‘The Greatest’ was very active in May over his illustrious career with five World Title bouts, including two on the road: in London, England; and Munich, Germany.
In total, seven of Ali’s 61 fights took place in the month of May, with The Greatest recording seven wins. This makes May Muhammad Ali’s busiest month in terms of title fights.
Muhammad Ali fights in May:
16 May 1977 – Alfredo Evangelista (WBC & WBA), Capitol Center, Landover
– Ali won through a unanimous decision.
“I’m 35 and I danced for 15 rounds, it’s a miracle,” said Ali.
24 May 1976 – Richard Dunn (WBC & WBA), Olympiahalle, Munich
– Ali won the bout by knocking out Dunn in the fifth round.
The last time Ali would knock down an opponent.
16 May 1975 – Ron Lyle (WBC & WBA), Convention Center, Las Vegas
– Ali won through a TKO in the 11th round.
Lyle never got a title shot again after his bout with Ali.
1 May 1972 – George Chuvalo, Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver
Result: Ali beat Chuvalo by UD
Ali vs Chuvalo II. Chuvalo never went down in 93 pro bouts.
21 May 1966 – Henry Cooper (WBC & WBA), Highbury, London
Result: TKO, the bout was stopped due to a cut over Cooper’s left eye, which Ali opened early in the sixth round.
Ali vs Cooper II. The fight drew a UK record live audience of 46,000 spectators.
25 May 1965 – Sonny Liston (WBC & WBA), Lewiston, Maine
Result: KO1, the famous phantom KO punch in round 1.
Ali-Liston II. Ali’s first fight as Muhammad Ali.
19 May 1962 – Billy Daniels, St. Nicholas Arena, New York
Result: Cassius Clay won by TKO in the seventh.
Cassius Clay’s 14th fight.