Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali (Part 9)
Many were of the view that this would have been an ideal time in his career to call it quits as he had become the undisputed champion of the world. The great had showed glimpses of his greatness to fans across the globe. His coach also was of the view that
it was a graceful time and way to make an exit from professional boxing and say his goodbyes to the boxing world for good.
By this time, Ali had begun to emit obvious signs that he had health issues. His speech had been affected slightly and he just did not seem a hundred percent fit. It seemed as though he had an unreasonable determination within him to continue.
Over the next two years and six months, the wonder boxer went on battling it out and defending his title successfully for that period. At the surprise of most people, Ali out boxed six opponents and managed to defend his title.
As a result, Las Vegas was selected as the place where the magical downfall would take place. On 15th February, 1978 Leon Sprinks defeated the heavyweight champion, shocking everyone with this upset victory.
It was only in the next year on 15th September, 1978 that the King would reclaim his crown. He won by a unanimous decision. The heavyweight title had made its way back to the hero who deserved it the most.
The astounding fighter had entered the record books and he had made a permanent mark for himself in the history of boxing by becoming the only human to have obtained the heavyweight Championship title on three times in his tenure as a professional boxer.
He deserved a hatrick of championships. He never seized to surprise fans, audiences, friends and the media with unbelievable performances. The spectacular Ali was truly a magnificent athlete. One of the biggest assets he had was the innate ability he possessed
to make vivid and unforgettable comebacks.
On June 26th June 1979, the golden boy announced his retirement from international and professional boxing. Ali had always lived a posh and luxurious life. His life style was like that of a prince. He did not have much sense when it came to financial
management.
The result was him almost being broke within a couple of years into his retirement. So he decided to do what he did best and what he knew best. It was in 1980 that the rigid former champion decided that he was to make his way back to the ring on 2nd
October in the year of his return. Muhammad Ali by then was famous for his impulsive way of life.
It was his wish to challenge Larry Holmes for the World Boxing Council Championship. Along with that, he was offered a very large sum of cash, which he would only pocket if he went on to win the challenge. Once again he would return to Las Vegas for the
battle and once again he would go down. Fortune would not always favour the brave and Ali who looked like an old version of his past, lost the match due to a technical knockout.
A year down the line a contest between the old Muhammad and Trevor Berbick was scheduled to take place on 11 December 1981. As intelligent as the legend was, Ali deep down probably knew that he was no longer as fit as he once was, lacking the endurance and
warrior like form he had been famous for. He was too smart not to know that.
Obviously, his courage would always cloud his judgment and he had entered the squared ring one more time in his life to take on the youngster Berbick. The gutsy Ali was to take a beating at the hands of the youngster. There was no doubt that he was still
trying to move and strike like he once did. However, Ali’s time had gone.
In the 11th round, the great Muhammad Ali lost by a technical knockout. The look on Ali’s face was ample proof that he knew he would remain the champion in the hearts of his supporters and his time to say goodbye was eminent. Ali retired at the
age of 40.
His days of bedazzling his opponents and audiences were over. The magician, the boxer had exhibited tricks and tips like no other fighter. Muhammad Ali gave the word contest a new meaning. He changed the concept of what being a champion actually meant.
Ali’s passion was tangible and his courage visible. Fear was an emotion he had never felt. The rock of a man accomplished and overcame unbelievable challenges. Ali was a boxing soldier and the ring was his battleground, executing his foes one by one as they
came in his way. Some situations more challenging than others. The magnificent sight of seeing him adapt to the size of the mountain that stood in his way was inspirational. His talent knew no limits.
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