Anyone find it ridicolous how active of a fighter Ali was? Why did he fight so much?

He had an army of spongers living off him.

 

A reason for the hectic schedule of 66-67 could be because of the draft thing, and in the 70's they might have wanted to keep him in the ring as much as possible since his discipline wasn't that great at that time. But it is a theme throughout his career, though. I think there only are five full years where he had less than three fights and only one where he had less than two, and that was because of a hernia.

 

Legal battles are expensive, especially if you fight them all the way to the Supreme Court.

And, if you get that far and win, then you basically have to start all over again and try to recoup income you spent in legal fees.

 

He was a fighting champion. Like Joe Louis, Roberto Duran, Antonio Cervantes and Victor Galindez. The latter 3 were also known for sandwiching in non-title bouts as well. These guys fought in the day where staying active kept you sharp. I miss those days compared with this once a year crap.

 

It’s already been mentioned that money was a huge motivator - probably the sole motivator during his second reign. As stated, legal fees during his first reign, & parasites during his second, were financially taxing.

Regarding his first tenure, you might also add into the mix the fact that he took fairly little punishment in bouts (unlike someone such as Frazier), & his youth. We were all imbued with energy at 25 we don’t have at 35-40 & beyond.

 

He was overly generous with his money. Just like Louis.

 

I wish more guys today kept that busy or at least busier than they do. Defending a title once a year seems to be the thing these days

 

Sure Ali had money issues because of the many "sponges " women" and legal issues he had to deal with during his amazing career.
But what I don't see mentioned is he simply liked what he did and was great at it.
If the man truly did not love to compete, theirs no way he survives Frazier in FOTC or Manila,or blinded by Liston in Miami, he quits in Kinshasa, or from Earnie Shavers bombs. A broken jaw against Norton.
Ali was a warrior, he loved the combat, and probably would've done it for free if it were in front of millions people. Even if all his financial abligations were already met.
He fought so much because he liked it. The adrenaline rush of competition, and conquest. After some of his great victories he probably made a few babies lol ....

 

I’d say that’s an implied given.

 

Yup.

 

Yet you claimed money was probably the sole motivator during his second reign.

To take Flashes excellent post one step further he was addicted to the attention as well, not just the fighting. He craved the spotlight and hence so many comebacks and the like.

 

Because he is the greatest, just tell me how many people would be able to beat Liston,Foreman,Frazier,Norton,Patterson and so many contenders like Quarry,Bonavena,Shavers,Chuvalo, Mac Foster, Young, Ellis... and stay undefeated while fighting past prime.
Not even Lewis,Marciano,Liston,Holmes and etc could do that.

 

Manny Pacquiao as well...which is why he's training for a comeback at 45 sadly.

 

Is that confirmed? I’d read talk of Manny fighting Mayweather some time this year but dismissed it as just talk.