Muhammad Ali vs Leon Spinks I {fight-arts.com}

1sports.ru/ Background of the fight: Muhammad Ali was the world heavyweight champion by the WBA and WBC versions, but his career was coming to an end. He received an offer to fight Leon Spinks, the 1976 Olympic champion in light heavyweight, who had only seven professional fights. Ali agreed to the fight, considering it easy and prestigious, as he wanted to defeat all the Olympic champions he had met. Spinks, on the other hand, saw the fight as a chance to prove his strength and become a star. The press and bookmakers gave Spinks no chance of winning, considering the fight unequal .
Course of the fight: The fight took place on February 15, 1978 at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas and was scheduled for 15 rounds. Ali entered the ring in good shape, but did not show aggressiveness or initiative. He allowed Spinks to hit him and counterattacked only occasionally. Spinks acted actively, energetically and boldly. He was not afraid of Ali and pressed him with his pace and power. Spinks won most of the rounds, and Ali only tried to speed up and catch up at the end of the fight. But this was not enough to change the outcome of the fight. Spinks won by a split decision of the judges with a score of 145-140, 144-141 and 143-143 .
Consequences of the fight: The fight was a sensation and a shock for the sports world. Spinks became the new world heavyweight champion by the WBA, WBC and The Ring versions. He also became the first boxer to defeat Ali in a title fight. Ali lost his belts and his unbeatable image. Many thought that this was the end of his career and urged him to retire. However, Ali did not give up and demanded a rematch with Spinks, which took place in September of the same year. In this fight, Ali showed his skill and experience and won a confident victory, becoming the world heavyweight champion for the third time .
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