Looking back over Ali`s long career he so many famous moments and defining fights. We all know the about the Frazier fights and the Rumble in the Jungle etc. One of the things that I really respected Ali for was his ability to handle all the things he had going on regarding politics and religion. It was a heavy time. So what he did post FOTC is something that showed IMO what kind of competitor he was. He wasnt getting an immediate rematch with Frazier so Muhammad Ali went all over the world fighting everyone and beating just about everyone. Even the broken Jaw loss to Ken Norton didnt put out the fire Ali had to win back the title. Without Ali taking this type of schedule and approach to getting his game back in form I dont think he wins back the crown has all those great fights later. If his late `70s record is tainted and it is, this period in Ali`s career makes up for it. Take a look at Ali`s record from `71 to `73 and the names that are on there. Just think what he did during this period deserves alot of respect. It`s something that only a true champion would do. It may get overlooked somewhat.
He had a few fights that he didn't take seriously during that time but overall when he was in shape like the return against Quarry he looked really good. He got closer to getting his pre layoff form back than people realize.
Ali was amazing ,can you imagine most heavyweight s ,after losing their belts doing that ?.Effectively taking on most of the division and traveling whilst doing so .This is why I've so much respect for the man .I cant think of many heavyweight champs who've done something similar tbh .
I love picking on Ali, but must admit that he deserved another title shot earlier than '74. Frazier should have rematched him in '72 sometime.
Just compare the guys Ali faced between the first and second Frazier fights to the ones Wilder has faced after 10 years and 40 fights... Ali definitely milked his title after the Norton rubber in '76, but before that he was really flawless concerning the fights he took. Coming back from a 3,5 year lay-off and facing Quarry, Bonavena, Frazier and Ellis in a row, for example... Just unreal. Whatever you think of the man you have to give him that.
I don't like the way Ali conducted himself during this time regarding his loss to Joe Frazier. Saying "only white people thing I lost" that was bad sportsmanship. With that said I do like what he did. He went to work and did what a champ should do.
