Atlanta, GA — October 26, 1970. Boxing witnessed history in the making as Muhammad Ali stepped back into the ring after 43 months in exile, squaring off against the dangerous Jerry Quarry in a bout fittingly billed as The Return of the Champion. In front of a sell-out crowd of 5,100 at the Municipal Auditorium and thousands watching via closed-circuit television across continents, Ali reminded the world why he once ruled the heavyweight division.

Stripped of his title and license in 1967 for his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War, Ali had endured a forced hiatus during what many believe were his prime years. Thanks to the persistent efforts of Georgia State Senator Leroy Johnson, the state broke ranks and granted Ali a boxing license, paving the way for a highly anticipated comeback.

Quarry entered the ring as the top-rated contender by The Ring magazine, carrying both the weight of expectation and 198 pounds on the scale. Ali, slightly heavier at 213 pounds, returned with a vengeance. Despite the long layoff, the former champ wasted no time asserting control, using a piston-like jab and pinpoint timing to dictate the pace.

While Ali’s trademark agility may have dulled slightly, his strategic brilliance and sharp combinations left no doubt that the legend was far from faded. Quarry attempted to answer with his signature left hooks and aggressive pressure, but found himself continually offset by Ali’s superior reach and rhythm.

The fight’s turning point came in the third round, when Ali delivered a crisp right hand that sliced open a gash over Quarry’s left eye. Blood poured freely, and despite Quarry’s grit, his corner made the wise decision to stop the bout before the fourth round could begin. The cut would later require 15 stitches—a testament to the force behind Ali’s punch.

The win came by RTD (referee technical decision) at the close of the third, but its significance rippled far beyond the ring. Ali’s return was not just a sporting event—it was a cultural moment, a reawakening of the most electrifying figure in boxing history.

Though questions remain about Ali’s endurance over a full championship distance, one truth was clear: The champion was back. And the road to reclaiming the heavyweight crown had officially begun.