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Muhammad Ali scored a knockout in final fight before being stripped of the belt 58 years ago

Muhammad Ali is undoubtedly one of the greatest talents to grace all of sporting history, but it was 58 years ago today that Ali suffered his last win before a long and avoidable lay-off.

Muhammad Ali has delivered countless boxing masterclasses and monumental occasions for the fans.

From becoming the only man to stop the late great George Foreman, who has received an influx of tributes, to fighting in front of millions as 10% of Earth’s population watched Frazier vs Ali, ‘The Greatest’ has truly earned his nickname.

But his career was not without its controversy, which came to a head after his fight 58 years ago today.

Cassius Clay with Arm Around Zora Folley
(Original Caption) 3/22/1967-New York, NY-: Heavyweight boxing champion Cassius Clay stands in the ring at Madison Square Garden, with his arm around the neck of challenger Zora Folley.

Muhammad Ali relinquishes title after KO victory

In 1967, Ali fought for the last time in three years as he faced then 74-7-4 Zora Folley in defense of his world title.

Ali dominated most of the fight, which lasted until the seventh round. Ali closed the show with a big right hook that left Folley on the canvas and unable to beat the count.

Following this dominant performance, Ali’s boxing license and belt were stripped from him as a result of his evasion of the Vietnam war draft.

According to The National Interest, Ali explained reasoning for dodging the draft:

“War is against the teachings of the Quran I’m not trying to dodge the draft. We are not supposed to take part in no wars unless declared by Allah or The Messenger. We don’t take part in Christian wars or wars of any unbelievers”.

Ali, who was stopped aged 16, also said: “I ain’t got no quarrel with them Viet Cong.”

Muhammad Ali’s first fight back did not last long

In 1970, Ali returned to the ring for the first time since the Folley fight. In his way was 37-4-4 Jerry Quarry.

The fight was waved off in favor of Ali in just the third round after a cut was sustained by Quarry. The pair did rematch years later in 1972, when Ali left no doubt, stopping Quarry in the seventh.

Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier Boxing
10/1/1975- Manila, The Philippines: Champion Muhammad Ali (white trunks) lands a right on Joe Frazier's head during the 2nd round. Ali held his title 10/1 defeating Frazier by TKO in the 14th round.

Ali fought once more before taking his first loss to Joe Frazier, who scared George Foreman, when he stopped 46-6-1 Oscar Bonavena in the final round of their clash after dropping him three times.