44 years ago

Date: 2nd October 1980

Venue: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada

Title: WBC World Heavyweight Title

Promoter: Don King Productions

Larry Holmes
( 35 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 211 1/2 lbs

Muhammad Ali
( 56 - 3 - 0 )
Weight: 217 1/2 lbs

On October 2, 1980, Larry Holmes defended his WBC World Heavyweight title against Muhammad Ali at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. This bout marked Ali's return to the ring after a two-year hiatus following his victory over Leon Spinks in 1978.

The fight was not just significant, it was monumental. Caesars Palace constructed a temporary 24,790-seat outdoor arena, and the live gate revenue of $6 million set a record for that time, underscoring the immense interest and anticipation surrounding the bout. Holmes, weighing 211 lbs, faced a 218 lb Ali, who was at his lightest weight since his famous 'Rumble in the Jungle' against George Foreman in 1974.

Concerns about Ali's health led to a pre-fight examination at the Mayo Clinic. Despite some noted neurological issues, Ali was granted a boxing license. However, a more significant factor in Ali's condition was revealed post-fight. Dr. Charles Williams, part of Ali's medical team, had diagnosed Ali with a thyroid imbalance and prescribed Thyrolar, a potentially dangerous drug for a professional fighter. Ali had doubled the prescribed dosage, exacerbating its effects.

The fight itself was a display of Holmes' dominance. He controlled every round, with all three judges scoring the bout 100-90, 100-89, and 100-90 in his favour before Ali's corner stopped the fight after the tenth round. Ali, clearly a shadow of his former self, struggled with fatigue, shortness of breath, and overheating - symptoms likely related to his use of Thyrolar.

A post-fight medical examination at UCLA Medical Center revealed that Ali's thyroid had been functioning correctly before the medical intervention, raising questions about the necessity and impact of Thyroid treatment.

This fight all but ended Ali's career, he would fight Trevor Berbick the following year. For Holmes, it was a bittersweet victory over his former sparring partner and a boxing legend, further cementing his status as the dominant heavyweight of the early 1980s.

The bout serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of improper medical treatment in boxing and the importance of stringent health checks for ageing fighters.