Muhammad Ali, one of the most iconic figures in the history of boxing, continues to be remembered and respected by boxing legends who witnessed his greatness firsthand. Even years after his retirement, and following his passing, Ali’s impact on the sport remains undeniable, with modern boxers often citing him as their inspiration.

Mike Tyson’s Admiration for Ali

Mike Tyson, one of the most celebrated heavyweights of all time, had great admiration for Muhammad Ali. Tyson rose to fame in the 1980s, four years after Ali’s retirement, and was deeply influenced by the legendary boxer. Tyson admits that although his fighting style was different from Ali’s, he always respected Ali’s mastery in the ring. “I was a dancing master. I wasn’t that powerful, but I was fast,” Tyson explained, acknowledging that if someone could hit him, it would be best to catch him off guard.

Tyson, who became world champion at a young age, often credited Ali for instilling a sense of belief and confidence in him. “Ali gave me the belief that no man could beat me,” Tyson said, emphasizing how watching Ali’s perseverance in the ring gave him the mindset to overcome any obstacle. Tyson also reflected on Ali’s resilience, recalling that even when Ali was older and taking brutal punishment, he would never quit. “You’ve got to kill him to make him stop,” Tyson noted. “Ali’s a giant, no one else can match him.”

George Foreman and the Rumble in the Jungle

Another boxer who profoundly respected Ali was George Foreman, who famously fought Ali in the “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974. Despite dominating the early rounds of the fight, Foreman found himself unable to finish Ali off. Foreman admitted that Ali’s presence in the ring was unlike anything he had ever experienced. “I’m beating this guy for six rounds, and then he says, ‘You got me, George,’” Foreman recalled. “Ali was bigger than boxing,” he said, recognizing that his fight with Ali was about more than just winning or losing—it was a battle against a fighter with unmatched heart and willpower.

Foreman also shared that he respected Ali not just for his boxing skills, but for his ability to withstand punches from some of the hardest hitters in the sport, including Foreman himself. “Even though I hit him hard, he never quit,” Foreman explained. “That’s what made him a champion.”

Larry Holmes: A Fighter Who Learned From Ali

Larry Holmes, another heavyweight champion, sparred with Ali early in his career and later became a great in his own right. Holmes, who was seven years younger than Ali, admired the boxing legend’s skills and his mental toughness. “It hurt me to punish Ali,” Holmes confessed, explaining that it was difficult to face the man who had shaped the sport. Despite being an opponent, Holmes always respected Ali’s fighting spirit. “I wasn’t hitting him hard anymore. I just wanted to make him quit, but Ali never quit,” Holmes said, illustrating the kind of fighter Ali was—one who could take any punishment but still find a way to stand tall.

Evander Holyfield: Inspired by Ali’s Determination

Evander Holyfield, known for his legendary career and rivalries with fighters like Mike Tyson, was also deeply influenced by Muhammad Ali. Holyfield was inspired by Ali’s resilience and his ability to back up every promise he made. “If Ali said he would do something, he always followed through,” Holyfield remarked. “I wanted to be the best, and I believed if I could be like Ali, I could be the best.”

Holyfield went on to surpass Ali’s record by winning more heavyweight titles, but he never lost his admiration for the man who set the standard in the sport. “Muhammad Ali was the greatest,” Holyfield said, recognizing Ali’s ability to inspire not just through victories, but through the way he carried himself in and out of the ring.

Ali’s Legacy in Boxing

Muhammad Ali’s influence on boxing cannot be overstated. His ability to combine showmanship with incredible skill made him a global superstar, and his legacy extends beyond his boxing achievements. Ali inspired countless fighters, including some of the biggest names in the sport, to be better, stronger, and more resilient. Tyson, Foreman, Holmes, and Holyfield all point to Ali as an example of how a boxer should fight not just with their fists, but with their heart and mind. He showed the world that boxing was more than just a sport—it was a platform for personal greatness and social change.

Even after decades, Muhammad Ali’s greatness continues to resonate, making him a true legend in every sense of the word.

This revised article highlights how iconic boxers like Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, and Evander Holyfield viewed Muhammad Ali’s unmatched greatness, both as a boxer and as an individual.