History

Watch the fight that spurred Muhammad Ali to become the world’s greatest athlete [Video]

There’s no doubt Muhammad Ali had a very illustrious and stellar career.

Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, Muhammad Ali revealed his ability to fight at an early age. It’s usually said that Ali wanted to learn to fight so that he could beat up a thief who had stolen his bike.

At the age of 12, Ali enrolled for professional boxing lessons and went on to win his first heavyweight world championship title at 22.

Ali also participated in several other historic boxing matches including the Fight of the Century, Thrilla in Manila, Super Fight II, and the Rumble in the Jungle.

In total, Ali participated in 61 fights, winning 56 and losing five. Of the 56 wins, 36 were knockouts. The boxing icon retired from boxing in 1981.

He still is the only three-time world heavyweight champion, making him the world’s greatest boxer.

Ali’s first professional fight, which took place on October 29, 1960, against Tunney Hunsaker saw him emerge victorious with a unanimous six-round points decision.

Taking place before a crowd of 6,180, Ali pocketed $2000 while his opponent earned $300. In a post-match interview, Hunsaker said, “ He’s awfully good for an 18-year-old and as fast as a middleweight.”

Watch highlights of the fight below:

Francis Akhalbey

A reader once told me I lack the emotional maturity to cope with mythological breasts. I support Manchester United, by the way. And L.A. Lakers.

Recent Posts

Hero cop delivers baby on the side of the road: ‘I’m just blessed that I was there’

What appeared to be a typical day immediately changed for Officer Cpl. Jason Lee when…

12 hours ago

How startup Sparen is using AI to change the way you buy or sell a home

Paris Dean is the founder of Sparen, a startup that seeks to streamline real estate…

12 hours ago

Flavor Flav promises to sponsor U.S. water polo team to Paris Olympics after call for help

Flavor Flav is known for his music career but he is also a true sports…

13 hours ago

Months after raising $29M, Shaq-backed college startup founded by Nigerian picks up another $23M

Nigerian entrepreneur Tade Oyerinde leads Campus, an online community college startup. The son of Nigerian…

16 hours ago

Florida woman in labor weds her lover between contractions at hospital

What are you willing to endure in the name of love? A Florida mother decided…

17 hours ago

Wheel of Fortune contestant wins big after trying to get on the show for almost 30 years

Tracy McBride’s dream came true when she finally arrived as a contestant for the Wheel…

18 hours ago

How Chris Brown reportedly grew his net worth to $50 million despite a spate of controversies

Chris Brown is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and dancer. He made his career debut…

19 hours ago

T-Pain to open music school in Wisconsin after ‘Can’t Believe It’ hit

Following the success of his 2008 single "Can't Believe It," in which he memorably rhymed…

20 hours ago

Atlanta reaches $3.8M settlement with family of church deacon fatally tased by officer

The Atlanta City Council has reached a $3.8 million settlement with the family of a…

21 hours ago

50 Cent sues ex Daphne Joy for $1 million after she accused him of rape

Actress and model Daphne Joy has been slapped with a defamation lawsuit by her ex-boyfriend…

21 hours ago

Drake’s security guard critically injured in shooting outside rapper’s Toronto mansion

Authorities in Canada said a man identified as Drake’s security guard was left seriously injured…

21 hours ago

Two students saved their P.E. teacher after he suffered cardiac arrest: ‘Medically, I was gone’

A physical education teacher, Alfred Kattola, owes his life to the quick thinking of two…

1 day ago

Doctors misdiagnosed an 11-year-old girl 30 times before finding out she was suffering from brain tumor

An 11-year-old girl, Tia Gordon, has endured misdiagnoses of sickness bugs and migraines by medics…

1 day ago

How Serena Williams has helped 14 companies reach unicorn status

Serena Williams is undoubtedly one of the greatest tennis players to grace the court. In…

2 days ago

LeAnna Roberts earns her master’s degree at just 17 years old, her third degree in two years

At the age of sixteen, LeAnna Roberts made headlines when she graduated from the University…

2 days ago