Crossword Genius

Left cuts first-rate boxer (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ali

'boxer' is the definition.
(Muhammad Ali)

'left cuts first-rate' is the wordplay.
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'cuts' means one lot of letters goes inside another (some letters cut their way into other letters).
'first-rate' becomes 'ai' (resembles A1, informal term for excellent).
'l' put within 'ai' is 'ALI'.

(Other definitions for ali that I've seen before include "Muhammad - - , legendary boxer" , "Ring' specialist" , "Ringmaster" , "Champion of ring" , "Lepidopterous floater, apian stinger, d. 2016" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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