Muhammad Ali is perhaps the most influential figure in the history of boxing. Throughout his incredible career, he had a number of sport-defining moments.
From Ali winning as an underdog against George Foreman to reclaiming the heavyweight title after his ban from boxing, ‘The Greatest’ often lived up to his nickname.
With his final outing coming in 1981, Ali’s loss to Trevor Berbick would round his professional record off as 56-5.
Six years prior to his last career appearance, Ali had one of the most famous boxing matches of all time. Taking on Joe Frazier for the third and final time, the two met in the ‘Thrilla in Manila’.
Muhammad Ali beat Joe Frazier in the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ in 1975
Frazier had given Ali the first loss of his career in 1971. Meeting for the heavyweight title, the two men were undefeated as they met in New York. However, Frazier would emerge as the victor via decision.
The rivals would meet for a second time in 1974, with Ali getting his revenge. Winning via unanimous decision, Ali’s win would set up his meeting with Foreman.
The two legends were then even at one win apiece. To finish the series, the two met in their trilogy bout in 1975. Meeting in Manila, in the Philippines, Ali would emerge as the winner of the rivalry.
Following an accumulation of damage for Frazier, his trainer would not let his fighter emerge for the 15th and final round, ending the bout. The rubber match would spell the end of a great rivalry, which even saw Ali and Frazier fight in a television studio.
The stoppage win was the 35th of Ali’s career. The following year, he would earn the final knockout of his career.
Muhammad Ali’s final stoppage win came in 1976 against Richard Dunn
Ali’s second win over Frazier would be the fourth defense he made of his WBA and WBC World Heavyweight titles. Making another two in 1976, Ali would look to defend his titles for the seventh time against Richard Dunn.
Dunn was a British heavyweight who had a 33-9 record. The pair met in Munich, in May 1976, as Ali sought after his 53rd professional win.
Ali was clearly the more skilled fighter throughout five rounds. ‘The Greatest’ dropped Dunn for the first time in the fourth round, spelling the beginning of the end.
Dunn would be sent to the canvas for a second and third time in the fourth round, but would return to his feet to fight a fifth round.
In the final minute of round five, Dunn would hit the canvas twice. After the second knockdown, the referee waved off the bout as Ali defended his world titles.