Ryan Garcia and Michael Jordan (Image Source: Getty Images)

If you have never watched a basketball game, you’d probably have heard of Michael Jordan. The bigger-than-basketball Bulls legend is arguably one of the most ethereal people on the planet. But for pro boxer Ryan Garcia, there’s a more prominent athlete out there.

During a recent episode of “Kick Game,” Garcia claimed that Muhammad Ali is the ‘Greatest athlete of all time.’ He not only snubbed Jordan but questioned his greatness. According to Garcia, Michael Jordan’s contribution to society was next to nothing other than making shoes. “Muhammad Ali. No, Jordan didn’t do s**t for the people. Jordan made some shoes. I don’t give a f**k about no six rings, I give a f**k about what you did outside the court,” said Garcia. “What did you do outside the court bro? I like Kobe better than him.”

The boxer’s comment stems from the belief that the NBA legend had a lesser effect on society through his actions off the court. While Muhammad Ali is known for his activist role, Garcia hinted that Jordan’s contribution to society left much to desire.

But is that the case? The man with $3.2 billion worth might not be the greatest in Garcia’s eyes, but discrediting Jordan’s contribution to society is somewhat over the top.

Michael Jordan’s Philanthropic Activities

Since signing the fated Nike deal in 1984, Michael Jordan has never looked back. His on-court charisma and dominance throughout the 90s made him the “Black Jesus,” and outside the hardboard, he was no less of a God to the common man.

Last month, MJ and his mother, Deloris, opened a medical clinic in Wilmington. This was the third-of-its-kind clinic in North Carolina, with the sole aim of aiding the area’s underprivileged and uninsured. Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medicine Clinics are part of Michael Jordan’s $10 million project to provide medical care to his old stomping ground.

Michael Jordan opened a third clinic in Wilmington, NC, to serve uninsured and underinsured residents

Funded by his $10 million donation, the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic aims to provide quality care. ❤️

(Via @people )
pic.twitter.com/kjnoHjGvbq

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 10, 2024

This is only the tip of the iceberg, as Jordan’s care for the community dates way back. While with the Wizards, Jordan donated his entire season’s salary in 2002 to fund charities dealing with the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy. His Airness also joined the Make-a-Wish Foundation in 2008 and has donated more than $5 million to the organization.

Jordan donated $1 million each to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the International Association of Chiefs of Police to combat community policing and shootings. His donations to Chicago-based schools are in double digits, and he has given significant funding to the black community in the area. The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, UNCF/College Fund, and the Special Olympics are some of the other organizations to be aided by Michael Jordan.

For many, including Garcia, Jordan may not be the GOAT, but his generosity certainly puts him among the best athletes of all time who gave nothing but their best to the community.