Why did Ali call Chuvalo "The Washerwoman"?

Ali said it was meant to be a compliment because washerwomen are tough.

 

I think it was the way Chuvalo fought, his churning left right attack.
That's as much as I know.

 

Yes, I believe Ali watched one of Chuvalo’s fights and he was pummeling the guy with churning left-rights to the point where the opponent was being pushed backwards/leaning over the ropes and to Ali it looked like somebody using a washboard.

 

Just watched Facing Ali again and this is why, Chuvalo says it himself and then he showed up to the press conference dressed as a washerwoman lol

 

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A sports interview that's funny, yet classy....
Something rarely seen by today's pampered social media bullies.

 

That was weird but funny at the same time.

“Cautious Clay” and “Georgina Chuvalo” Haha.

Ali said something to the effect “Look at you, the way you’re dressed - and you wonder why someone won’t fight you!” Now that was funny.

Imagine if Floyd hopped into the fray dressed as a rabbit - you’d think you had just dropped some acid or were watching a scene from Alice in Wonderland.

 

And you are right Fergy, Chuvalo's churning style of battle.

 

Thanks Richard.
I remember reading something about it years ago, I knew there was something about the way he fought,, that made Ali call him it.

 

That's right.

 

You are welcome my friend.

 

I think it was because Croat culture is very patriarchal and washwomen were probably considered of a much lower social class and servants of men, Ali was trying to be as insulting/mean as possible just like he called Frazier an uncle Tom

 

Louisville has the fastest women and the prettiest horses,that made me laugh

 

This was the fight where it is assumed Ali came up with the nickname. It starts almost immediately on this film - at about the 11 second mark. The fight is against Mike DeJohn and when he is sprawled out against the ropes, Chuvalo is reaching over and punching him. The bout took place in Louisville and Ali was at ringside. I don't know if Ali himself ever explained it but according to Chuvalo, he believed the way he was flailing looked like a washerwoman as she was scrubbing the clothes. That's the story anyway from Chuvalo.

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