Muhammad Ali vs Zora Folley

The bout between Muhammad Ali and Zora Folley took place on March 22, 1967, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This match is notable for being Ali's last fight before his three-year exile from boxing due to his refusal to be drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Fight Background: Zora Folley was a seasoned and skilled heavyweight contender, known for his technical proficiency and strong defensive skills. Ali, the reigning heavyweight champion, entered the fight with a record of 28-0, displaying his trademark speed, agility, and charisma both inside and outside the ring. The Fight: From the outset, Ali showcased his superior footwork and lightning-fast jabs, keeping Folley at bay. Folley, though experienced, struggled to match Ali's pace and precision. Ali's strategy focused on outmanoeuvring Folley, landing quick combinations while avoiding significant damage himself. Folley had a few moments of success, landing solid punches, but they were not enough to turn the tide. In the seventh round, Ali's dominance became even more pronounced. He delivered a powerful right-hand punch that sent Folley to the canvas. Although Folley managed to get up, Ali's relentless attack continued, leading to a technical knockout victory in the same round. Significance: This fight solidified Ali's status as one of the greatest heavyweight champions in boxing history. It also marked a turning point in his career, as shortly after this victory, Ali was stripped of his title and boxing license for his stance against the Vietnam War draft. He would not fight again until October 1970. Legacy: The Ali vs. Folley fight remains a testament to Ali's skill and resilience, both as a boxer and as an individual standing up for his beliefs. It is remembered as a key moment in the career of "The Greatest." #MuhammadAli #ZoraFolley #BoxingHistory #HeavyweightChampionship #MadisonSquareGarden #AliVsFolley #TheGreatest #BoxingLegend #SportsHistory #1967Fight #CassiusClay #WBA #WorldBoxingAssociation