I think Ali needs to be looked at as a boxer which is oddly enough the last thing people look at. To many Ali is "The Greatest" why? Because he talked himself up and billed himself as "The Greatest" certainly he was a great heavyweight, but don't get the blinders on. Sure Ali lost time to protesting the Vietnam War, but Joe Louis served his country & lost years of his prime as well, he also defended his title better as well. Those are just a few of the reasons why Joe Louis is actually The Greatest Heavyweight of All-Time, Ali is still up there as is Marciano.

Thing is, everyone has tough fights, but it seems to me a lot of people rate Ali based on his cult of personality status rather than what he did in the ring and anyone who says something against that will be berated for their insolence.