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As the Manassa Mauler he defeated Georges Carpentier two years later in a bout which attracted the first one million dollar gate

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As the Manassa Mauler, he defeated Georges Carpentier two years later in a bout which attracted the first one million dollar gate.60 Vivian RichardsCricketImperious and powerful as a batsman, highly effective as a motivator, Richards captained the West Indies to 27 wins in 50 Tests between 1980 and 1991. Fulfilled the ambitions of his elder brother Torsam, a top-10 player who died of a heart attack on court.57 Ben HoganGolfUnsmiling, uncommunicative, private, he gained a reputation for being the hardest-working player of his day. After a near-fatal car accident in 1949, he returned to enjoy even greater success in the game, adding Open, US Open and Masters titles.58 Duncan EdwardsFootballBy the time of his premature death at 21 following the 1958 Munich air crash, he was an established England international of towering strength and ability who had also helped Manchester United to two League titles. Has had a film made of his life.45 Jahangir KhanSquashA spindly boy named "Conqueror of the World" lived up to that onerous burden as he became the No 1 player, winning 10 British Open and six world titles.

It was ample recompense for what happened four years earlier, when as a cocky 18-year-old he had failed to pull off a similar feat at the Mexico Olympics.42 Sergei BubkaAthleticsUnrivalled as the supreme pole-vaulter of his generation, winning six consecutive world titles from 1983, this son of a Red Army sergeant was the first man to clear 6 metres, and became legendary for the financial rewards he managed to reap as the sport went open.43 Bobby CharltonFootballKnown above all as an ambassador for the game because of his grace on the pitch and dignity off it, he survived the 1958 Munich air crash to help win the 1966 World Cup (he made a record 106 appearances for England) and the 1968 European Cup for Manchester United.44 Haile GebrselassieAthleticsThis little Ethiopian, one of eight brothers and sisters, has been the dominant figure at everything from 3,000m to 10,000m for the last five years, winning Olympic and world titles and reshaping the record books in the process. He was a giant of American sport in the 1920s, helping to shape baseball into a hugely popular spectacle.41 Mark SpitzSwimmingAstonished the world by making good his prediction of winning seven golds at the 1972 Olympics. Famously and finally won an FA Cup winner's medal for Blackpool in 1953, in a match now known as "The Matthews final".38 Arnold PalmerGolfHis bold and powerful style was perfect to launch the game into the modern professional era. He wowed the crowds as he won seven major championships between 1958 and 1964 before giving way at the top of the game to the up and coming Jack Nicklaus.39 Roger BannisterAthleticsFixed in history as the first man to break the four-minute mile, a feat he achieved on 6 May 1954, this Oxford medical student earned a second place in the annals with his tenacious victory over Australian rival John Landy in the Empire Games of the same year.40 Babe RuthBaseballThe dynamic hitting of this orphan who was raised in Baltimore, Maryland, brought him 714 home runs, a record unequalled in his lifetime. Known as "The Ghost" for his uncanny ability to rise up and block his opponents' shots.37 Stanley MatthewsFootballThe Wizard of the Dribble employed his devastating body swerve to good effect at the top level for more than 30 years, playing for Stoke at 50.

His superb natural ability was allied to a natural arrogance which psyched out his rivals on the big occasions.36 Bill RussellBasketballThough only 6ft 9in and 220lb, Russell earned the reputation as the sport's gretest player in a 13-year career which saw him help Boston Celtics to 11 NBA Championships. An unyielding and remorseless trainer, he has produced some of his finest results despite suffering from colitis.23 Sugar Ray RobinsonBoxingThe balance and rhythm he developed as a nightclub tap dancer enabled Robinson to bestride the ring between 1943 and 1951, when he won 91 consecutive fights. Five times world middleweight champion, he earned his nickname for being "sweet as sugar".35 Daley ThompsonAthleticsLaid claim to being the greatest athlete in the world during the 1980s, when he won two Olympic titles and set a world record in the decathlon. Deceptively strong, he scored 98 of his 197 first-class centuries after the age of 40.22 Steve RedgraveRowingBritain's supreme oarsman, the dyslexic son of a Marlow builder, he has won four successive Olympic titles and is currently seeking a fifth in Sydney. In her career, the Flying Dutchwoman set world records in seven events.19 Ayrton SennaMotor racingBy the time he was killed at Imola in 1994, this Brazilian had won three world championships and established himself as an idol in the sport, recognised for his unrivalled intensity and perfectionism. He pushed his car, and himself, to the limits, at all times.20 Linford ChristieAthleticsAt his high point, in 1994, this late starter ruled the world of sprinting: he was Olympic, world, European and Commonwealth champion. The west London contender took the battle to the American sprinters for 10 years before his controversial exit at the 1996 Olympics.21 Jack HobbsCricketThe first batsman to reach 4,000 and 5,000 runs in Test cricket (in 1926 and 1929), his exploits for Surrey and England were celebrated as much for their style as their statistics.

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