September 15th, 1978 was the next big heavyweight bout on the calendar that year. Muhammad Ali was attempting to recapture the championship belt he had lost to novice Leon Spinks in February. I had watched Ali`s fights on tv for years, but this was the first time I really looked forward to one. He was attempting to become the first 3-time heavyweight champion, and I for one was rooting him on.
My mom had purchased a 19 inch color tv for her room a few months earlier, and I was able to enjoy this fight live and in color. Ali had taken the Olympic champ Spinks too lightly 7 months earlier, but this time he had trained diligently, and gotten into the best possible shape his 36 year old body could be in.
The fight itself was not exciting, but Ali boxed well and controlled most of the limited action. It was clear at the conclusion of the 15 round fight that Muhammad was the winner, and the judges announced scorecards confirmed it.
I was glad to see Ali on top again in his rightful place, and I looked forward to the action the new year of 1979 would bring.
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