Why did Ali leave the ring after the second fight with Bugner before the result was announced?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by DavidC77, Nov 22, 2018.


  1. DavidC77

    DavidC77 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    I got the impression it was because he was annoyed by Bugner's negative tactics.

    If I was the announcer I would have been tempted to say it was a split decision just to get Ali to come back!
     
  2. C.J.

    C.J. Boxings Living Legend revered & respected by all Full Member

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    Bugners biggest gift was over Henry Cooper. When that ref lifted Bugners hand it was unbelievable. Henry was finished with boxing after that & who could blame him
     
  3. Berlenbach

    Berlenbach Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Bugner won fair and square. Cooper was a whiner.
     
  4. C.J.

    C.J. Boxings Living Legend revered & respected by all Full Member

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    You must have watched a different fight to me. Cooper won that fight. Gibbs was biased
     
  5. Berlenbach

    Berlenbach Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Always found Gibbs to be a fair ref/judge. It was a slow dull fight but I thought Bugner won it.

    As for the original question, didn't Ali have Veronica Porche waiting in his dressing room? That may explain his urgency...
     
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  6. The Funny Man 7

    The Funny Man 7 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Ali suffered from severe heat exhaustion after the fight, which took place in the Kuala Lumpur. Indonesia wouldn't be my first choice of country to fight in in an outdoor stadium given how hot and humid it is.

    Even though the fight didn't have much action Ali really felt the effects, being confined to his bed with heat stroke like symptoms for the remainder of the day and night, and feeling the effects for sometime thereafter. Bugner seemed to handle the tropical environment better, recuperating by drinking beer while cooling off in the pool.

    Ali might have been disapointed with the fight as well. Although he coasted to an easy win and notched another successful title defense, it was a dull fight and he probably felt like it was a waste of his time to fight Bugner again.
     
  7. DavidC77

    DavidC77 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Cooper said he would have retired after the fight win or lose. Although I did lose a bit of respect for Cooper for the way he continued to complain about the decision for years afterwards.

    I thought Cooper won but he just needed to get over it.

    Anyway... Back to the original topic...
     
  8. DavidC77

    DavidC77 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    I don't think heat exhaustion is the reason he left the ring early. He was in a worse state after the Thrilla in Manila where he collapsed briefly and then stayed in the ring to do interviews.

    I got the impression that he was annoyed with Bugner for his negative tactics. For example at the final bell he turned and went back to his corner without acknowledging Bugner.

    But on the other hand I've never heard of any comments Ali made where he criticised Bugner either.
     
  9. Cecil

    Cecil Boxing Addict Full Member

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    It could have gone either way, but because Henry was a national treasure there was outrage.
     
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  10. DavidC77

    DavidC77 Well-Known Member Full Member

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  11. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

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    Actualy quite a few thought Bugner entitled to the decision.
     
  12. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

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    Gibbs was a great referee,and an honest man.
     
    Last edited: Nov 23, 2018
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  13. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

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    I thought Cooper just did enough, but Gibbs was never biased.
     
  14. DavidC77

    DavidC77 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    That was a subtle hint in the hope of re-directing things back to the original topic...
     
  15. C.J.

    C.J. Boxings Living Legend revered & respected by all Full Member

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    Everyone has an opinion & that's just as it should be.Henry wanted nothing to do with boxing after that fight