Crossword Genius

Old fighter somewhat exhilaratingly knocked back (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ali

'old fighter' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'somewhat exhilaratingly knocked back' is the wordplay.
'somewhat' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'knocked back' is a reversal indicator.
'ila' can be found hidden inside 'exhilaratingly'.
'ila' reversed gives 'ALI'.

(Other definitions for ali that I've seen before include "Muhammad - - , legendary boxer" , "Champion of ring" , "Muhammad's son-in-law" , "Muhammad --, US boxer" , "Muhammad ___ (or MacGraw?)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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