Muhammad Ali Becomes First Man To Win World Heavyweight Title Three Times – September 15, 1978 (This Day In Boxing History)

Forty-three years ago, Muhammad Ali avenged his loss against Leon Spinks, reclaiming the WBC world heavyweight title along with it.

Ali (56-5, 37 KOs) defeated Spinks (26-17, 14 KOs) via unanimous decision in a 15-round showdown. This was the second meeting between the two; the first Ali was outboxed by Spinks’ power punches and jabs.

Spinks is one of the few boxers to ever beat “The Greatest.”

“I killed myself to get ready for Spinks. I suffered and sacrificed more than I ever did. There’s nothing left for me to gain by fighting,” Ali said after the fight.

Ali became the first man to win the world heavyweight championship three times.