{"id":6157,"date":"2023-01-04T00:00:09","date_gmt":"2023-01-04T05:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/?page_id=6157"},"modified":"2023-01-04T14:12:13","modified_gmt":"2023-01-04T19:12:13","slug":"muhammad-ali-life-and-legend-of-the-greatest","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/?page_id=6157","title":{"rendered":"Muhammad Ali – Life and Legend of The Greatest"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"images\"<\/a>MUHAMMAD ALI\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Life, Films, Fights,\u00a0and Times of<\/span> The Greatest<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A reflection back on one of<\/span> \u201cThe Greatest\u201d fighters to ever lace on a pair of gloves<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Story by John and Alex Rinaldi<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the world of sports there are athletes; there are stars; there are superstars; there are legends; there are icons; then there are the Gods\u00a0–\u00a0those far too few who stand\u00a0at the true Pantheon of sports. Muhammad Ali was one such God.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) slugs away at Doug Jones. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

For a fighter who was never counted out from the mighty blows of Joe Frazier, Sonny Liston, George Foreman and Earnie Shavers, along with Parkinson’s disease, Muhammad Ali could not dance away from the Grim Reaper as he succumbed to respiratory problems at a Scottsdale, Arizona hospital at the age of 74.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"[LS.Uniform#4]<\/a>

Headline: 57 Cassius Clay 1960 Olympics: Cassius Clay of the USA stands on\u00a0the medal podium at the the Olympic Games in Rome after winning\u00a0the boxing light-heavyweight title. Zbigniew Pietrzykowski of\u00a0Poland, the man he beat in the final, is on his left. It was the\u00a0first appearance in international sport for the man later known\u00a0as Muhammad Ali. Clay was extremely proud to be an Olympic\u00a0champion and represent the USA.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1954, a 12 year-old Cassius began boxing and fought his first amateur fight.\u00a0 Within six years, Clay compiled an outstanding 100-5 amateur record, winning 6 Kentucky Golden Gloves Titles, 2 National Golden Gloves Championships, an Amateur Union Athletic championship, and wrapped up his remarkable amateur career with a gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympic Games in Rome.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Joe<\/a>

Joe Frazier, George Foreman and Muhammad Ali.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

On October 29, 1960, Clay outpointed Tunney Hunsaker in six rounds in his pro debut at the Freedom Hall in Louisville.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Muhammad Ali at the International Boxing Hall of Fame. PHOTO BY ALEX RINALDI.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Clay appeared in the 1962 film, Requiem for a Heavyweight<\/em>, where he KO’d the character Mountain Rivera, who was played by Anthony Quinn.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) vs. Archie Moore poster. (CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

After winning his first 15 fights, scoring 11 knockouts, Cassius was matched with the former legendary light heavyweight king and 2-time heavyweight challenger Archie Moore on November 15, 1962, at the Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California.\u00a0 By the time of the fight, Clay was becoming noticed not just by his blazing fists, but by his prognostications on how his fights will end.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali with President Barack Obama<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali with Philippines President Marcus and his wife Imelda in 1975<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali with President Bill Clinton<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Before the Moore fight, Ali made this poetic prediction:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Archie’s been living off the fat of the land.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 I’m here to give him his pension plan.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0 When you come to the fight, don’t block the door.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0 ‘Cause you’ll go home after four.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Premonstrating that \u201cMoore will fall in four,\u201d Clay had no fear against Moore, who at the time was 185-22-10, and lived up to his prophecy by battering Archie Moore in four rounds.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

<\/span> Ali with Pele.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

The Moore victory put Clay on the boxing map and in his next four fights Cassius defeated leading contenders Charlie Powell (KO-3), Doug Jones (W-10) and Henry Cooper (TKO-5) before being matched against the fearsome champion Sonny Liston.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"LISTON-CLAY<\/a>

LISTON-CLAY POSTER<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Going into the Liston fight, many thought Clay could not handle the power of the champion. After all, against Henry Cooper, who was a blown-up ligh<\/span><\/strong>t h<\/span><\/strong>eavyweight, Clay was floored at the end of the fourth round with a crisp left hook.\u00a0 Cassius was saved by the bell, but still groggy when he got up and walked back to his corner. Thinking quickly, Clay’s famed trainer, Angelo Dundee ripped open his fighter’s glove with a razor blade.\u00a0 The action gave Clay a nearly 10-minute reprieve as a new glove was obtained.\u00a0\u00a0 When the fifth round finally started, Clay was refreshed and ripped open Cooper’s face with his lighting quick blows that caused a TKO stoppage.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"clay-vs-liston\"<\/a>

Muhammad Ali (R) readies a left hook at Sonny Liston (L) in their first fight. (CLICK ON PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Against Liston, many thought Clay would be not be so lucky and entered the fight on February 25, 1964 at the Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida a 7-1 underdog.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali de-Con Bug Killer Ad. (CLICK PICTURE TO SEE VIDEO OF ACTUAL COMMERCIAL FEATURING THE GREATEST).<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0 <\/strong>Cassius, the boxing soothsayer, composed another ballad of his forecast against the feared Liston:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Clay comes out to meet Liston and Liston starts to retreat,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 if Liston goes back an inch farther he’ll end up in a ringside seat.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 Clay swings with his left,<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 Clay swings with his right,<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 Look at young Cassius carry the fight.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 Liston keeps backing,<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 but there’s not enough room,<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 It’s a mater of time till Clay lowers the boom.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 Now Clay lands with a right,<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 what a beautiful swing,<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 And the punch raises the Bear clean out of the ring.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 Liston is still rising and the ref wears a frown,<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 For he can’t start counting till Sonny goes down.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 Now Liston is disappearing from view,<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 The crowd is going frantic,<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 But radar stations have picked him up,<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 somewhere over the Atlantic.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 Who would have thought when they came to the fight?<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 That they’d witness the launching of a human satellite.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 Yes, the crowd did not dream,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 when they put up the money,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 That they would see a total eclipse of the Sonny.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In a competitive fight that had many ebbs and flows, Clay fearlessly boxed the dangerous Liston and repeatedly opened up with a two-fisted attack. After six close rounds, Liston was unable to answer the bell for the seventh round and Cassius was the new heavyweight champion.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Ali vs. Liston 1 action.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Immediately following his upset win, Cassius Clay was no more as he declared himself \u201cMuhammad Ali\u201d from there on in, once\u00a0he converted to Muslim and began following the Black Muslims with the Nation of Islam faith.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali Pizza Hut Commercial. (CLICK THE PHOTO TO SEE VIDEO OF COMMERCIAL)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Ali was a fighting champion and in the following year on May 25, 1965 at St. Dominic’s Halls in Lewiston, Maine, he stopped Liston in the opening frame to win his first title defense.\u00a0 Although there is the historic photograph of Ali standing over the fallen Liston, many people believe that Muhammad had scored a knockout.\u00a0 Actually, Liston did rise.\u00a0 The former heavyweight champion Jersey Joe Walcott was the bout’s referee and he had to pull Ali away from Liston before he could begin the count. \u00a0Although Sonny actually rose before the fatal \u201cten\u201d was called, however, Ring Magazine’s editor at the time, Nat Fleischer, improperly and inappropriately said that the timekeeper had tolled the ten-count. The timekeeper, Francis McDonough, contrary to\u00a0the rules concerning a fighter going to a neutral and opposite corner, had wrongfully started his count as soon as Liston hit the canvas, instead of waiting\u00a0until Ali had gone to the neutral corner. Nevertheless, it was up to the referee’s count and Walcott correctly allowed the fight to continue.\u00a0 Jersey Joe then got confused by the arguments by Fleischer and McDonough, so he pre-maturely stopped the bout.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Ali vs. Liston II knockdown. (CLICK ON PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

From that controversial first defense, Ali went on to defeat former heavyweight king Floyd Patterson (TKO-12), George Chuvalo (W-15), Henry Cooper (TKO-6), Brian London (KO-3), Karl Mildenberger (TKO-12), Cleveland Williams (TKO-3), Ernie Terrell (W-15) and Zora Folley (KO-7) all from 1965-1967!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Muhammad Ali vs. Cleveland “Big Cat” Williams. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Following his win over Zora Folley on March 22, 1967, Ali was stripped of his laurels by refusing to be drafted into the military during the Vietnam War.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy should they ask me to put on a uniform and go 10,000 miles from home and drop bombs on brown people in Vietnam,\u201d Ali remarked at the time.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Muhammad Ali KO’s Cleveland “Big Cat”\u00a0Williams. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

In reality, the Army had no intention of sending Ali into combat and his service would have been mostly entertaining troops by giving exhibitions like Joe Louis had done in World War II.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali and Superman in comics<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

More Muhammad Ali and Superman in comics<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Ali spent the next three years fighting in the courts and he was fortunate that the Vietnam War was proving very unpopular throughout the country, which helped get him cleared of any draft evasion charges and enabled him to get his boxing license back.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The only fighting that Ali did was in the famous Computer Fight with former undefeated\u00a0Heavyweight Champion Rocky Marciano in 1969, which aired in 1970 to a huge financial and critical success.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Ali vs. Quarry II action. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

On October 26, 1970 at the City Auditorium in Atlanta George, Muhammad Ali returned to the ring and blasted out top contender Jerry Quarry in three rounds.\u00a0 Less than two months later, Ali stopped Oscar Bonavena in the 15th<\/sup> round at Madison Square Garden on December 7, 1970.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

By now the drum beats had begun for him to face the then reigning heavyweight champion, Smokin’ <\/em>Joe Frazier.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In the classic \u201cBattle of Champions\u201d battle on March 8, 1971 at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Ali faced a fighter with a style that he had never seen before.\u00a0 Instead of the slow, plodding, stand-up boxer that he had met and easily defeated in his reign as champion, Ali was squared off against a relentless, bobbing and weaving, slugging opponent with a left hook that could knock down buildings.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"John<\/a>

John Rinaldi interviewing Muhammad Ali in 1990.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

The fight lived up to its massive publicity as it was exciting all the way.\u00a0 Ali took a savage beating and was dropped in the 15th<\/sup> and final round, but he rose and bravely battled on.\u00a0 After fifteen rounds, Frazier won a lopsided victory by round scores of 11-4, 9-6 and 8-6-1.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Ali vs. Quarry I fight poster. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Although fight fans, and Muhammad himself, wanted to see a rematch, Frazier was not ready to grant him one.\u00a0 That left Ali to fight all over the world over the next two years where\u00a0he beat Jimmy Ellis (TKO-12, which was the only fight that Angelo Dundee did not work his corner. Since Ali and Ellis were stablemates, Dundee felt that Ellis needed him more in the bout than Ali did), Buster Mathis (W-12), Juergen Blin (KO-7), Mac Foster (W-15), George Chuvalo (W-12), Jerry Quarry (TKO-7), Alvin Blue Lewis (TKO-11), Floyd Patterson (TKO-7), Bob Foster (KO-8) and Joe Bugner (W-12).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Muhammad’s winning streak, and his jaw, were both broken on March 31, 1973 at the Sports Arena in San Diego, California, when Ken Norton won a 12-round split-decision.\u00a0 The two met again six months later on September 10, 1973 at the Forum in Inglewood, California.\u00a0 It was another close battle and in that bout Ali was very fortunate to leave with a 12-round split-decision victory.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Ali vs. Patterson II fight poster. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

On October 20, 1973 at the Bung Karno Stadium, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Ali outpointed Rudi Lubbers over 12 rounds. The win was his warm-up to his long-awaited rematch with Frazier.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, for Ali, Frazier had been dethroned by George Foreman earlier in the year and his return match with Frazier was only for the lightly regarded NABF heavyweight title.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"1976<\/a>

1976 Muhammad Ali Toy Ad with ring. (CLICK PHOTO TO SEE ACTUAL COMMERCIAL FEATURNG MUHAMMAD ALI FROM 1976)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

The two legendary gladiators touched gloves for the second time on January 28, 1974, again before a sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden. This time Ali incorporated a holding and hitting style as referee Tony Perez allowed Ali to keep clinching and pushing down Frazier’s head.\u00a0 It still was an exciting scrap and Ali got his revenge by squeaking out a close, 12-round decision by round scores of 7-5, 6-5-1 and 7-4-1.\u00a0 Many at ringside thought Frazier was coming on strong during the last half of the fight and Ali was very lucky that it was only a 12-round contest, instead of 15.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Ali vs. Patterson II. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

The win over Frazier earned Muhammad the shot at reclaiming his lost laurels as he was matched against the powerful champion \u201cBig\u201d George Foreman.\u00a0 Ali went into the bout at the Stade du 20 Mai Stadium in Kinshasa, Zaire on October 30, 1974 a huge underdog, due to the fact that Foreman had clobbered two men who Ali had lost to in the past, Frazier and Norton, in a mere two rounds apiece. If those two former rivals could not beat Foreman, then how could Ali, who was 32, while the champ was only 25, surely expect to win?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali-Frazier<\/a>

“Smokin” Joe Frazier (L) rocks Muhammad Ali (R) in their first bout in 1971 which Frazier won by unanimous decision. (CLICK ON PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF HISTORIC FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Before the bout, Angelo Dundee reportedly (Editors Note<\/span>: Dundee denied this to both of us in an Interview) went into the ring and loosened the ropes, so in the battle when Ali employed his \u201crope-a-dope\u201d strategy of backing into the ropes and keeping his gloves high, he was pulled so far back that he body was hanging over the ring apron.\u00a0 Because of this, Foreman had to stretch far to try to land on Ali.\u00a0 The clever tactic of the challenger caused the champion to punch himself out, which was Muhammad’s plan all along.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali (R) throwing a right hook to Ken Norton during the WBC\/ WBA World Heavyweight Title fight at Yankee Stadium.\u00a0The Bronx, New York 9\/28\/1976. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF THE FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

The dangerous strategy worked and by the sixth round, Foreman was just pushing his blows with barely any power behind them. Suddenly, in the eighth round after the weary George had cornered Ali and sloppily wailed away with blows that by the time were just arm punches, Muhammad shot back with a fusillade of leather that was capped off with a blistering right to the jaw that sent Foreman to the canvas!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Muhammad Ali vs. Ernie Shavers in action.\u00a0(CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Although referee Zack Clayton’s count seemed lightning\u00a0fast, Foreman just barely missed the \u201cten\u201d when\u00a0he rose. Still, the fight was over and Muhammad Ali was the Heavyweight Champion of the World once again!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The second reign of Ali is where he went from being a boxing legend to becoming a sports icon as he ran off defenses against the likes of Chuck Wepner (TKO-15), Ron Lyle (TKO11) and Joe Bugner (W-15).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Ali vs. Spinks 1 action. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

In the last great performance of his career, Ali faced his old nemesis Joe Frazier in the final fight of their historic fistic trilogy.\u00a0 On October 1, 1975 at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines, Ali was able to survive an tremendous beating in the middle rounds to score a 14th-round stoppage win when Frazier’s cornerman Eddie Futch would not allow Joe to come out for the 15th<\/sup> and final round.\u00a0 At that point Ali was ahead.\u00a0 The fight was boxing at its greatest as two wonderful pugilists fought their hearts out.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Muhammad Ali (R) vs. Ron Lyle. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

After the memorable win, Ali was never the same fighter, but that did not stop him from defending his title against all comers, that is except George Foreman, who Muhammad appeared to want no part of anymore.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

With defenses over Jean-Pierre Coopman (KO-5), Jimmy Young (W-15) and Richard Dunn (TKO-5), the whole world was able to view the fights for free on network television. Because of the wide viewership, Ali’s popularity soared into the stratosphere.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Ali vs. Lyle Poster. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

On September 28, 1976 at New York’s Yankee Stadium, Ali defeated #2-ranked Ken Norton (Foreman was the #1-ranked contender), on a very controversial 15-round decision in their rubber match. That fight was viewed on closed-circuit television.\u00a0 When CBS replayed the fight shortly afterwards, most viewers (including The USA Boxing News<\/em>) thought Norton deserved the nod.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

While Foreman was still out there as leading contender, Ali went back to network TV and fought Alfredo Evangelista (W-15) then\u00a0was very lucky to get a win over the hard-hitting Earnie Shavers (W-15).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Because of his immense popularity, in 1977, Ali starred in his own Saturday morning cartoon TV series on NBC called The Adventures of Muhammad Ali<\/em>, where he provided his own voice.\u00a0 The series ran for 13 episodes.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Celebrities<\/a>

Celebrities – Michael J. Fox with Muhammad Ali.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Then while eveything appeared to be going well for the People’s Champion, in February 15, 1978, Ali was shockingly upset by former Olympic Gold Medalist Leon Spinks at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas by a 15-round split-decision loss.\u00a0 Since it was only Spinks’ 8th<\/sup> professional fight, the defeat showed how far Ali’s skills had eroded.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Ali vs. Frazier III fight action. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

For the rematch, Ali went\u00a0into intense training in Deer Lake in Pennsylvania, with future heavyweight champion Larry Holmes as his primary sparring partner. Muhammad got himself into tremendous shape and tipped the scales at 221, to Spinks’ 201.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The rematch took place at the Superdome in New Orleans on September 15, 1978.\u00a0 ABC paid $5.3 million for the rights and and estimated audience of 90 million watched the fight.\u00a0 The contest drew a TV rating of 46.7, which meant that a whopping 46.7% of the television audience throughout the country were watching the battle. The live attendance of 63,350 was also the largest indoor attendance ever for a boxing match.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Ali vs. Frazier 1974 action. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Unlike in their first meeting, Ali sharply boxed from the onset and rarely gave the inexperienced Spinks a chance to corner him into the ropes.\u00a0 After 15 rounds, Ali had won a unanimous decision by round scores of 10-4-1 (twice) and 11-4.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Outside of taking on Superman in the comic books, Ali did not face anyone else after winning back his championship for the third time.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In 1979, Ali proudly announced his retirement from boxing.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, as in the case of most fighters, Ali made two more returns to the ring and was stopped by his old sparring partner and then reigning WBC heavyweight king Larry Holmes in 10 rounds on October 2, 1980, and then dropped a 10-round decision to future champion Trevor Berbick on December 11, 1981.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Ali vs. Foreman KO blow. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF HISTORIC FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

The Berbick loss was Ali’s swan song as he finally retired with an impressive 56-5 (37 KO’s) record.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sadly, after his career, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and he sadly battled the illness the remainder of his life.\u00a0 Because of his courage, he earned millions for research to fight the dreaded illness.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

No longer in a boxing ring, Muhammad Ali, still very much in the public eye, spent his last 35 years a world figure, traveling to just about every continent.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Ali vs. Spinks II. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF ALI’S LAST GREAT WIN)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

As a result of his sports feats and world\u00a0peace efforts, in 2005, President George W. Bush awarded Ali the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the United States’ highest civilian honor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ali was so popular and revered that he often overshadowed world leaders, presidents and even religious figures when he appeared with them.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ali-Foreman\"<\/a>

Muhammad Ali (R) landing the KO blow to then champion George Foreman (L) . (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Muhammad Ali was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

There is no doubt that Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest fighters who ever lived.\u00a0 He was also clearly the most popular athlete over the past 50 years.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Whether one loved him or hated him, the world of sports will never see his like appear ever again.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

More Fights and Videos of Muhammad Ali<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali and Don King at the first Inductions at the International Boxing Hall of Fame IN 1990 (PHOTO BY ALEX RINALDI)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali-Cooper II action shot. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF THE FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"I<\/a>

I AM THE GREATEST: THE ADVENTURES OF MUHAMMAD ALI,\u00a01977<\/span> (CLICK PHOTO TO SEE VIDEO OF THE CARTOON)<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali vs. Superman<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali vs. Superman poster. <\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier action figures<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

<\/a>

Muhammad Ali knocking out George Foreman for the heavyweight title in Zaire. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali vs. Cooper I poster.<\/span> (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO)<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali Tooth Decay Ad. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF COMMERCIAL).<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Richard Dunn (L) slugs it out with Muhammad Ali (R). (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali New boxing cartoon.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali Monopoly Game. <\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali exhibtion poster. <\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali action figure with robe and head gear. <\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali Cartoon Show. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO OF CARTOON)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Muhammad<\/a>

Muhammad Ali Ad Roach Traps. <\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Former champ Floyd Patterson (L) pokes a jab at Muhammad Ali (R) in their first fight in\u00a01965. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW FIGHT ACTION)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Muhammad Ali (R) lands a hard right to Joe Frazier (L) in their second bout in 1974.<\/span> (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW FIGHT ACTION)<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Muhammad Ali (R) lands a right to Joe Frazier (L) in their classic “Thrilla in Manilla” bout in 1975. (CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW FIGHT ACTION)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Trevor Berbick (R) lands a right to Muhammad Ali (L) in Ali’s last fight. (CLICK VIDEO TO VIEW ALI’S LAST FIGHT)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

The Muhammad Ali Center<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0Louisville, Kentucky<\/span><\/strong><\/span>\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Ali vs. Frazier II 1974 Fight Poster. (CLICK PHOTO<\/a> TO VIEW VIDEO OF FIGHT)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

MUHAMMAD ALI\u00a0 Life, Films, Fights,\u00a0and Times of The Greatest       A reflection back on one of \u201cThe Greatest\u201d fighters to ever lace on a pair of gloves Story by John and Alex Rinaldi In the world of sports there are athletes; there are stars; there are superstars; there are legends; there are icons; […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6157","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6157","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6157"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6157\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6157"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}