8 Muhammad Ali Opponents Who Suffered Tragic Fates
5. Buster Mathis
Buster Mathis was an American heavyweight who won his first 23 fights after turning pro in 1965, before ultimately losing his first bout to Joe Frazier. He was a large man even by heavyweight standards whose weight fluctuated a great deal during the course of his career.
Mathis had left professional boxing after a loss to Jerry Quarry in 1969. However, the big man was coaxed out of retirement by being offered a shot at Ali and the World Heavyweight Championship.
He returned after a 2 ½ year absence and was thoroughly dominated by Ali. The champ sent Mathis to the canvas 4 times on his way to a unanimous decision victory.
Buster Mathis fought a couple more time before retiring for good in 1972, following a KO loss to heavyweight standout Ron Lyle.
He continued to struggle with weight even after his career had ended and developed numerous health problems including high blood pressure and diabetes.
Mathis ended up weighing as much as 550 pounds, which resulted in the former contender suffering a fatal heart attack at just 51 years of age.