Muhammad Ali is known the world over as one of the world’s greatest heavyweight champions. His history is rich, having won an Olympic gold medal and being the first fighter to win the heavyweight title three times. All in all, Muhammad Ali has had 56 wins in his 21-year career.
The Road Of A Champion
Muhammad Ali was known for his powerful and fast jabs, as well as quick footwork.
On February 25 1964 Muhammad Ali took his first title shot against Sonny Liston. This was after winning his first 19 fights, 15 of which being knockouts. After a rematch on 25 May 1965, Muhammad Ali knocked out Sonny Liston to win the title and continued to defend his title a further eight more times.
On 28 April 1967 Muhammad Ali arrived for induction into the U.S. Armed forces but refused to serve, citing his religious beliefs. Although convicted of draft evasion and sentenced to five years imprisonment and a $10 000.00 fine, he managed to avoid his sentencing through appeals.
Resistance against the Vietnam war grew and in 1970 the New York State Supreme Court reinstated his boxing license. It was in the following year that his conviction was then overturned by a unanimous decision.
On 26 October 1970 Muhammad Ali made a return to boxing by knocking out Jerry Quarry. He almost regained his heavyweight championship on 8 March 1971 but was defeated in the final round by heavyweight champion Joe Frazier. On 30 October 1974 Muhammad Ali won his title back after making use of his ‘dope on a rope’ strategy where he would lean on the ropes and absorb the impact of his opponent until his opponent wore tired.
Then in 1978, Muhammad Ali won the world heavyweight championship title three times in a row when he defeated Leon Spinks.
After his final fight in 1981, Muhammad Ali announced his formal retirement from the sport, clocking up 56 wins, 37 knockouts, and 5 losses.
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