Muhammad Ali managed to overcome a thunderous puncher who hit him with big shots.
‘The Louisville Lip’ amassed a huge reputation for his skills on the mic, regularly irritating his opponents with his quick wit.
However, he was much more than just a talker, with the superstar showcasing his grit and determination on more than one occasion.
Ali once survived a huge punch from Oscar Bonavena. And in a showdown with ‘Boom Boom’, he had to showcase his toughness in abundance.
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George Chuvalo says he was close to finishing Muhammad Ali
George Chuvalo boxed Muhammad Ali twice, losing via unanimous decision on both occasions.
During their second encounter, he came agonizingly close to making history.
In an old interview with The Ring Magazine, he said: “According to his trainer, Angelo Dundee, I had him out in Round five of the rematch, but he bluffed his way out of it and waved me in.
“I clipped him with a left hook to the point of the chin and, although it wasn’t hard, it was perfectly placed.
“He did exactly the same thing with Ernie Shavers a few years later. Still, over the 27 rounds, we thought his chin was definitely the most reliable.”
Muhammad Ali got revenge on fighter who dropped him in sparring
Ali wasn’t just physically strong, but mentally too.
On one occasion, he had to go head-to-head with a fighter who got the better of him inside the gym.
In an intense showdown, Ali knocked out a boxer who dropped him in sparring.