‘The Greatest’ had many performances that you could debate were his best.
From Muhammad Ali knocking out George Foreman to his epic trilogy with Joe Frazier, picking a favorite fight of the former champion may be hard.
Over the course of his career, Ali was able to deliver memorable performances on his way to becoming one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Retiring with a professional record of 56-5, his achievements will likely never be replicated.
However, ‘The Greatest’s’ career was briefly put on hold while he was at the peak of his powers. As Ali faced a ban from boxing, he had a three-year layoff. However, he bounced back in a huge way.
Muhammad Ali returned from boxing ban with back-to-back wins
Scoring a seventh-round knockout over Zora Folley in March 1967, this would be the last outing Ali would have for three-and-a-half years. He faced a ban from the sport for denying a call for military service.
The boxing ban would mean Ali was stripped of his WBC World Heavyweight title. However, he would aim to get the title back upon his 1970 return.
Working his way back to the title, Ali faced Jerry Quarry in Atlanta in October 1970. The fight would be stopped after three rounds, as Quarry suffered a fight-ending cut, declaring Ali the winner.
Despite now having a 30-0 record, Ali was still not given the chance to reclaim his title. Instead, he would be paired up with Oscar Bonavena (46-6-1).
The two had an intense build-up ahead of their fight in Madison Square Garden in December 1970. However, it would be Ali who had the last laugh.
Ali would lead the bout, as the Argentine began to slow down and show signs of fatigue as the fight progressed. In the 15th and final round, Ali was much the fresher fighter and was able to capitalize on the advantage.
A stiff left hook would wobble Bonavena before the fighter fell to the canvas. Seconds later, Ali would put down his opponent for the second time.
Almost immediately after the restart, Ali would brutally put the fighter down for a third time. The three-knockdown rule in place for the bout would mean the fight was immediately over, with Ali extending his unbeaten record.
In what was a fantastic performance, Ali would be rewarded with an opportunity to reclaim his WBC World Heavyweight title.
- READ MORE: Muhammad Ali scored a knockout in final fight before being stripped of the belt 58 years ago
Muhammad Ali failed to reclaim his heavyweight title from Joe Frazier
Looking to reclaim his WBC World Heavyweight title, Ali would take on Frazier, who was also the WBA champion.
The pair would meet in New York, three months after Ali’s handling of Bonavena. However, ‘The Greatest’ would succumb to his first professional defeat.
Getting knocked down in round 15, Ali would not be able to reclaim his world title. Frazier would win the bout via unanimous decision, in a fight that would be the first of three.
Ali would get his revenge on Frazier over the course of his career. Wins in 1974 and 1975 would mean that Ali had two wins to Frazier’s one in perhaps the greatest boxing trilogy of all time.