What if Muhammad Ali had retired in 1975 ? Part 2

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Stevie G, Jul 23, 2009.


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  1. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Following my earlier post I have an idea of the sort of retirement speech Muhammad would make.
    " Today January 17 1976 I have a special announcement to make. There are gonna be two important things happening in America this year. One of them is that on July 4 U.S.A. is celebrating 200 years of independence. The other even more important one is that today on my thirty-fourth birthday,I Muhammad Ali formerly Cassius Clay,the greatest,prettiest boxer of all time am retiring from the ring. That's it. No more. I've always been a fighting champion and ai n't ducked nobody. I've had 51 pro fights,going 49-2. I shocked the world when I beat Sonny Liston,and double shocked it when I whupped George Foreman. I've avenged my only two defeats.Twice against Joe Frazier and once against Ken Norton. I know Ken wants a rubber match but I fight him and I'll have to fight everyone. I'm smart,and I know when it's time to go. Foreman would deserve a rematch. I offered him one,but he did nothing last year except for fighting those five suckers in an exhibition in Toronto. If he'd had a proper fight then I would have fought him instead of Joe in Manilla. That's it. One more thing,just in case a few don't know this - I AM THE GREATEST."
     
    Last edited: May 7, 2021
    Stevie G, Jul 23, 2009
    Stevie G, Jul 23, 2009
    #1
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  2. My dinner with Conteh

    My dinner with Conteh Tending Bepi Ros' grave again Full Member

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    He retired about three times in 1976 anyway.
     
    My dinner with Conteh, Jul 23, 2009
    My dinner with Conteh, Jul 23, 2009
    #2
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  3. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Was browsing my posts following the great man's death. I just wish Muhammad had carried this out in reality.
     
    Stevie G, Jun 7, 2016
    Stevie G, Jun 7, 2016
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  4. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    If his Parkinson's was boxing-related, I think retiring in 1971 (at the latest) would be better.
     
    Unforgiven, Jun 7, 2016
    Unforgiven, Jun 7, 2016
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  5. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    On that criteria I see Manila as being a reasonable 'get off' point. Zaire would have been even better,though.
     
    Stevie G, Jun 7, 2016
    Stevie G, Jun 7, 2016
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  6. Wass1985

    Wass1985 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Hell even the doctors don't know what caused his disease or when it started so we can only guess. All I know is he had too much of a good chin and even more heart for his own good. When you think about what he's been going through for the last 30+ years it's not so bad being in peace.
     
    Wass1985, Jun 7, 2016
    Wass1985, Jun 7, 2016
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  7. Saad54

    Saad54 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    It's too bad he didn't to it

    I think Young or Norton would have suceeded him.

    Holmes wasn't yet ready.
     
    Saad54, Jun 7, 2016
    Saad54, Jun 7, 2016
    #7
  8. sweetsci

    sweetsci Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Watched the Ali-Coopman fight again Sunday. This was my first televised fight where I appreciated and understood what I was watching. Anyway, after the fight Ali said he wanted to take care of Norton and Foreman again and retire at the end of '76. Too bad things didn't work out that way.
     
    sweetsci, Jun 7, 2016
    sweetsci, Jun 7, 2016
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  9. turnip

    turnip Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Yes I think Holmes would have come in 78ish maybe Foreman would have been in the mix?.pity Ali didn't pack it in going on really damaged him .there is a lesson for all fighters in this .
     
    turnip, Jun 8, 2016
    turnip, Jun 8, 2016
    #9
  10. Titan1

    Titan1 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    More likely Norton, who would have a 2 year reign.
     
    Titan1, Nov 23, 2018
    Titan1, Nov 23, 2018
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  11. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Was feeling a bit nostalgiac. Enjoy!
     
    Stevie G, Mar 26, 2023
    Stevie G, Mar 26, 2023
    #11
  12. ThatOne

    ThatOne Boxing Addict Full Member

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    His detractors would have a lot less to kvetch about. Should have retired after the Rumble, got some smart people around him, became a promoter, and monetized his fame.
     
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2023
    ThatOne, Mar 26, 2023
    ThatOne, Mar 26, 2023
    #12
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  13. Saintpat

    Saintpat Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Norton’s reign lasts until he runs into Shavers. Which might not be long.
     
    Saintpat, Mar 26, 2023
    Saintpat, Mar 26, 2023
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  14. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Sounds good. A bit of promoting,some religious work and more film roles maybe.
     
    Last edited: Mar 27, 2023
    Stevie G, Mar 27, 2023
    Stevie G, Mar 27, 2023
    #14
  15. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    True. Earnie was all wrong for Ken.
     
    Stevie G, Mar 27, 2023
    Stevie G, Mar 27, 2023
    #15
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