He was passed on the totem pole and is now considered arguably the second best player in his sport. Heck, some still consider him to be tied for the top spot. It must have been painful to be dethroned from undisputed status and the lone player at the top spot, but that hasn't deterred him from praising the one who passed him - without restraint.
Then there's the case of some arch rival he had to battle in his prime. Even though most, including the rival, consider him to be the better of the two, he has always placed this rival along side his own post on the ladder.
When a player talks good about his rival, you can sense the sincerity and genuineness - without a microscope. It certainly is true in this case as it shines through unmistakeably.
Can you guess who it is? No, you can't!!!!!!
Here's the answer.