Arum’s introduction to the sport came in 1966 when he promoted the world title fight between Ali and George Chuvalo. Since then, he has been involved with countless marquee names, including the modern heavyweight star, Tyson Fury.

Despite having worked with many outstanding fighters, Arum is unequivocal when asked about who he considers the greatest heavyweight in history. His experience spans decades and generations of heavyweight champions.

Who does Bob Arum consider the greatest heavyweight of all time?

Speaking to Reuters, Arum did not hesitate in naming Muhammad Ali as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time, citing both Ali’s unmatched skill inside the ring and his larger cultural impact.

Arum emphasized Ali’s unique combination of athleticism and boxing prowess. He explained: “I think when you talk about Muhammad Ali, as great an athlete, as great a boxer as he was – he was the greatest boxer of all time – he means so much more to the United States and the world.“

“You have to understand, in the period up to the mid-1967, when he was unable to fight, Ali was the greatest fighter in the history of the world, certainly by far the greatest heavyweight. No heavyweight ever could move the way he could, no heavyweight could throw punches from different angles like he could.” Arum added.

Arum’s sentiments reflect a widespread consensus that Ali revolutionized the heavyweight division through his unmatched speed, agility, and unorthodox style, which set him apart from every other champion before and since.

Ali’s enduring legacy inside and outside the ring

Ali’s triumphs over formidable opponents such as Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman are legendary moments in boxing history. Yet his influence extended far beyond the squared circle. During his prime years, Ali was stripped of his boxing license and faced potential imprisonment for refusing to be drafted into the US military during the Vietnam War. This bold stand elevated him to a symbol of resistance and courage.

Even today, Ali remains the most recognized and revered name in boxing, representing not only athletic excellence but also a profound cultural legacy. His combination of skill, personality, and conviction continues to inspire fighters and fans worldwide.

On January 12, Crawford has filed a lawsuit in Nevada against the 90-year-old promoter, for allegedly damaging his boxing career due to racism. The current WBO World Welterweight Champion is demanding the payment of $10 million as compensation.

The Nebraska native has also pointed on his lawsuit that not only him, but other members of the boxing community have suffered Arum’s “revolting racial bias“, all of them color people such as Floyd Mayweather Jr, legendary World Champion in 5 different weight classes, and Al Haymon, promoter.

George Foreman supports Bob Arum in the face of Terrence Crawford lawsuit

George Foreman was promoted by Bob Arum on his come back to boxing after a 10-year retirement and lived close to him the moment in which he became the oldest fighter to win a World Heavyweight title. As a black fighter, he assures he has never felt any sign of racism on the part of Top Rank founder and chairman.

“He’s not a saint, but Bob Arum is one of the finest men I know,” stated Foreman to Yahoo Sports.“You could call me about 25 other guys, 30 other guys, and ask me that question and I wouldn’t return the call. But not this one. Nuh-uh. He’s got a passion for his fellow man“.

Moreover, Big George has also shared that his heart broke after noticing the accusations Terrence Crawford has made against Arum, the one who always have supported him like at the time he accomplished the feat of knocking out Michael Moorer in 1994: “He gave me the most passionate hug and said, ‘George, praise the Lord! For someone to accuse a guy like that of racism, it’s wrong. But you know what they say: All is fair in love and war“.

Bob Arum statement after being sued by Crawford

Also as an answer to Yahoo Sports’, Bob Arum shared his point of view of the accusations made by Terrence Crawford. Arum has worked so far with legendary black fighters such as already mentioned George Foreman, Muhammad Ali, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler among others.

“Crawford’s lawsuit against Top Rank is frivolous. Its vile accusations of racism are reckless and indefensible. He knows it and his lawyer knows it. I have spent my entire working life as a champion of black boxers, Latino boxers and other boxers of color. I have no doubt the court will see Crawford’s case for the malicious extortion attempt that it is“, said Arum.

More signs of support to Bob Arum

George Foreman was not the only legend to back up the 90-year-old promoter on his legal issue with Terrence Crawford. Muhammad Ali’s daughter, Rasheda has shown his trust and gratitude to Arumon social media.

“Bob Arum stood with my father when the world was against him. Bob and my father are a big reason why Black and Brown athletes are fairly compensated today. Proud that my son Nico Ali Walsh is part of Team Top Rank“, posted Rasheda on Twitter.

In 2011, Crawford linked his boxing career to Top Rank. Since then, he has accomplished notorious goals: he has become World Champion in 3 different weight classes (Lightweight, Super lightweight, and Welterweight), and also was the Unified World Super lightweight Champion. Currently, he is the WBO World Welterweight titleholder.

Thanks to his impressive record of 38-0-0 (29 KO’s),Budis nowadays considered as one of the top Pound for Pound boxers in the world. On his last performance on November 2021, he defeated former World Champion Shawn Porter by the way of TKO.

Terrence Crawford sues Bob Arum and Top Rank for $10 million

The 34-year-old boxer has hired attorney Bryan Freedman and has filed a lawsuit against Top Rank in Nevada’s Eighth Judicial District Court. He wants the already mentioned economic compensation for damages against his boxing career due to Bob Arum’s racist behavior.

“Arum clearly allows his revolting racial bias to impact the fighters he is obliged to promote. Simply does not care about, support, or know how to promote Black fighters. It is painfully clear that Top Rank, and especially Arum, judges people based on their race. Arum’s sordid history with athletes of color, especially Black fighters, and his bias favoring white and Latino fighters is well-documented and known throughout the boxing world”, mentions the lawsuit according to New York Post.

The suit also exposes that Terrence Crawford considers that Bob Arum’s racist ways have not allowed him to become a pay-per-view top seller. Obviously, this fact has deprived Crawford of signing the best fights available for him: “(Bob Arum) Launched a smear campaign against Crawford to paint him as an unexciting, unprofitable fighter who could not draw viewers“.

Crawford’s lawsuit even tells that other boxing figures such as mighty Floyd Mayweather Jr or promoter Al Haymon have been touched by the racism of Bob Arum: “Arum makes no secret of his deep-seated bias against Black fighters. For example, he called legendary Black boxer Floyd Mayweather ‘soft’ and claimed that he ‘shoots up cars’ — reinforcing an invidious racist stereotype with no basis in fact, and he consistently mocks rival boxing promoter Al Haymon — who is a Black man — and his relationship with Black fighters, saying Haymon would steer a Black fighter away from fighting Crawford out of a sense of ‘brotherhood’ “.

Bob Arum has already pronounced himself after Crawford lawsuit

The 90-year-old promoter has shared, also to theNew York Post, his point of view of the legal challenge he has ahead. He points out that Terrence Crawford has made him lose $20 million during his work relationship and blames the boxer for his own marketing results.

“Don’t call a man a racist when really this is because of your own failures. His marketability didn’t measure up to this ability and that has absolutely nothing to do with what race he is…The outstanding fact is that Terence’s numbers on PPV have always been dreadful because of his failure to market himself“, stated Arum.