Crossword Genius

Left cuts excellent boxer (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ali

'boxer' is the definition.
(Muhammad Ali)

'left cuts excellent' is the wordplay.
'left' becomes 'L' (common abbreviation).
'cuts' indicates putting letters inside (some letters cut their way into other letters).
'excellent' becomes 'ai' (resembles 'A1', old-fashioned term for excellent).
'l' inserted inside 'ai' is 'ALI'.

(Other definitions for ali that I've seen before include "Cassius Clay became Muhammad ..." , "Muhammad or Baba?" , "Muhammad's son-in-law" , "girl shortly" , "Old fighter" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.