On an episode of Hotboxin’ With Mike Tyson, Badou Jack spoke with Tyson and a few others about what made Muhammed Ali great. Tyson shared, you have to be the champ before you become the champ. Spiritually, you have to be ‘him’ before you physically become ‘him.’
According to Britannica, “In his early bouts as a professional, Ali (Born Clay) was more highly regarded for his charm and personality than for his ring skills. He sought to raise public interest in his fights by reading childlike poetry and spouting self-descriptive phrases such as “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” He told the world that he was the Greatest.
On February 25, 1964, Clay challenged Sonny Liston for the heavyweight championship of the world. Liston was widely regarded as the most intimidating, powerful fighter of his era. Clay was a decided underdog. But in one of the most stunning upsets in sports history, Liston retired to his corner after six rounds, and Clay became the new champion. Two days later Clay shocked the boxing establishment again by announcing that he had accepted the teachings of the Nation of Islam. On March 6, 1964, he took the name Muhammad Ali, which was given to him by his spiritual mentor, Elijah Muhammad.”