Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali (; born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.; January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016) was an American professional boxer and social activist. A global cultural icon, widely known by the nickname "The Greatest", he is often regarded as the gr ...

vs.

Joe Bugner József Kreul Bugner (born 13 March 1950) is a Hungarian born British– Australian former professional boxer who competed in the heavyweight division and actor. He holds triple nationality, originally being a citizen of Hungary and a nat ...

II, billed as ''The Fight of a Lifetime'', was a professional boxing match contested on 1 July 1975, for the undisputed heavyweight championship.

Background

The 1975 title fight with Bugner was Ali's third title defense since 1974, and was held in

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Kuala Lumpur (KL), officially the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, is the capital city and a federal territory of Malaysia. It is the largest city in the country, covering an area of with a census population of 2,075,600 . Greater Kuala Lum ...

, and remains the only world heavyweight championship fight hosted in the nation's history. Being held in June, the location of the fight was very hot, creating difficulties for both men. The two had fought two years earlier with Ali winning a competitive 12 round Unanimous Decision.

The fight

Despite the heat, Ali performed very well, fighting aggressively against the bigger challenger, forcing Joe against the ropes and clinching to prevent counters and also used his now famous

rope-a-dope The rope-a-dope is a boxing Boxing#Boxing styles, fighting technique in which one contender leans against the ropes of the boxing ring to draw non-injuring offensive punches in an effort to tire their opponent out and, while they are on the rope ...

tactic minimally. Bugner lasted the 15 round distance, and once again neither man was knocked down, but Ali won the fight on points by a comfortable margin.

Aftermath

This was Ali's last fight before the famous

Thrilla in Manila Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier III, billed as the ''Thrilla in Manila'', was the third and final professional boxing match between undisputed champion Muhammad Ali, and former champion Joe Frazier, for the heavyweight championship of the world. ...

, a third fight with Ali's arch-rival

Joe Frazier Joseph William Frazier (January 12, 1944November 7, 2011) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1965 to 1981. Nicknamed "Smokin' Joe", he is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. He was known for ...

Undercard

Confirmed bouts:

Broadcasting

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ali, Bugner II 1970s in Kuala Lumpur 1975 in boxing July 1975 sports events in Asia Boxing in Malaysia Bugner II Boxing on BBC World Boxing Association heavyweight championship matches World Boxing Council heavyweight championship matches Sports competitions in Kuala Lumpur