THE SPORTSMISTAKES RECORD

Muhammad Ali Against Larry Holmes

1980 • Boxing • Fighter Mistake • Career Management
Muhammad Ali Against Larry Holmes — SportsMistakes artwork

THE STORY

On October 2, 1980, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Larry Holmes defended his WBC heavyweight title against Muhammad Ali, who was returning from retirement at age 38. Holmes dominated the bout, winning every round on all three judges' scorecards. Ali's trainer, Angelo Dundee, stopped the fight after the tenth round, resulting in a technical knockout victory for Holmes.

TEAMS / PEOPLE: Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes

WHY IT MATTERS

This fight is often cited as a bout that should never have happened, as Ali's declining health and skills led to a one-sided contest, raising ethical questions about athlete welfare and the responsibilities of trainers and promoters.

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