Click to play videoNew Delhi: Cuban boxer Teofilo Stevenson could have been the toughest opponent Muhammad Ali ever faced - except the two never met in the boxing ring.
The 1972 Olympic gold medallist refused to turn professional - spurning millions of dollars over the years. But as Ali prepares to celebrate his birthday, Stevenson has paid tribute to the boxing legend.
Three Olympic gold medals, and hundreds of record-breaking wins. Former Cuban heavyweight Teofilo Stevenson is one boxing's greatest heroes who did not turn professional.
Teofilo refused repeatedly to fall for the allure of the millions professional boxing offered and remained true to his communist ideals. This also barred him from challenging Muhammad Ali. But now as Ali turns 65, Boxing's greatest ameteur paid tribute to the sport's greatest professional.
"Ali was an idol not only for me but for the whole world. He was an inspiration to many sportsmen in the world because of what he achieved, not only for amateurs but for professionals as well. I will tell you something, Ali, is a much greater person than a boxer," Stevenson says.
Many believe that Teofilo would have been Ali's most formidable opponent, and could have changed the course of boxing's history.
"I always like to confront the best, and for me, fighting Ali would have been the thing to do because he was a great boxer," Stevenson adds.
Stevenson now lives quietly in Havana, working as vice-president of the Cuban Boxing Association, his home decked out with memories of his boxing glory days. But just like Ali, this fighter too is a pacifist outside the ring.
"My English is no good, all I can say is 'peace and love, Muhammad,'" Stevenson says.
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