As an amateur, Rudie Lubbers was an 8-time Dutch champion in the light-heavyweight (6 times) and heavyweight divisions. Internationally, he did not achieve great successes, being eliminated early in 3 European Championships and 2 Olympics. In 1970, he turned professional, and gained the Dutch heavyweight title the next year, holding it until his retirement in 1981. Lubbers competed twice for the European heavyweight title, but lost both bouts. His greatest claim to fame is his 1973 fight against Muhammad Ali in Jakarta. Lubbers lasted the full 12 rounds, although the Dutchman was clearly no match for Ali. In 1986, Lubbers was arrested in Portugal on charges of drug smuggling (which he has always denied) and served nearly four years in prison. Upon his release, the ex-boxer tried to make a living working on funfairs with his wife. When his spouse was declared bankrupt, Lubbers eventually became homeless. In 2009, he was found living in a ramshackle caravan with his 20 dogs.
Netherlands