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

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by NewChallenger, Mar 2, 2024.


  1. NewChallenger

    NewChallenger Member Full Member

    344
    310
    Oct 17, 2020
    This was during a time where these guys made millions.

    I just saw his record on wiki and after he beat Liston the 2nd time in 65, he proceeded to have 5 fights in 66 as the champion.

    When he beat George, he had 4 fights in 75, 4 fights in 76

    Why did he fight this much as the champion? I looked up George and Joe and they did not have nearly the same level of activity.

    Why do you think he fought so much as champion? Did he just like to be in the spotlight? Was it the money ,which he probably made more than George and Joe and was more active than them. Was it just because he liked it and he was good at it?
     
  2. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

    97,517
    28,721
    Jun 2, 2006
    He had an army of spongers living off him.
     
  3. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    27,953
    12,762
    Jan 4, 2008
    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.
     
    Smoochie, Stevie G and Freddy Benson. like this.
  4. Dubblechin

    Dubblechin Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    24,531
    18,244
    Jun 25, 2014
    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.
     
  5. scartissue

    scartissue Boxing Junkie Full Member

    10,262
    12,452
    Mar 2, 2006
    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.
     
  6. Ney

    Ney Boxing Junkie Full Member

    8,202
    10,649
    Feb 13, 2024
    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.
     
  7. dmt

    dmt Hardest hitting hw ever Full Member

    10,626
    15,386
    Jul 2, 2006
    He was overly generous with his money. Just like Louis.
     
    Stevie G likes this.
  8. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

    50,630
    24,115
    Jan 3, 2007
    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
     
    Stevie G and Bokaj like this.
  9. Flash24

    Flash24 Boxing Addict Full Member

    6,365
    9,242
    Oct 22, 2015
    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 ....
     
  10. Ney

    Ney Boxing Junkie Full Member

    8,202
    10,649
    Feb 13, 2024
    I’d say that’s an implied given.
     
    Last edited: Mar 2, 2024
  11. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

    52,305
    43,295
    Apr 27, 2005
    Yup.
     
  12. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

    52,305
    43,295
    Apr 27, 2005
    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.
     
  13. BoxingFan2002

    BoxingFan2002 Well-Known Member Full Member

    1,924
    628
    Feb 11, 2024
    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.
     
    Glass City Cobra likes this.
  14. MixedMartialLaw

    MixedMartialLaw Fight sports enthusiast Full Member

    1,593
    2,514
    Jun 30, 2021
    Manny Pacquiao as well...which is why he's training for a comeback at 45 sadly.
     
    Pugguy and dmt like this.
  15. Pugguy

    Pugguy Ingo, The Thinking Man’s GOAT Full Member

    16,316
    26,810
    Aug 22, 2021
    Is that confirmed? I’d read talk of Manny fighting Mayweather some time this year but dismissed it as just talk.