Muhammad Ali, the three-time heavyweight champion, gave a final try for the World title, in the fading days of his career. After retiring from the sport in 1978, he began his quest for the fourth heavyweight championship, two years later in 1980, against the then reigning WBC heavyweight champion, Larry Holmes. Unfortunately, the aging legend couldn’t leave his mark on the night and lost the bout.

A page named ‘Boxing News and History’ shared this post on Facebook. It also shared the highlights of the event.

According to the post, it was Ali’s first stoppage loss in his entire career. Though no knockdowns were scored, the fight was stopped in the tenth round, as Ali’s corner failed to respond to the bell of the 11th round.

Ali, then aged 38 years old, had fought before this in 1978, against Leon Spinks, to regain the WBA heavyweight title. However, Ali’s former sparring partner, Holmes, aged 30, was in his prime when Ali challenged him.

The fight clearly showed Ali had nothing left to offer in the ring apart from his name. Holmes dominated the entire fight. Ali could not win a single round.

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The fight was big enough to capture the attention of celebrities. Rocky movie star Sylvester Stallone was present in the arena. His third movie of the series was on its way.

After watching the fight, Stallone said, “Like watching an autopsy on a man who’s still alive.”

Read More: ‘Like Watching an Autopsy on a Man Who’s Still Alive’: Sylvester Stallone Was Shaking After Watching a Disturbing Event Unfold Before His Eyes

When this post circulated on the internet, fans poured their remarks on it.

How did fans react to Muhammad Ali vs Holmes fight?

A fan wrote, “Hate this fight. Never should of occurred. I’ve never watched it in its entirety.”

“It’s okay ain’t nothing wrong with being put down and staying down remember that Muhammad Ali is still the greatest.”

Another fan added,

“But it STILL wasn’t enough! Ali went on to take another unfortunate in Berbick next. HOW the powers that be allowed this Man back up in that ring, GOD alone knows.”“I was working at Ceasars Palace and went to the fight,” another fan added. “An event that shouldn’t have happened!” another fan added.

Yet another fan wrote,

“Hated that Larry did that too Ali.”

Another fan commented,

“Ali should have stopped after this. He should have never fought Trevor Berbick.”“A sad day in history,” a fan seemingly disappointed one added.

What do you make of Ali’s decision to fight Holmes? Let us know in the comments below.

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