Against whom did Muhammad Ali make his return from suspension in 1970?

Muhammad Ali returned from his boxing suspension by fighting Jerry Quarry on October 26, 1970. The bout took place at the Municipal Auditorium in Atlanta, Georgia, and was billed as “The Return of the Champion.”

Ali had been unable to box since 1967 after refusing induction into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was stripped of his heavyweight titles and denied a boxing license, losing nearly four years of his career while his legal case continued. Georgia eventually granted him permission to fight again.

Quarry was a serious comeback opponent, not a token warm-up. He was a highly ranked heavyweight with a 37–4–4 record before the fight and had challenged for major titles. Ali won when a cut over Quarry's left eye caused the fight doctor to stop the bout after the third round.

The return victory immediately restored Ali to the heavyweight picture. He later defeated Oscar Bonavena in New York, setting up his 1971 championship challenge against Joe Frazier. Quarry and Ali also met again in 1972, with Ali winning a second stoppage.