Elmo Henderson isn’t a name many boxing fans will be familiar with, but his story is nothing short of remarkable. The late journeyman boxer claimed to have knocked out Muhammad Ali in an exhibition match, a claim that adds a fascinating chapter to his tumultuous life.

Back in October 1972, a month before Muhammad Ali’s successful heavyweight title defense against Bob Foster, Henderson read that Ali was hosting exhibition bouts against local boxers at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio. Seizing the opportunity, Henderson, then an aging pro, decided to show up and prove his mettle.

Recalling the event, Henderson told Texas Monthly in 2004, “One of the fighters couldn’t get his visa, so the promoter asked if I would put on an exhibition with Ali. I agreed.”

According to Henderson, when Ali approached him and asked to see what he had, Henderson confidently replied, “Get away from me, sucker. I’m too fast for you!” This bold statement set the tone for their encounter.

Henderson was called into the ring first, ready for his three-round exhibition with the world champion. He described his performance: “I came out like a speedball. In the first round, everything was a blur. In the second round, I took my time and landed a solid right. Even I saw lightning.”

Henderson claimed the punch knocked Ali down, but the referee gave a confusing count, restarting from one. Despite Henderson’s protests, the referee ended the bout without declaring him the winner.

Local newspaper reports from San Antonio gave conflicting accounts of the exhibition. The San Antonio Express noted that Henderson “danced better than Ali and made better faces,” while The Light reported that Ali entertained the crowd with his famous footwork and a playful feigned fall.

Two years later, Henderson was part of George Foreman’s entourage for the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” against Ali in Zaire. He served as a sparring partner for Foreman, including during his final session before the historic fight. American writer Norman Mailer, who was present, mistakenly described Henderson as a former mental institution patient, leading to a libel suit that cost Mailer $105,000.

Foreman ultimately lost to Ali, but Henderson’s life took a downward spiral after this high-profile event. His boxing career, marked by long periods of inactivity due to multiple stints in prison, ended in 1979. Henderson’s legal troubles began in 1961 when he was imprisoned for stealing a television. He claimed to have earned an early release by defeating the middleweight champion of Texas while incarcerated.

After retiring from boxing, Henderson’s life became increasingly difficult. He eventually became homeless, a stark contrast to the days when he shared the ring with legends like Ali and Foreman.

Elmo Henderson’s story is a testament to the unpredictable and often harsh realities of life in and out of the boxing ring. His brief moment of glory and subsequent struggles paint a vivid picture of a fighter who, despite his many challenges, remains a fascinating figure in the annals of boxing history.