho became both mentor and tactician. Moore taught Ali defensive habits that helped shape his style, even if Ali later joked that those lessons may have cost him an Olympic gold medal. Ali often called Moore before big fights and leaned on his advice. He described Moore as one of the bravest fighters he had ever come across.
Ali’s respect for Joe Frazier ran deep, despite years of public insults. In later reflection, Ali admitted that Frazier’s pressure, will and refusal to break brought out the best in him. He said Frazier made him a three-time champion, not by beating him, but by pushing him beyond what he believed was possible. When Frazier was hospitalized in 2011, Ali visited, although Parkinson’s disease limited what he could express. He later told Frazier’s family how much he loved him.
Ali also admired Sugar Ray Robinson for his perfection and Joe Louis for his dignity and composure as champion.
The fighters Ali feared
Ali was just as honest about the men who truly scared him.
#5 – George Foreman
In Zaire, Ali told his corner, “George is going to kill me.” The rope-a-baptism was born out of that fear. Foreman’s power forced Ali to find a way to survive.
#4 – Sonny Liston
Ali admitted he was terrified of Liston. He described him as a destroyer, with dead eyes and no mercy. Liston told him directly that he would hurt him badly. Ali barely slept the night before their first fight.
#3 – Joe Frazier
Frazier’s pressure, iron chin and vicious left hook made him the toughest opponent Ali had ever faced stylistically.
#2 – Know Norton
Norton broke Ali’s jaw in their first fight. Ali said Norton’s style was impossible to solve and believed fighting him three times shortened his career.
#1 – Larry Holmes
Ali called Holmes the scariest opponent of all. Not because Holmes was the best, but because Ali was no longer himself. Holmes knew everything about him. Ali taught him how to fight. Financial distress pushed Ali into the fight despite warnings. His corner wouldn’t stop the fight, and Ali knew exactly how it would end.
Ali also mentioned others who scared him: Earnie Shavers, whom he called the hardest puncher he had ever faced; a young Leon Spinks for his hunger and energy; and Jimmy Young, whose slick style made Ali feel old in the ring.
For all the talk and bravado, Ali never pretended fear didn’t exist. He simply chose to fight anyway.
