Muhammad Ali is considered the greatest heavyweight boxer in history by many fans of boxing. And if you followed Ali’s career closely, you will most likely have to agree with them. And indeed he was nicknamed ‘The Greatest’ because of his prowess in the sport. However, he is not among the few boxers who have an unblemished record, that is to say, never lost a fight.
Despite how great he was, Ali was defeated by his opponents on five different occasions right in the middle of the ring. So who are these five boxers who were brave enough to engage in a fight with ‘The Greatest’ and emerge victorious? Let’s find out.
1. Joe Frazier:
His full name was Joseph William Frazier and he was nicknamed ‘Smoking Joe.’ His professional boxing career lasted for sixteen years, from 1965 to 1981.
In the year 1971, he became the very first boxer to defeat Muhammad Ali in a bout which was dubbed “Fight of the Century.” He won that match via unanimous decision after 15 rounds, much to the surprise of virtually everyone.
However, Ali got the better of Frazier in the two ‘rematch’ fights that followed, billed ‘Super Fight II’ and ‘Thriller in Manilla’ respectively.
2. Ken Norton:
Professional boxer Kenneth Howard Norton Sr, better known as Ken Norton, had a boxing career that spanned 14 years, from 1967 to 1981. He is perhaps best remembered for defeating Muhammad Ali by split decision in their match which took place on 31 March 1973 at the Sports Arena in San Diego, California.
However, Ali won the two subsequent matches that followed- one by split decision and the other by a unanimous decision.
3. Leon Spinks:
Leon Spinks’ professional boxing career lasted from 1977 to 1995, during which he defeated Ali. That fight happened in the year 1978 and Spinks won by split decision.
However, Ali won the rematch by unanimous decision seven months later.
4. Larry Holmes:
This fight between Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes was dubbed ‘The Last Hurrah’ and it took place on 2 October 1980 in Las Vegas. Holmes was declared the winner after ten rounds when Ali’s trainer stopped the fight.
It was later revealed that Ali was already suffering from Parkinson’s disease before that match happened. Mike Tyson reportedly vowed to avenge Ali’s defeat and he fulfilled his promise many years later by defeating Larry Holmes.
5. Trevor Berbick:
Trevor Berbick was a Jamaican professional boxer whose boxing career lasted for 24 years, from 1976 to 2000. He was the last boxer to fight Muhammad Ali, and like you may rightly guess, that fight ended in a defeat for Ali.
Dubbed ‘Drama in Bahama,’ that fight took place on 11 December 1981 in Nassau, Bahamas and Berbick was declared winner by a unanimous decision.
Muhammad Ali died on 3 June 2016. He had battled with Parkinson’s disease for a long time and had reportedly died due to septic shock.
Did you watch Ali’s fights? Where do you think he ranks amongst the greatest heavyweight boxers in history?
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