Olympian Kaur Singh, the Only Indian to Have Fought Muhammad Ali, Dies

Kaur Singh was an Indian heavyweight boxer who fought Muhammad Ali in a four-round exhibition match on January 27, 1980. The match was held at the Delhi National Stadium when the latter paid a visit to India. This made Kaur the only Indian to have ever fought against Muhammad Ali. 

Kaur passed away on April 27, after having succumbed to multiple health issues, at the age of 74. In his prime, Kaur not only represented India in the Olympics, but also won six gold medals, which included the 1982 Asian Games. For his contribution to Indian sports, the Government of India awarded him with the Padma Shri award in 1983. In the following year he retired from his boxing career.

Apart from sports, Kaur was also associated with the Army in 1971, where he served at the rank of subedar in the Sikh Regiment.