Muhammmad Ali vs Buster Mathis 'The Battle of the Fat Bastards'

[Senor Pepe']

Young Griffo,

You should be just as critical with Cassius Clay,

As he stole his 'act' from Gorgeous George.

[young griffo]

Originally Posted by Senor Pepe'

Young Griffo,

You should be just as critical with Cassius Clay,

As he stole his 'act' from Gorgeous George.

At least Ali has admitted publicly that he stole his act from Gorgeous George.

Unlike old Pagey who still has the gall to call songs he pinched from others his own. Just ask Jake Holmes who he shamelessly copied "Dazed and Confused" from and has the temerity to refuse to pay back royalties to.

Actually I can see why you're such a Jimmy Page fan with your own questionable "sourcing" of material and flat out dishonesty.

[AnthonyJ74]

Originally Posted by Unforgiven

Yeah, the standards were higher in those days. But that didn't stop Buster Mathis enjoying the life of a heavyweight contender.

Ali was 215 against Frazier earlier in March of that year, 227 for Mathis in November. Something was wrong somewhere.

Yeah, but does a 12-pound weight gain on a heavyweight make that much of a difference? It's not like 12 extra pounds turns Ali from a svelte, lean fighter into a tub of lard.

[johnmaff36]

Originally Posted by young griffo

At least Ali has admitted publicly that he stole his act from Gorgeous George.

Unlike old Planty who still has the gall to call songs he pinched from others his own. Just ask Jake Holmes who he shamelessly copied "Dazed and Confused" from and has the temerity to refuse to pay back royalties to.

Actually I can see why you're such a Jimmy Page fan with your own questionable "sourcing" of material and flat out dishonesty.

[ron u.k.]

Originally Posted by Senor Pepe'

And what Texas Fight Promotion would be complete without

Roy 'Cookie' Wallace

Yes, Houston's - 'Cookie' Wallace with a record of 10-15-2, and yes a 'loser' in his previous
bout, versus -

Mr. John Balla, with a record of 11-5-1, and a loser in '5' of his previous '7' bouts, and
yes, a 'loss' in his previous bout.

What A Wonderful Fight Card

So Ali's getting the blame for the undercard? Also I'm surprised you're not talking up Roy "Cookie" Wallace as a "contender" who Ali ducked,you've talked up worse.

[Stevie G]

Originally Posted by Senor Pepe'

November 17, 1971

Houston Astrodome

Muhammad Ali, 1-fight removed from the 'Fight of the Century' just
8-months earlier, lumbers into Texas, with added girth (227 lbs.)
to take on Buster Mathis.

Muhammad Ali, 29 years-old (and 2-months away from the age of 30),
brought his 32-1-0 (25 KO's) record, and #1 Heavyweight ranking
into Houston, claiming that he was now a better puncher with the
added weight.

Buster Mathis, 'A Fat Bastard' himelf at 256 lbs., had not fought in
32-months, since losing to Jerry Quarry in March 1969.

The 28 year-old, 6' 3" 256 lb. 'Behemoth', had retired in 1969 with a
fine record of 29-2-0 (20 KO's), and at one time in 1967 was being
mentioned as a future opponent for then Champion - Cassius Clay.

Buster was renamed 'The Mountain'.

The New York Newspapers labeled this fight "The Battle of the Bellies"

Though the Houston Promoters called it 'The Mountain Comes to Muhammad'

Some of the quieter moments of this bout,of which there were quite a few,were played with The Beatles 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' on a soundtrack once




Muhammad could have ended it inside the distance had he a mind to. Quite a few of the same scribes who lambasted him for his 'viciousness' against Floyd Patterson and Ernie Terrel were now slagging him off for his 'new found pacifism'

[Senor Pepe']

Muhammad Ali realizing he could not take out Buster Mathis in 6 Rounds like he
predicted, was forced to box and move.

It was a 'dull fight', but it was Buster who was forcing the fight.

Buster Mathis, who had not fought since March 1969 (2 1/2 years) actually started
to press, and landed some half-way decent punches on a 'flopping Ali'.

After Round 8, Buster Mathis told his Trainer Joe Fariello, 'This guy has nothing, and neither do I.'

Before Round 10, Buster could hardly breathe, and told Fariello, 'I'm so tired, I don't think I can
make it through this round'.

Stiil, an exhausted, out-of-shape, inactive and light-punching Buster Mathis was the one that
still forced the fight in Round 10, and again in Round 11, before falling down from exhaustion.

[Stevie G]

Originally Posted by johnmaff36

WOW 16st 4lb !!!!!


How can a man let himself go like that????

I mean,its not as if any guy over that weight could EVER become a heavyweight champ

[Senor Pepe']

Another Top Rank (Bob Arum) Promotion.

The Las Vegas Oddsmakers are not posting any odds, as Muhammad Ali
has been made the 'prohibitive favorite'.

Muhammad Ali will receive 40% of the Closed Circuit revenue.

Buster Mathis will receive 15%. PEERS Management, has had to advance
their fighter Mr. Mathis his fight purse, as the one-time contender has experienced
financial difficulty.

[ron u.k.]

You know Pepe, here we have one of the greatest fighters of all time. Love him or hate him it's undeniable he fought and beat the best over a period of nearly 20 years,ducking absolutely no one,showing skill,incredible bravery,toughness and heart.
Then all you can come up with is calling him a "Fat Bastard" and you think you're a credible poster?

[Bokaj]

Seriously Pepe, what is your beef with Ali?

I thought Red Rooster took the prize with his legendary hate for Leonard but you actually outdo him.

[Senor Pepe']

Some of you guys are little 'thin skinned'.

[Bokaj]

Pretty good one, Pepe.

[ron u.k.]

Originally Posted by Senor Pepe'

Some of you guys are little 'thin skinned'.

Nah Pepe,if you're posts were the epitome of wit I'd go along,but really you need treatment bonny lad.It's beyond obsessive.
This Ali thing what with digging out all of the old clippings and the research involved must take up all your time in the care home.

[Collie]

If Ali was a fat bastard then God help the rest of us.