It's impossible to definitively say who "made" Muhammad Ali's greatest fight. Many factors contribute to a great fight, including the fighters themselves, their trainers, promoters, and even the audience.
Here are some key aspects to consider:
The Fighters Themselves:
- Muhammad Ali: His charisma, skill, and outspoken personality drew audiences and fueled rivalries.
- Opponents: Great fighters like Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Sonny Liston pushed Ali to his limits and created memorable clashes.
The Trainers:
- Angelo Dundee: Ali's long-time trainer played a crucial role in developing Ali's style and preparing him for his fights.
- Other Trainers: The skills and strategies of Ali's opponents' trainers also influenced the fights.
The Promoters:
- Don King: King's promotional skills and ability to create hype helped elevate the stakes and draw attention to Ali's fights.
- Other Promoters: The promoters behind Ali's fights played a role in securing venues, negotiating contracts, and marketing the bouts.
The Audience:
- The "Rumble in the Jungle": The fight against George Foreman in Zaire, 1974, was a global event, fueled by the anticipation and excitement of the crowd.
- Other Fights: The energy and passion of the audience contributed to the atmosphere and impact of Ali's fights.
Ultimately, a great fight is a combination of many elements, and it's impossible to isolate a single person responsible for creating it.
