The Return of the Champion – Muhammad Ali fights Jerry Quarry – October 26, 1970

Muhammad Ali had been out of the ring for 1,294 days.

Many wondered if he’d ever fight again.

When Ali lost his boxing license, he was undefeated in 27 fights.

He had held the world heavyweight boxing title since shocking the world in 1964.

Ali was a 6-1 underdog against defending champion Sonny Liston, who hadn’t lost a fight in almost 10 years. The debate was on – would he ever lose again?

Certainly not to the lip from Louisville.

Ali was Cassius Clay in 1964.

He was brash and spouted poetry.

If you like to lose your money,be a fool and bet on Sonny!—Cassius Clay /Muhammad Ali

He taunted Liston.

He’s too ugly to be the world champ.The world champ should be pretty, like me!—Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali

Clay was 22. He was swift and loaded with bravado. But could he fight? Most didn’t respect his unique talent. He didn’t hit very hard. His chin was suspect, they said. He never went to the body.

Something new is always scary. Criticize it – don’t try to understand it. Clay was a mystery to most. His Olympic gold medal didn’t matter.

Liston’s record was 35-1 with 24 knockouts. He had won the heavyweight crown by bludgeoning Floyd Patterson in a little over two minutes. It took Liston six seconds longer in the rematch.

Clay was 19-0 when he met Liston.

Lester Bromberg of the New York World-Telegram predicted, “It will last longer than the Patterson fight – almost the entire first round.”

Liston tried to intimidate Clay before the opening bell. His dead eye had frightened many an opponent. The challenger glared back – admitting after the fight that Liston’s power was a concern.

No matter, the loud youngster fought Liston evenly, edging ahead on one card after six rounds until the seemingly unbeatable Liston quit on his stool after six rounds.

Clay, now Muhammad Ali, defended his crown eight times.

In 1967, the New York State Athletic Commission suspended his license and stripped him of his title for refusing to serve in the military. Other state athletic commissions did the same.

By 1970, America was changing. The Vietnam War was unpopular. Though still called a draft dodger by some, young people embraced the banished champion.

Ali’s legal team had made several attempts to get their man back in the ring. These efforts were routinely turned down.

Senator Leroy Johnson pushed for his state of Georgia to stage Ali’s comeback. It could happen. There was no athletic commission to quash it. Johnson wouldn’t stop. Finally, Mayor Sam Massell caved.

Governor Lester Maddox was not happy. Days before Ali’s comeback, he referred to it as “a day of mourning.”

Reportedly, someone took a shot at a home where Ali was staying.

Jerry Quarry was chosen as Ali’s opponent.

Quarry was an interesting choice. The Southern California fighter had won 37 of 41 fights. Quarry held victories over former champion Patterson, and contenders Buster Mathis, Brian London, and Mac Foster.

Future champion Joe Frazier stopped Quarry in seven hellish rounds in 1969. Quarry had rebounded from a shocking loss to George Chuvalo to win four fights in succession. Quarry was ranked the #4 heavyweight by Ring Magazine. He was tough and skilled.

Nowadays, it would be unthinkable for a boxer inactive for three and a half years to have his initial comeback fight against a high-ranked contender.

Ali wanted to test himself. It was risky, but as always, he was confident. Quarry also liked his chances.

Oddsmakers favored Ali. Questions swirled minutes before the opening bell. Had Ali lost a step? Would the flashy combinations still be blinding? What about his stamina?

Ali started fast. The flash was there, as was the speed, as he pumped out jabs and right hands. For one round, it was 1967 again.

Quarry did slightly better in round two as Ali missed more punches. Rust was rearing its head.

Ali was still moving well in the next heat.

Quarry went to the body to try to slow him.

Ali fired a sharp, slashing right hand that opened up a nasty cut over Quarry’s left eye. Blood seeped and dripped from Quarry’s eye. Ali grew more aggressive, firing shots that backed Quarry up.

The crowd roared, but Quarry never appeared hurt.

But his left eye was.

Muhammed Ali vs Jerry Quarry (Full Fight) HD 2023

Quarry seemed to sense the fight was about to be stopped. He walked to his corner slowly. His corner called for the doctor to inspect the slash. The fight was waved off.

The champion was back, though many, including my father, who was in Atlanta, said he was fortunate the fight was stopped.

The Joe Frazier countdown was on.

Ali would have another fight before meeting Frazier.

SYND 28/10/70 JERRY QUARRY COMMENTS ON HIS FIGHT WITH MUHAMMED ALI