Muhammad Ali is one of the most iconic figures in the history of sports. He was a three-time world heavyweight boxing champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and a civil rights activist. He was also a larger-than-life figure who inspired millions of people around the world.
But few people know that Ali was once knocked down by a young man named Jerry Quarry. Quarry was a promising amateur boxer who had been training with Ali’s trainer, Angelo Dundee. In 1965, Quarry and Ali met in the ring for a sparring session. Quarry was determined to prove himself and he managed to land a punch that sent Ali to the canvas.
The incident was quickly forgotten, but it was a defining moment in Quarry’s career. He went on to become a professional boxer and fought some of the biggest names in the sport, including Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Ken Norton. He also fought a bear in a circus sideshow and was even arrested for drug possession.
Despite his troubles, Quarry was an inspiration to many. He was the subject of the 1975 film “The Great White Hope” and his story was the basis for the Rocky films. He was also an inspiration to Ali, who said that Quarry was the toughest opponent he ever faced.
Quarry passed away in 1999, but his legacy lives on. He was a fighter in the ring and in life, and his story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever faced adversity. He may have been knocked down by Ali, but he never stayed down for long.
