Muhammad Ali has been in countless high-profile fights over the course of his legendary and lengthy career.
‘The Greatest’ competed for 21 years in a period that would see him face George Foreman, Leon Spinks, and Joe Frazier, as well as Ali knocking out Oscar Bonavena.
The former heavyweight king is often hailed by many as the best to ever do it. With many incredible performances, fans may have a hard time picking a favorite performance of Ali’s.
Despite many notable fights, including the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’, which Ali looks back fondly on, lesser-known performances also helped shape his career.
This includes a 1976 title defense where Ali fended off a young challenger.
Muhammad Ali defended his world titles against Jimmy Young in 1976
Six months on from ‘The Thrilla in Manila’ with Frazier, Ali would welcome a world title challenge from Jimmy Young. Should he be victorious, it would be Ali’s sixth defense of the WBC and WBA World Heavyweight titles, following his win over Foreman.
Young went into the bout with a 17-4-2 record. Among his recent wins was Ron Lyle, who went to war with Foreman.
The challenger was getting his first world title opportunity at 27 years old. As for Ali, he went into the fight in Maryland at age 34.
The two would fight on April 30th, 1976, with Ali emerging as the victor.
Despite Young having some success in the bout, even celebrating as the final bell rang, Ali retained his world titles.
Young would not compete for a world title again in his career. Among the notable opponents he faced before retiring are Foreman, Ken Norton, and Gerry Cooney.
As for Ali, it would be the sixth of 10 title defenses.
Muhammad Ali would be dethroned in 1978 after 10 title defenses
After stopping Foreman to win his world titles, no one would be able to dethrone Ali until almost four years and 11 fights later.
Ali knocked out Richard Dunn after his showing against Young. Then, he notched up further title defenses against Norton, Alfredo Evangelista, and Earnie Shavers.
These wins would see Ali paired up with Leon Spinks in February 1978, who had a professional record of 6-0-1. In a shock result, Ali would lose to Spinks, dropping his titles.
However, Ali would avenge his loss seven months later, beating Spinks via unanimous decision.