How many of those modern athletes would walk away from the sport at the absolute peak of their ability (and earning potential) and go to jail over a matter of principle?
How many would circle with their advisors, let themselves get drafted and then spend 2 years going on USO tours and basically being second-act Captain America?
I could understand an argument for a Jackie Robinson, or the South African Rugby team, and likely there are international athletes who have managed to transcend their sport in ways we don't know about ... but there is a reason Ali isn't the greatest boxer, or greatest champion, or greatest athlete of all time.
He's simply the Greatest Of All Time.
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