Last night I was watching 30 for 30, a hour long documentary that, in this episode, focused on the fight between Ali and Holmes and the circumstances surrounding it. It was pretty insightful and got me thinking about not just the fight, but about what motivates people, what we see....and what we choose not to see. It started when an overweight, aging, and retired Muhammad Ali was aproached and offered 8 million dollars to return and face the young champion Larry Holmes. He agreed, as most would. 8 mil is a massive payday today. In 1980 it was an unheard of. From the start of his training camp, it was as clear as day that something was wrong with Ali. It wasnt just his lethargic sparring sessions, but his slurred speech and slowed movement. During this time, he under went a neurological exam. It was noted that he struggled with a simple finger to nose coordination test and parts of his physical and speech exam were disconcerting. Still, at 38 years old and a 2 year absence from the ring, Ali would be cleared and the fight would take place dispite these findings. We all know how the fight played out, so theres no need for a round by round. It took 10 unneccesary rounds before Dundee would prompt the ref to stop the fight. Larry Holmes was still champion, and still not loved by boxing fans, and Ali would unbelievably fight once more before retiring. 4 years later he would officially be diagnosed with Parkinson's Syndrome. We dont know for certain how much, or if, this fight worsened his condition. But what we do know, is that he didnt belong in the ring that night. I dont blame any one person for allowing the fight to happen, but I do think it was a collective effort of people around Ali to make sure it did happen, or at very least not to discourage him. After all, boxing is a business. Ali was his own man and if he wanted to fight, he would fight. However, in the documentary, one of his business partners said that he had told Ali that he was going to bet 40,000 on him and Ali told him not to because something wasnt right. Ali was/is a very smart person. I have no doubt that he knew that something was wrong with him, but im sure he weighed his options and decided that the fight would secure his families future, and those around him. So who was responsible for this happening? Don King, Angelo Dundee, referee Richard Greene, Bundini Brown, Herb Muhammad, Muhammad Ali himself? I dont know. I suppose Don King initiated the whole thing, but really he is a promoter. Not a doctor, or a family member, or a friend. I honestly dont think that any one person was soley responsible for Ali getting in the ring that night. He was a grown man. But, while I dont blame anyone in particular, I do think people around him should have just walked away. Ali's, former fight doctor Ferdie Pacheco did just that in 1977 when he osberved that Alis reflexes were slowing. He told Ali he should retire. He didnt, so Pacheco walked away. Today, they are still friends...Maybe that was the lesson.
I saw it, they also tried to blame Ali's performance on him over-dosing of thyroid medication. I perfer to look at it as a clear Holmes win, won in no uncertain terms and the media should give him his due instead of trying to steal this victory from him.
I read a book the other day, and the writer was recalling speaking to Ernie Shavers. Apparently Ali's doctor refused to work with Ali any more after that fight, as ali was screaming at the top of his lungs from his dressing room to turn the lights out, as it was like having needles in his eyes and he couldn't cope. The doctor knew something was wrong then, and told Ali to quit and walked away.
We learnt that life (not just boxing) is rough. People on the whole don't give a **** about anyone but themselves (and/or family) and will happily let people suffer in order to make money or better themselves. It's just more obvious in boxing.
Great episode but very sad they new Ali had brain issues and let it go a doctor and expert said no and they didnt listen the fight was sanctioned Ali got in great shape but it was just an illusion but it fooled plenty i also felt a little bad for a Larry Holmes who got no credit, he said everyone was saying how Ali was back in shape and was gonna win then after the fight it was like oh he is old he is shot bla blah blah the guy couldnt get any credit
Saddest fight in boxing for me, tragic downfall of ali. I wonder if the fight really gave him the parkinson symptons I think he would have gotten it regardless maybe a bit later. One think that botters me is holmes saying how ali is a friend and that he looks up to the man and respects him. Yet gives him a vicious beating for 10 rounds. He could easily have hold back and coast to a win after a few rounds when it was clear that version of ali was no match.
