Four of Muhammad Ali’s 61 fights took place in the month of June, with the GOAT recording four wins, but he also competed in a rather unusual crossover bout.
Every month we look at Ali’s triumphs and tribulations in that particular month. This time we examine June, a successful month for The Greatest with some spectacular events on the road.
Muhammad Ali fights in June:
26 June 1976 – Antonio Inoki, Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan
Result: Draw
It was a fight, kind of, and it was definitely in June. So we include this fight on a curious note. Ali met Japanese professional wrestler Antonio Inoki, and the crossover-fight was fought under special rules. The ‘Bout of the Century’ was a bizarre one which saw Inoki on his back the majority of the time kicking Ali’s legs.
30 June 1975 – Joe Bugner, Merdeka Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Result: Ali won through a unanimous decision.
Ali-Bugner II, under humid conditions in an open-air fight. The fight before The Thrilla in Manila.
27 June 1972 – Jerry Quarry, Convention Center, Las Vegas, USA
Result: Ali won via TKO in the 7th.
Ali-Quarry II with the NABF Heavy Title at stake. By the fifth round, Ali was entertaining the crowd, telling the ringside media, “This is an easy way to make a living!”
18 June 1963 – Henry Cooper, Wembley Stadium, England
Result: This tough battle was stopped in the 5th round, and Cassius Clay declared the winner after being knocked down in the fourth.
35,000 fans witnessed the open-air fight at Wembley.
26 June 1961 – Duke Sabedong, Convention Center, Las Vegas, USA
Result: The bout went the full distance with Clay winning comfortably on points.
Cassius Clay’s 7th pro fight.
