BoxRec

On April 28, 1967, Muhammad Ali refuses to be drafted to fight in the Vietnam War. Muhammad is stripped of his world title and his boxing license is suspended. On January 27, 1970, his license to box is restored. On October 26, 1970, he returns to the ring, beating Jerry Quarry in 3 rounds.


How much momentum did Ali lose with him being away from professional boxing for 3 years?


Had Muhammad not lost those 3 years. -------- Do you think that he would have maintained his momentum so much, that quite possibly he could have beat Rocky Marciano's professional record of 49-0? If so, why?

If not, why not?



Please explain.

Interesting question. He could have broken the record or Frazier still could have beaten him.

There was no one he missed fighting. He just would have fought Bonavena, Quarry, Ellis, and Mathis earlier. Perhaps Ali-Frazier would have happened in 68 or 69 and Frazier would have been too green and Foreman would have ended up surprising Ali instead.

Opinon seem split on whether the rest did him good, or he missed his very prime.

Probably a little of both. I'm inclined it was more of a negative than a postive for his overall career at least on the physical aspects. In contrast, it did the "myth" aspect more good than harm.