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Events on Friday 15 September 1978 2
1898 – 1978Willy Messerschmitt (1898-1978)Died 15 September 1978, aged 80Messerschmitt was a German aircraft designer whose company produced the Bf 109 and Me 262, mainstays of the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. He died in Munich.
1978Muhammad Ali becomes three-time heavyweight championAli defeats Leon Spinks in New Orleans rematchMuhammad Ali defeated Leon Spinks by unanimous decision to reclaim the world heavyweight boxing title, becoming the first man to win the championship three times. The bout drew one of the largest live gates in boxing history to that point.