Those Muhammad Ali Feared And Admired

Second on that list was Archie Moore, who 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 regularly called Moore before major fights, leaning on his advice. He described Moore as one of the bravest fighters he ever faced.

Ali’s respect for Joe Frazier ran deep, despite years of public insults. In later reflections, Ali admitted that Frazier’s pressure, will, and refusal to break brought out the best in him. He said Frazier made him champion three times, not by beating him, but by pushing him beyond what he believed was possible. When Frazier was hospitalised in 2011, Ali visited, though 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 a 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-dope was born from that fear. Foreman’s power forced Ali to invent 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 hardly 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 ever faced stylistically.

#2 – Ken Norton
Norton broke Ali’s jaw in their first fight. Ali said Norton’s style was impossible to solve and believed that 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 had taught him how to fight. Financial need pushed Ali into the bout despite warnings. His corner would not stop the fight, and Ali knew exactly how it would end.

Ali also named others who frightened him: Earnie Shavers, whom he called the hardest puncher he 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 did not exist. He simply chose to fight anyway.