Muhammad Ali's 10 Greatest Fights: Ali vs. Shavers, September 29, 1977

No. 7 on SI's list of Muhammad Ali's 10 greatest fights is his victory over Earnie Shavers in New York City on September 29, 1977.

Ali was 35 years old and in decline, with his greatest moments behind him. But, against one of the hardest punching heavyweights in history, the old champion showed the depths of the pride and resourcefulness he’d never lose. Hurt badly by Shavers in the second round, Ali rebounded and outboxed Shavers throughout to build a lead on points before Shavers came on again in the later rounds. Seemingly exhausted going into the 15th and final round, Ali remained victorious by producing a closing flurry that left Shavers wobbling at the bell and the Garden crowd once again in delirium over his Ali magic.