Muhammad Ali first announced his retirement from boxing in 1979. He made the announcement on July 27, 1979, after defeating Leon Spinks by unanimous decision in their rematch and reclaiming the heavyweight championship for the third time.
That victory was historically important because Ali became the first heavyweight champion to win the lineal title three times. His first fight with Spinks, in February 1978, had cost him the championship by split decision. The rematch later that year showed Ali relying more on experience, movement, and tactical discipline than on the speed and stamina of his younger years.
Ali’s 1979 retirement did not last. Financial pressures and the possibility of becoming the first heavyweight champion to win the title four times helped draw him back into competition. He returned in 1980 to face Larry Holmes, who had once been his sparring partner. Holmes dominated the fight, which was stopped after the tenth round.
Ali fought once more, losing a decision to Trevor Berbick in December 1981. Therefore, 1979 is the correct year for his first retirement announcement, while 1981 marks the end of his professional boxing career.