On May 24, 1976, huge underdog Richard Dunn, who went on to have a sports centre named after him in the city, locked horns with WBA and WBC champion Ali at the Olympic Hall in Munich.
Despite being in the final years of his career, the American was not a shot figure.
In the two previous years, he had beaten the feared George Foreman in the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ and also won against Joe Frazier in the famed ‘Thrilla in Manila’ bout.
As for Dunn, he was in the pomp of his career, after beating German Bernd August for the European title.
The former paratrooper believed he could do what Henry Cooper, Brian London and Joe Bugner had all failed to do, become the first Brit to defeat Ali.
Dunn squares off with Ali ahead of their bout (Image: UGC)
Despite being heavily outgunned – Dunn was knocked down five times – he still earned the hall of famer’s respect for his bravery and resilience.
Thousands of people greeted Dunn in Bradford on his return
Dunn earned a £52,000 purse for the fight and thousands of people lined the streets of Bradford to welcome him on his return to the city.
John Celebanski, a long-time boxing friend of Dunn, has spoken to the Telegraph & Argus about how special that time was.
“When he got back, he got a massive reception,” said Mr Celebanski.
“Thousands of people turned out to greet him.”
Dunn at a Mohammad Ali exhibition held at the Midland Hotel in 2013 (Image: T&A)
‘When I fought him I couldn’t beat him’
Dunn, who was a scaffolder by trade, and Mr Celebanski spent many years sparring at a boxing club in Halifax, where the former grew up.
Mr Celebanski said: “Richard Dunn and I boxed together at the Halifax Stars Boxing Club.
“We’d spar together round after round.
“I knew him better in the ring than out of it.
“Richard was a southpaw and when I fought him I couldn’t beat him.
“Richard was clever, and he could box.
“He had a terrific jab and he could knock you out. He could bang.
“We were at Halifax Stars together from 1969 to 1973 until we turned pro.”
John Celebanski (right) at the British Boxing Hall of Fame induction evening (Image: UGC)
Dunn bought house and hotel with earnings
Mr Celebanski added: “Back then you could buy a terraced house for £1,000.
“When Richard fought Ali, he used the money he earned to buy a house and hotel in Scarborough.
“Richard’s mother was a Halifax girl, so he was brought in Halifax.
“When he got married, Richard lived in Undercliffe.”
Dunn pictured a few years ago (Image: UGC)
Where is Richard Dunn now?
Mr Celebanski still stays in touch with Dunn.
“I still talk to Richard,” he said.
“He’s 81 now and lives in Scarborough.
“His daughter looks after him.
“When we spoke, we talked about the old times.”