When did Ali fight? This question often arises among boxing enthusiasts and casual fans alike. Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., was one of the most iconic figures in the sport of boxing. His career spanned over two decades, and he fought in numerous memorable matches that captivated the world. In this article, we will delve into the timeline of Ali’s boxing career, highlighting some of his most significant fights and the years in which they took place.
Muhammad Ali made his professional boxing debut on October 13, 1960, against Tunney Hunsaker. This fight marked the beginning of a storied career that would see Ali become the world heavyweight champion. His first world title fight occurred on February 25, 1964, when he defeated Sonny Liston in a dramatic match that would later be known as “The Fight of the Century.” This fight took place in Miami, Florida, and Ali won the championship by a technical knockout in the seventh round.
Ali’s boxing career was marked by a series of epic battles against other legendary fighters. One of the most notable fights in his career was the “Rumble in the Jungle,” which took place on October 30, 1974, in Kinshasa, Zaire. In this fight, Ali faced off against George Foreman, who was the reigning world heavyweight champion at the time. After a grueling 15 rounds, Ali emerged victorious with a technical knockout, regaining the world heavyweight championship.
Another pivotal moment in Ali’s career was the “Thrilla in Manila,” which occurred on October 1, 1975. This fight was a rematch between Ali and Joe Frazier, who had defeated him in their previous encounter. The fight took place in the Philippines and was one of the most intense and brutal matches in boxing history. After 14 rounds of relentless action, Ali managed to secure a unanimous decision victory, further solidifying his legacy as a boxing great.
Ali’s boxing career continued to be filled with memorable fights, and he fought until the age of 40. Some of his other notable fights include the “Fight of the Century II” against Leon Spinks on September 15, 1978, and the “Rocky” trilogy, which included the famous “Raging Bull” fight on October 26, 1979. Ali fought his last professional bout on June 27, 1981, against Trevor Berbick, which was also his final world heavyweight championship defense.
In conclusion, Muhammad Ali’s boxing career was a series of epic battles that took place over two decades. From his debut in 1960 to his final fight in 1981, Ali fought in some of the most memorable matches in boxing history. The years in which he fought were filled with intense rivalries, historic upsets, and unforgettable moments that have left an indelible mark on the sport. When did Ali fight? The answer is a timeline of triumphs, heartbreaks, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
