Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time, was known for his powerful words and charismatic personality. However, when he referred to Sugar Ray Robinson as his “idol,” it left the boxing world in awe. Robinson, who is considered by many as the greatest boxer in history, was a huge influence on Ali’s career. Ali has been vocal about how Robinson’s style and technique inspired him to become a boxer. Mike Tyson once talked about the time Sugar Ray almost killed someone in the ring.

In an interview, Ali said “I idolized Sugar Ray Robinson, he was the perfect boxer. I wanted to be just like him.” He went on to say that watching Robinson fight was like “watching poetry in motion”.

These words hold great weight coming from Ali, who is also considered by many, as the greatest. For him to refer to someone else as his idol is a testament to Robinson’s skill and talent in the ring. He was a welterweight champion and a five-time middleweight champion. He was known for his speed, power, and technical ability. The two boxers never met in the ring. Ali has often spoken about how much he would have loved to have fought Robinson, but unfortunately, their careers never overlapped.

Fans get inspired by what Ali has to say about his idol Sugar Ray Robinson

In a recently surfaced video edit of Ali, he says, “Sugar Ray Robinson, he’s still my idol. If anyone is ever greater than me it’s Sugar Ray Robinson”.

A fan with the username akame.drawings rightfully commented, “‘If I said anybody was greater than me….’ Those words have a strong meaning coming out of Ali’s voice.”

In the video, there was a clip of Robinson watching Ali doing his footwork. To which, a user commented, “Man just mesmerizing how Ali moved like that with his size 6ft 3 footwork was extraordinary.“

Another user with the username bottom_g_11 commented, ” Sugar Ray is underrated. Man the goat.”

A user with the username fightinface rightfully wrote, “Legends recognize legends.”

Another user who just discovered Sugar Ray said “If the GOAT is saying it, it must be true. Looking at footage of Sugar Ray, he was ahead of his time.”

A Robinson fan wrote, “Sugar Ray, boxing’s finest.”

Read more: Congressman Re-Introduces ‘Legislation to Award the Congressional Gold Medal to Honor Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali & His Legacy

The relationship between Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson

The relationship between Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson was one of admiration and respect. Despite never having fought each other in the ring, their rivalry was one of the most talked-about in the sport. Ali often talked about how much he loved Robinson and how much he was influenced by his style and technique. 

Ali said that watching Robinson fight was like “watching poetry in motion.” He was particularly inspired by Robinson’s speed, power, and technical ability. Robinson, for his part, was also a big admirer of Ali. Ali’s words of admiration for Robinson are a testament to the enduring legacy of Sugar Ray Robinson, one of the greatest boxers of all time.

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