I'm confused why so many dislike Ali. You could argue draft dodger but that argument is crushed by the fact he was never supposed to be eligible for the draft. You could say womanizer or any number of character flaws but why would boxing fans care more about that than what he did in the ring?

I just see it as no heavyweight ever fought and beat better opposition. Sure he got some gifts, I don't think he ever beat Norton, but he fought a who's who of heavyweight royalty. And isn't that what we want from fighters? To get in there and fight other great fighters?

Whether he is the greatest or not is highly debatable. But whether he was great for the sport seems quite clear.