‘The Greatest’ Muhammad Ali hung up his gloves in 1981, having changed the world of sport forever with his influence.
The former ‘Fighter of the Decade‘ was a one-of-a-kind competitor, as no boxer will likely ever resemble the great.
From Ali’s fight series with Sonny Liston and Joe Frazier, to his ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ with George Foreman, there are countless great moments in his career.
However, when Muhammad Ali was banned from boxing for refusing military service, ‘The Greatest’ was forced out of the ring for three years. Eager to make up for lost time, he had an impressive performance in his return.
Muhammad Ali stopped Jerry Quarry in his return to boxing in 1970
After Ali scored a knockout over Zora Folley in his final fight before being stripped of the title in 1967, he would not compete again until 1970. Upon his return, he faced Jerry Quarry.
Quarry had a professional record of 37-4-4 when he faced Ali as the pair met in Atlanta in October 1970.
Although Ali had not competed in three years, he returned with ease. After winning the opening three rounds, the bout would be stopped.
A cut on the eye of Quarry was bleeding significantly in the third round. At the break, the doctor looked at the damage before waving the bout off.
The win was Ali’s 30th, who was yet to taste defeat at the time. The retirement victory also helped Ali work his way back towards the world title.
Muhammad Ali lost his first world title opportunity after boxing ban
Despite being a champion when he received his ban from boxing, it wouldn’t be until Ali met Foreman that he once again held a world title.
However, the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ was not the first world title opportunity Ali was given after 1970. Following Ali’s win over Oscar Bonavena, he was paired up with Joe Frazier for the first time.
Ali’s record of 31-0 would be spoiled when he faced the WBA and WBC champion. Losing via unanimous decision after 15 rounds, Ali was defeated for the first time in March 1971.
Over three years later, Ali would become world champion again versus Foreman after getting revenge on Frazier in a rematch.