So, how do we measure greatness? I agree that he was ONE of the greatest, but THE greatest? Consider this:

Joe Louis held the title for 12 years.
John L. Sullivan held it for 10 years with his bare fists. He went 75 rounds with a man named Jake Killrain.

Rock Marciano was never defeated as a pro.

Archie Moore had more knock outs than any boxer in history, and that title stands today.

Ali had a habit that always infuriated me. He would lather his opponent as he came in, then he would hold him behind his neck so the guy couldn't get any leverage on the inside. I still don't know why so many referees let him get away with that.

On the other hand, he had all the skills needed to be a great boxer, and in his prime, on a good night, he could have licked just about anyone. Mike Tyson may have been able to hurt him, but who knows? George Forman couldn't do it, and he had one of the hardest punches in history.
He was a big mouth, and I chuckled when Chuck Wepner (the Bayonne bleeder) knocked him on his ass.

So, how do YOU rate greatness? and why?