On this day, December the 11th, in the year of 1981, Muhammad Ali, legendary boxer whose impact can be seen from his workings in and out of the ring, had his last professional fight.

The bout took place in Nassau, Bahamas, due to Ali not being able to be cleared to fight in the United States due to his deteriorating health condition, and was wrapped with controversies on all levels.

The promoter of the card, James Cornelius, was wanted for arrest in Atlanta for breaking the terms of his probation which he had due to five counts of theft. Ali’s opponent, Trevor Berbick, threatened to no show if he wasn’t paid some of his money in advance, alongside other undercard talents who threatened to pull out of the event.

With the stadium (temporary stands) not built a week out from the event, the cable broadcaster also threatened to pull out, but the issue was eventually resolved.

Delayed for over two hours due to boxing gloves having to be flown in from Miami, it was seen as an overall bad showing.

Ali went for ten rounds, losing the fight (Sydney Morning Herald) (ESPN).

After his fighting career, Ali would go on to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984, but would continue to be a public presence, making public appearances, charitable donations, and even being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.

Ali would pass away in 2016 due to repository issues, with his funeral service being attended by nearly 20,000 people, not including those who lined the streets of his procession (Biography).

To read more daily facts and tidbits, see the Barron Perspectives “On this Day Archives” webpage.