8 Muhammad Ali Opponents Who Suffered Tragic Fates

Zora Folley was a veteran of the Korean War who learned to box during his time in the United States Army. He was a heavyweight contender who held victories over division standouts such as George Chuvalo and Oscar Bonavena.

Folley had a reputation as being quite the gentlemen. In fact, even Ali himself was quoted as saying, “That Folley’s such a nice, sweet old man, eight little kids, calls me Muhammad Ali, thanks me all the time for giving him a chance. How’m I ever gonna get mad at him and build up this fight?”

Folley challenged Ali for his title back in March of 1967 at Madison Square Garden. The 34-year-old landed some nice shots during the contest but was ultimately knocked out by the champ in the 7th round. The army vet continued to fight for 3 more years before retiring in 1970.

In 1972 the former contender was found dead in a hotel swimming pool. The death was ruled accidental; as Foley was said to be horsing around with a friend near the pool and ended up hitting his head and drowning.

However, the motel clerk indicated multiple wounds were found on Folley’s head, including a bump on his forehead, a hole on the top of his head, as well as wound on the back of his head. The injuries seemed excessive given the nature of the incident.

Years after his death, several theories arose regarding the cause of his demise. There were reports that suspicious men were seen around the hotel the day of the incident and there have also been suggestions that his death was mob related.

Folley was just 41 years of age when he met his untimely end.