LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — October 2, 1980, was a bittersweet day for boxing and heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali.
On this day in history, Ali fought his seventh and final fight in Las Vegas against Larry Holmes. Ali agreed to come out of retirement for the fight, which was dubbed “The Last Hurrah.” Promoters originally set the bout in Brazil, but the superintendent of the Rio de Janeiro stadium opposed the plan, saying it would destroy the soccer grass.
Legendary promoter Don King moved the fight to Caesars Palace. Holmes dominated the bout from the first bell. In fact, he expressed concerns about Ali’s health mid-match, saying he wasn’t mounting a strong defense.
Ali would not only lose the bout but also never fight in Vegas again. It was later revealed he was suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Ali’s former ring doctor later said the promoters should have been arrested for allowing the fight to move forward.
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