Muhammad Ali is one of the greatest boxers of all time. He was a three-time world heavyweight champion who won 56 of his 61 fights, 37 of them by knockout. Ali was known for his extraordinary speed, strength and graceful boxing style, which earned him the nickname “The Greatest”. Despite his impressive career, Ali did suffer a few losses, most notably to three other world champions.
Ken Norton
On March 31, 1973, Ali suffered his first professional defeat at the hands of Ken Norton. Norton was a former Marine and an accomplished amateur boxer who won a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1963 Pan-Am Games. He was known for his powerful punches and determined fighting spirit. The two boxers battled for 12 rounds, with Norton winning the fight by decision. Norton broke Ali's jaw during the match and would go on to beat him again with a split decision in a rematch in 1976.
Leon Spinks
In 1978, Leon Spinks, a former Olympic gold medalist, shocked the world by beating Muhammad Ali in a 15-round split decision. Spinks was a relative unknown at the time, but he was a highly skilled and aggressive boxer. Spinks surprised Ali with his speed and power throughout the fight and was declared the winner by a slim margin. Ali would get his revenge by beating Spinks in a rematch seven months later, becoming the first heavyweight to win the world title three times.
Larry Holmes
On October 2, 1980, Ali fought Larry Holmes, the World Boxing Council champion, for the heavyweight title. Holmes was a powerhouse and had a tremendous reach advantage over Ali. Throughout the fight, Holmes was able to control Ali with his jab, which Ali was unable to match. Holmes won the fight by a unanimous decision to become the new heavyweight champion. This was Ali's last professional fight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Muhammad Ali lose to?
Muhammad Ali lost to Ken Norton, Leon Spinks, and Larry Holmes.
What were the results of the fights between Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton?
The first fight between Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton ended in a decision victory for Norton. The rematch ended in a split decision victory for Norton.
How did Muhammad Ali respond to his loss to Leon Spinks?
Ali was determined to get revenge and he did so in their rematch, becoming the first heavyweight to win the world title three times.
Who was the heavyweight champion when Muhammad Ali fought Larry Holmes?
Larry Holmes was the World Boxing Council champion when he fought Muhammad Ali in 1980.
What was the result of Muhammad Ali's last professional fight?
Muhammad Ali's last professional fight was against Larry Holmes and he lost by a unanimous decision.
How did Larry Holmes beat Muhammad Ali?
Larry Holmes was able to control Ali with his jab, which Ali was unable to match. He also had a tremendous reach advantage over Ali.
What type of boxer was Ken Norton?
Ken Norton was a former Marine and an accomplished amateur boxer who was known for his powerful punches and determined fighting spirit.
What did Leon Spinks do to surprise Muhammad Ali in their first fight?
In their first fight, Leon Spinks surprised Muhammad Ali with his speed and power throughout the fight.
What nickname did Muhammad Ali earn?
Muhammad Ali earned the nickname “The Greatest” due to his extraordinary speed, strength and graceful boxing style.
What year did Muhammad Ali fight Ken Norton for the first time?
Muhammad Ali fought Ken Norton for the first time on March 31, 1973.
When did Ali get revenge on Leon Spinks?
Muhammad Ali got revenge on Leon Spinks seven months after their first fight by beating him in a rematch.
What was the result of the rematch between Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton?
The result of the rematch between Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton was a split decision victory for Norton.
What did Ali win by beating Leon Spinks in their rematch?
By beating Leon Spinks in their rematch, Ali became the first heavyweight to win the world title three times.
Where did Ken Norton win a gold medal?
Ken Norton won a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1963 Pan-Am Games.
Why did Muhammad Ali earn the nickname “The Greatest”?
Muhammad Ali earned the nickname “The Greatest” due to his extraordinary speed, strength and graceful boxing style.
What type of boxer was Larry Holmes?
Larry Holmes was a powerhouse and had a tremendous reach advantage over Ali.
What did Larry Holmes do to Muhammad Ali in their fight?
Larry Holmes was able to control Ali with his jab, which Ali was unable to match.
When did Muhammad Ali suffer his first professional defeat?
Muhammad Ali suffered his first professional defeat on March 31, 1973 at the hands of Ken Norton.
What was the result of Muhammad Ali's fight against Larry Holmes?
The result of Muhammad Ali's fight against Larry Holmes was a unanimous decision victory for Holmes.
When did Muhammad Ali fight Leon Spinks for the first time?
Muhammad Ali fought Leon Spinks for the first time in 1978.
What did Leon Spinks win by beating Muhammad Ali in their first fight?
Leon Spinks won a 15-round split decision victory over Muhammad Ali in their first fight.