Holmes: World champion in 1978

He had idolised Ali as a youngster, had been an awe-struck apprentice in his corner and had no desire to exploit his mentor's waning powers.

But, money - and Ali's unlikely quest to become the first man to regain the world title three times - dictated that the bout go ahead.

It took place on 2 October, 1980 in Las Vegas and, even before the men stepped into the ring, it was clear that Ali would have his work cut out for him.

He had slimmed down from 254 pounds to 217, but looked ponderous and flabby compared to the sleek and fit Holmes, who weighed in at 211 pounds.

If hope remained that "The Greatest" could pull off another miraculous comeback, it subsided in round one when Holmes set upon Ali, mixing body punches with hooks to establish the pattern of a one-sided fight.

Hope: Ali dreams of another world title in 1980

Champion beat challenger to almost every punch, forcing Ali to resort to the rope-a-dope tactic that had been so successful against George Foreman in 1974.

Six years on, however, it paid no dividend.

Ali's dulled reflexes and reduced power gave Holmes no trouble and, by round nine, he was beginning to take a real beating.

The well-hyped fight - which took a then-record $6m in gate receipts - now made unpleasant viewing.

Even Holmes, an assured winner by this stage, lost interest, perceptibly toning down his punches in an attempt to spare his idol unnecessary damage.