Johnny Nelson shows how Muhammad Ali's style changed boxing
Thursday 9 June 2016 10:30, UK
Muhammad Ali's unforgettable style in the ring changed the world of boxing forever.
Ahead of the emotional memorial send-off for Ali in Louisville, Kentucky, Sky Sports' Johnny Nelson is in the gym to show us how and why 'The Greatest' did what he did.
Shadow boxing straight down the camera, Nelson demonstrates the differences between Ali and those who came before him, explaining what made him so unique.
Ali was not a big puncher, but was quick and light on his feet for a heavyweight and as former cruiserweight world champion Nelson explains, he "tore up the script".
"He moved like a flyweight, inspired by the wrestler 'Gorgeous George'," says Nelson. "He smiled, he moved, he grooved like a lightweight. He moved so fast you couldn't believe he was a heavyweight."
The three-time champion of the world did it all wrong but got it all right, so here is a reminder of just what 'The Greatest' brought to boxing.
Click play at the top of the article to watch the fists fly and see the style that stunned the boxing world back in the day.
For more from Nelson on Ali, read The Panel's favourite Ali fights as our man picks out a world heavyweight title encounter in Houston from November 1966 in which 'The Greatest' showed off all his trademark skills...
