Career
Muhammad Ali had a career record of 56 wins, five losses and 37 knockouts before his retirement from boxing in 1981 at the age of 39.
"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."
-Muhammad Ali.
After winning gold medal at Olympics games in 1960, Ali defeated British heavyweight champion Henry Cooper in 1963. He then knocked out Sonny Liston in 1964 and became the heavyweight champion of the world.
In 1971, Muhammad Ali loss his first fight against Joe Frazier. The fight was called "Fight of the Century." It lasted 14 rounds. In 15th round Ali dropped on floor after taking strong left hook from Frazier. Although he recovered quickly but the judges awarded the decision to Frazier. This was his first professional loss after 31 wins. After suffering another loss to Ken Norton, Ali beat Frazier in a 1974 rematch.
In 1975, Ali and Frazier meet again in the ring in Quezon city, Philippines. The fight was called "Thrilla in Manila." It lasted 14 rounds until Frazier`s trainer threw in the towel, giving the victory to Ali.
In 1974 Kinshasa, in Zaire, Ali took a fight against undefeated heavyweight champion George Foreman. This fight was called "Rumble in the Jungle." Ali was criticized as to have little chance of winning against Foreman. But with his skilful performance he proved it wrong. In this fight Ali used his technique "rope a dope." In which he would let the opponent tired himself by landing non-injuring punches, this then would give Ali the advantage towards the end of the competition by throwing strong punches and knocked him out in eighth round and reclaimed the heavyweight title.
Muhammad Ali became the first boxer to win the heavyweight championship three times in September 1978 rematch against Leon Spinks. To whom Ali first loss a fight in February 1978.
"To be a great champion, you must believe you are the best. If you`re not, pretend you are."
-Muhammad Ali.
In 1980, Ali took a retirement with 56 wins and 3 losses (37 knockouts). Shortly he returned to face Larry Holmes. This fight was called "The Last Hurrah," which was overmatched against the younger champion and yet faced another loss. It was also revealed after the fight that Ali had been examined at the Mayo Clinic the results were shocking. He had admitted to tingling in his hands, and slurring of his speech. With the conclusiveness of Ali`s loss to Holmes, and Ali`s worrying medical condition, it seemed incredible that he fought again.
In 1981, after another loss to Trevor Berbick, Ali the greatest of all retired from the sport at age 39.