58 years ago

Date: 22nd March 1967

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, USA

Title: WBC & WBA World Heavyweight Titles

Promoter: Madison Square Garden Boxing Inc

Referee: Johnny LoBianco

Tv: RKO General and Madison Square Garden

Muhammad Ali
( 28 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 211½ lbs

Zora Folley
( 74 - 7 - 4 )
Weight: 202½ lbs

On March 22, 1967, Muhammad Ali entered the ring at Madison Square Garden in New York City to face Zora Folley in his final title defence before his forced hiatus from boxing. The event, promoted by Madison Square Garden Boxing Inc. and broadcast via RKO General and Madison Square Garden networks, carried an air of inevitability but also showcased one of Ali's finest technical performances inside the ropes.

Ali, entering the fight with an immaculate record of 28-0, weighed in at 211½ pounds, while Folley, a seasoned contender with a record of 74-7-4, came in lighter at 202½ pounds. Folley was widely respected for his boxing intelligence, solid fundamentals, and calm demeanour under pressure. However, at 34 years old and past his physical prime, few gave him more than an outside chance against the reigning champion.

The fight began with Folley demonstrating his sharp jab and composed movement. He appeared to execute his game plan effectively for the opening two rounds, timing Ali with precision and looking to capitalize on any defensive lapses. Ali, however, remained characteristically relaxed, leaning away from punches, flicking his jab, and measuring his opponent with sharp right hands.

Ali's speed, reflexes, and overall ring generalship became increasingly apparent as the rounds progressed. Folley's early confidence began to wane as Ali's punches found their mark with more regularity. By the fourth round, Ali was firmly in control, snapping Folley's head back with stinging jabs and frustrating the challenger with his footwork.

The decisive moment arrived in the seventh round. Ali, having studied Folley's rhythm and timing, unleashed a lightning-fast right hand that caught Folley flush. The challenger crumbled to the canvas, and while he made a brave attempt to rise, referee Johnny LoBianco counted him out. The official result was a seventh-round knockout victory for Muhammad Ali, further cementing his status as the undisputed WBA and WBC heavyweight champion.

In retrospect, the Ali-Folley fight is often viewed through the lens of history, not only for its in-ring action but also because of the events that followed. Just weeks later, Ali refused induction into the U.S. military, leading to the suspension of his boxing license and the stripping of his titles. For Zora Folley, the loss marked the end of his time as a legitimate title contender, though he continued fighting until his retirement in 1970.

Ali's performance against Folley remains a masterclass in tactical boxing, showcasing his unmatched combination of speed, accuracy, and ring IQ. It was a clinical display by a champion operating at the peak of his powers, and fans and historians continue to reference it when discussing Ali's extraordinary legacy.