Today marks what would have been the 83rd birthday of one of the most popular figures in sports history. Muhammad Ali, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, had a storied career filled with iconic bouts.

He has influenced many athletes which includes iconic stars from his sport such as the incomparable Mike Tyson.

Today marks the anniversary of two greats bdays. Cus D’Amato and Muhammad Ali. Truly blessed to have known and loved them both pic.twitter.com/mNtrw3zjhP

— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) January 17, 2025

 

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Here are five of his greatest matches, showcasing his incredible skill, charisma, and resilience:

1. Ali vs. Sonny Liston I (1964) – “The Upset”

• Significance: Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, was a 22-year-old underdog challenging the seemingly invincible Liston for the heavyweight title.
• Outcome: Ali shocked the world by forcing Liston to quit after six rounds, citing a shoulder injury. This match marked the beginning of Ali’s reign as heavyweight champion.
• Legacy: Ali declared himself “The Greatest” after the fight and famously proclaimed, “I shook up the world!”

Sunny liston shooting blanks at Ali cuz he won’t stop trolling him is prolly the funniest shit I’ve seen in a min pic.twitter.com/D3wnfLpYo4

— king (@_blvck_mind) January 24, 2022

2. Ali vs. Sonny Liston II (1965) – “The Phantom Punch”

• Significance: The rematch with Liston was surrounded by controversy, as many doubted Ali’s legitimacy as champion.
• Outcome: Ali knocked out Liston in the first round with a short right hand, dubbed the “phantom punch.”
• Legacy: The iconic image of Ali standing over Liston became one of the most famous sports photos ever taken.

3. Ali vs. Joe Frazier I (1971) – “The Fight of the Century”

• Significance: This was the first meeting of two undefeated heavyweight champions, with enormous global attention.
• Outcome: Frazier won by unanimous decision after a grueling 15 rounds, knocking Ali down in the 15th.
• Legacy: Although Ali lost, this fight solidified both men’s places in boxing history.

On this date in 1971, Joe Frazier ends Muhammad Ali’s 31-fight winning streak at Madison Square Garden with a left to the jaw that would have killed me dead.

pic.twitter.com/tnD6qHNn15

— Honest☘️Larry (@HonestLarry1) March 8, 2023

4. Ali vs. George Foreman (1974) – “The Rumble in the Jungle”

• Significance: Foreman was a feared, undefeated puncher, and Ali was seen as past his prime.
• Outcome: Ali used his “rope-a-dope” strategy to tire Foreman out before knocking him out in the eighth round.
• Legacy: This stunning victory is considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history.

Not just the greatest boxer of all time, he is the greatest sportsman of all time

— Stefan Broo🐏e (@StefanBroome) October 23, 2024

5. Ali vs. Joe Frazier III (1975) – “The Thrilla in Manila”

• Significance: The third and final bout between Ali and Frazier was a brutal, punishing affair.
• Outcome: Ali won by technical knockout after Frazier’s corner stopped the fight before the 15th round.
• Legacy: Ali described this fight as the closest thing to dying. It’s remembered as one of the greatest heavyweight bouts of all time.

ALI VS FRAZIER 3

The FULL 12th round from the Thrilla in Manilla 😤 pic.twitter.com/cE5u6ZgeYZ

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 12, 2024

These matches not only highlighted Ali’s boxing prowess but also his ability to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, transcending the sport itself.