It’s true that the media for years papered over his sins, but I think he’s fundamentally decent.
I’ll never forget when Allen Funt’s long-running “Candid Camera” series in the 70’s did a sketch wherein grade-school kiddies were asked on camera what they personally thought of “The Champ.” They would let the kids talk for a few minutes when out would pop the man himself in full kit. It was hilarious and adorable.
I also remember the night Leon Spinks pulled the upset of upsets in 1977. Ali refused to say he wuz’ robbed, he declared Spinks beat him fair and square and set to work to regain his title. Call him what you will, just don’t call him a whiner.
Ali was the one doing the stealing at that point in his career. He'd flurry the last 20 seconds of most rounds & get awarded the round while he rested the first 2:40. It was boring & outrageous at the same time. Leon Spinks was a machine then. Crude, but relentless. Ali could not repeat his formula & finally got handed a loss -- a much deserved loss.