Hi T.M.KT.M.K wrote:Hi all,
In his first reign - Muhammed Ali''s final WBC/WBA/Linear defence was March 1967. He didn't fight again for 2 and a half years until late 1970, when he technically defended his Lineal title twice before meeting the new WBC/WBA champion Joe Frazier in 1971.
Ali still went in as Linear champ, people's champ, and "true" champ..... despite Frazier having picked-up and unified both governing body belts.
Actually Ali gave up his lineal title when he officially announced his retirement on 3rd February 1970. He did so in order to let his pal, Jimmy Ellis, fight Joe Frazier for the undisputed title.
Little did Ali know that he would be back in business himself a few months later. So in hindsight obviously his retirement announcement was premature.
His comback contests against Quarry and Bonavena were both scheduled for the 15 rounds championship distance though, so I suppose a case could be made for them being lineal title fights.
Also, Frazier was not recognised as lineal champion until he beat Ali in 1971.