Muhammad Ali reflects on toughest opponents and career milestones

Muhammad Ali has identified British boxer Henry Cooper as the toughest opponent he ever faced in the ring. In a resurfaced interview, Ali admitted to having underestimated Cooper, noting that the Brit was the first fighter to truly drop him during their encounters.

The two fought twice: once at Wembley Stadium in 1963, where Cooper famously floored Ali in the fourth round, and a second time at Highbury Stadium, where Ali successfully defended his heavyweight title by stopping Cooper in the sixth round.

In another notable chapter of his career, Ali defended his WBA, WBC, and Ring heavyweight titles against Joe Bugner on July 1, 1975, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Despite the stifling heat at Merdeka Stadium, the rematch lasted 15 competitive rounds. While Ali had previously outpointed Bugner in 1973, the 1975 contest saw Ali control the exchanges through a stiff jab and tactical pressure, ultimately winning the decision after Bugner completed the full distance without being knocked down.