Today in History: Muhammad Ali defeats Leon Spinks to win world heavyweight championship
Muhammad Ali will go down as one of the best athletes this country has ever seen. On this day in 1978, the legendary fighter right up one of his top accomplishments: Defeating Leon Spinks at the Louisiana Superdome, taking home the world heavyweight boxing title for the third time. He was the first boxer to ever accomplish the feat thrice.
The fight came shortly before Ali retired from boxing in 1981. He won 56 of his 61 career fights over 20 years -- 37 by way of knockout. The Louisville native turns 74 this coming January.
Click through the gallery above to see Ali's greatest moments, and be sure to watch the video below for some unbelievable facts about the icon's life.
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