Muhammad Ali vs. Buster Mathis

Muhammad Ali 227 lbs beat Buster Mathis 256 lbs by UD in round 12 of 12

• Date: 1971-11-17
• Location: Astrodome, Houston, Texas, USA
• Referee: Chris Jordan 118-105
• Judge: Earl Keel 119-108
• Judge: Ernie Taylor 118-104

• NABF Heavyweight Title (1st defense by Ali)
• Photo #2

Notes

• Ali was a 7 to 1 favorite as Mathis hadn't fought in almost two years and had lost his last fight.
• Ali was guaranteed $300,000 against 40% of all receipts. Mathis received 15% of all receipts.
• The fight was shown on closed-circuit television in 106 locations in the United States.
• The fight was televised in 27 foreign countries.
• There was an estimated crowd of 21,000 at the Astrodome.
• Mathis was down twice in round 11 and twice more in round 12.

Quote

• "This will be Buster's last stand. I will do to Buster what the Indians did to Custer. I'm gonna wipe him out." - Muhammad Ali

Preceded by: Ali vs. Ellis

NABF Heavyweight Title Fight # 5

Succeeded by: Ali vs. Chuvalo II