Ali was the greatest, says magazine

New York - Muhammad Ali was honoured as the Sportsman of the Century during Sports Illustrated's 20th Century Sports Awards at New York's Madison Square Garden arena on Thursday night.

"This is a great feeling," said the three-time heavyweight champion, who playfully sparred with presenter Billy Crystal after taking the stage.

Babe Ruth was honored by the magazine's editors as the best baseball player, Michael Jordan was selected the top basketball player, Jim Brown the best football player, and Wayne Gretzky the best hockey player.

"It's great to be back in Madison Square Garden," said Gretzky, who retired after playing last season in the arena with the New York Rangers. "I wish I had my skates."

In other awards, Carl Lewis was selected the best Olympian, Jack Nicklaus the top male individual athlete and Babe Didrickson Zaharias the top female individual athlete.

The magazine also honoured seven athletes who had a special impact on their sports - golfer Arnold Palmer, soccer player Pele, driver Richard Petty, baseball player Jackie Robinson, basketball player Bill Russell, figure skater Peggy Fleming and tennis player Billie Jean King. - Sapa-AP