Ali's championship recognition after Frazier vs Ellis

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by MaccaveliMacc, Jan 28, 2025.


  1. MaccaveliMacc

    MaccaveliMacc Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Do you guys remember, ot if you weren't alive back then, maybe you have some press releases, articles etc. regarding the topic. After Frazier beat Ellis for the undisputed heavyweight championship recognized by The Ring, Ali still claimed to be the champion even though he said he was retired before the fight. How many people considered him the real champ? Was it a minority or a majority view? If we consider him the champ when he returned against Quarry, that would be the longest inactivity from the heavyweight champion ever, even longer than Jess Willard's.
     
    MaccaveliMacc, Jan 28, 2025
    MaccaveliMacc, Jan 28, 2025
    #1
  2. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Muhammad officially handed his Ring Championship belt back just before the Frazier-Ellis WBC/WBA unification fight and said that he would recognise the winner as the new World Champion as it did n't look like he'd be getting his license back anytime soon.
     
    Stevie G, Jan 28, 2025
    Stevie G, Jan 28, 2025
    #2
  3. MaccaveliMacc

    MaccaveliMacc Boxing Addict Full Member

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    He changed his tune right after the fight, trying to schedule a match with Frazier in Canada.
     
    MaccaveliMacc, Jan 28, 2025
    MaccaveliMacc, Jan 28, 2025
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    Stevie G likes this.
  4. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

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    Frazier was recognised
     
    lufcrazy, Jan 28, 2025
    lufcrazy, Jan 28, 2025
    #4
  5. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Yes,Muhammad started to see signs that he could get his license returned so he went back into banging publicity drums mode.
     
    Stevie G, Jan 28, 2025
    Stevie G, Jan 28, 2025
    #5