All the antic that Muhammad Ali pulled on various opponents put a lot of cash in their pockets, a non boastful opponent would have not.
Quote from Frazier himself, from 'Box like the Pros' (published 2005): "People always ask about the Butterfly and me. I'll say this so you know it: there's no love there, between Muhammad and me. But I like to respect people right. I think I've done that and I'll continue to do that. Maybe we can sit down together and break bread someday before we shut our eyes. I never had any problems talking and laughing with Ali. I can do that well. I hope he can do the same." Joe Frazier was a truly respectable man - the type of man Ali liked to make out he was. Going through a hard adolescence as a poor, black man during an incredibly volatile era, working his way up from the bottom. Breaking through all obstacles. Respectful. Training like a freak, fighting like a freak and letting his results do the talking. I will always respect that Frazier never blamed or complained about his racial status when he, rightfully, very well could have. He was stoic and had a very authentic aura even in his worst moments. In his later years Joe trained some of the poorest kids in the Philly, in his poor gym, whilst Rocky ****ing Balboa got more attention than he did. Joe Frazier was a truly good man and deserves more respect than obnoxious, loud mouthed Ali.
Great post, we tend as human beings to pay too much attention to the negative, there has to be a positive somewhere. But to many postive does not bring out any excitement.
Norton likes Ali a lot. When he had his accident his wife told him Ali was one of the first people to visit him whilst he was unconscious.
I will say this.... Ali is the most overrated human in the history of all sports. Cannot hold a candle to Jackie Robinson. Big mouth. I do know he could back it. Sickens me about the adulations for him.
You know I and some others feel the same way about Tyson, including the non fighting Tyson of present day.. Mike Tyson lost his title to Douglas, excuses are like people's behinds, everyone has one. M. Tyson lost plan and simple, the better man won in Tokyo. That is all I have to say about him, but to each their own, different strokes for different folks. End of Story.
HI RICHARD M. Yes Ali went a lil too far calling Joe Frazier ignorant on national Television, Was Joe Ignorant when he spoke in Ali'd behalf? or President Nixon to get his lic. back? Ali was of course a showman, and he's gonna sell tickets, even if he has the whole world rooting against him lol. If I was THE WORLD CHAMPION GEORGE FOREMAN, I WOULD NEVER GO TO JONESTOWN to defend my title in an hostile pro Muhammad Ali environment. I'd make it MSG NY , even with the tax bracket!
No Joe Frazier was not ignorant, going to talk to President Nixon on Muhammad Ali's behalf. That took guts, Frazier was a really good man and champion. Joe could of said to Ali, Clay Too Bad They Took Your Title, But You Should Have Gone Into The Army, But I Am The Champ, It Is Not My Problem. But Joe was looking at the big picture, as long as Ali was around, Ali would still be champ to millions because he is another champion who never lost his title in the ring. When Ali fought Joe Frazier in the real Fight Of The Century on March 8 1971, he entered the ring as the challenger. Muhammad Ali to me will always be the greatest, grew up watching him since the first Floyd Patterson fight in 1965, but Joe was a great fighter too. No excuses for Ali's loss, Frazier fought brilliantly, the better man won that night. If I was Ali, I would have had two more fights before going in with Joe.
Hate is a big word but i think Joe Louis never liked Ali. Funny that he still call him Clay like in this Video and Ali doesn't seem really upset or dares to say anything. This content is protected Also Joe Louis: "He could have knocked Patterson out whenever he wanted, but let's face it, Clay is selfish and cruel."
