I never understand this 'Ali would be even better, if he had fought between 67 and 70' argument.

Retiring for three years, was the best thing Ali ever did. It turned grade A arsehole, into one of the most respected and loved people in the world. Them three years gave him the opportunity to reflect on his life and chill out a bit, and probably avoid an assassins bullet as well.

Without that three year retirement, there would probably of been no 'Fight of the Century', no 'Rumble in the Jungle', and no 'Thrilla in Manila'. Are people seriously saying Ali would more appreciated, without them fights?