On Boxing Day 1971, in the Hallenstadion in Zurich, an unequal duel took place 50 years ago.

Muhammad Ali, who had just returned to the ring after a forced absence of several years and was not yet in top form, was in one corner.

In March, he lost for the first time in professional camp to Joe Frazier.

When did Muhammad Ali fight Jurgen Blin?

In his opponent’s corner was a Germanic pugilist who had only accepted the honor of this combat after two other potential opponents had failed.

Ali’s triumph was pre-programmed, thus the situation seemed bleak from the outset. Despite this, by the fourth round, the Hanseatic underdog was still in the lead.

The fighting, however, gradually altered. Ali gathered himself, altered gears, and assumed leadership.

Who won the fight?

Jürgen Blin stood up for himself and lost a highly respectable bout against Muhammad Ali, the most popular professional boxer of all time.