As far as his legacy in boxing is concerned, an immediate retirement after beating Foreman would have been Jordan-like. Going out of top with everyone's last memory of him was out smarting and KO'ing a giant who was considered unbeatable. Even without the Thrilla in Manila on Ali's resume, he still may have been an even bigger legend. He successfully defended his title, but it wasn't in the Ali fashion we were accustomed to in the 60s.
From a financial perspective, he really didn't have to continue fighting even if money was an issue. If his management team had any real business foresight, they would have realized that he would have been able to make millions off his name alone, especially considering his magnetic personality. Did Don King have Ali under contract for x-many fights? Idk
And don't get me started on his health. That's another well established topic on its own.
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