Who was Muhammad Ali’s best opponent?

[The Six Four]

With so many great names on his résumé, who stands out as the best fighter he ever faced? If all of Ali’s opponents fought each other at their absolute peak, who do you think would come out on top?

[Master]

Tough question because my answer would be Joe Frazier who was an undisputed and undefeated champion who made numerous defences of his title. Joe gave Ali his hardest fights and made him his nemesis (which was not easy considering all the achievements Ali had).

Now you could say but Big George Foreman beat Frazier easy twice but styles make fights and Joe was past his prime.

George Foreman would be second, biggest puncher and such a powerful man who became champion at over 40 years of age.

Liston would be third who was also intimidating and powerful champion.

Lyle, Shavers, Norton, and Patterson would be on the list.

Holmes beat Ali so does not count. Larry is my 3rd best heavyweight of all time.

[TitoFan]

To me, it's George Foreman. Foreman was a feared and extremely ducked fighter who before Ali crushed nearly everyone in his path. Joe Frazier? George knocked him out twice, including the first time when Joe was still undefeated. Ken Norton gave Ali fits, and George erased him also. Same thing with feared puncher Ron Lyle. Prime for prime, I just don't see any other of Ali's opponents being able to stand up to Big George.

[ykdadamaja]

Henry Cooper.

[Primo Carnera]

It’s gotta be Foreman hasn’t it? I mean he was seen as a killer, and the tactics Ali used were at best Risky , at worst downright mental.

[TitoFan]

It’s gotta be Foreman hasn’t it? I mean he was seen as a killer, and the tactics Ali used were at best Risky , at worst downright mental.

100 percent, Primo.

Accounts of the fight have Angelo Dundee going ballistic in the first few rounds... imploring with Ali to get off the ropes, and probably fearing for Ali's life.