Here I sit, facing pill bottles lined up like soldiers guarding this geezer from any more harm. God knows I took a beating, but with all the vitality I enjoyed for years, maybe it's my turn. The soldiers, standing at attention with their caps on, bring to mind statues, specifically the statues that are in New York City. I'll bet there are thousands throughout all the boroughs, starting in Central Park. You will see statues of French noblemen on horses, English generals and grand ladies of Europe, and someplace, somewhere I'm sure you'll find Eleanor Roosevelt standing erectly on a metropolitan thoroughfare. George M. Cohan's statue salutes Broadway, and Broadway reciprocates. Outside the Port Authority, the figure of Brooklyn bus driver Ralph Kramden stands ready to hop behind the steering wheel. You'll see all kinds of statues, each of them splendid perches for pigeons, but you will not see one to honor sports events that created the biggest stirs in New York City. Correct me if I'm wrong, but did you ever see a statue of Bobby Thomson swinging that home run bat in '51 or Ralph Branca bravely but sadly walking off the mound? Now here's the big one: On March 8, 1971, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, two undefeated heavyweight champions, met in the Garden ring and branded New York with the biggest historic event since Peter Minuit bought Manhattan from the Indians for $24 in trinkets. I'm sure there's a statue somewhere for that. None for Ali-Frazier. A few years ago, I wrote an open letter in this paper to the mayor and Madison Square Garden, asking them to consider a life-size statue to be placed forever in memory of this historic clash. Neither responded. I took it as a loud "no" and never hammered on the point. Now recently I got this idea that some may consider folly: I bet there's one man who might be interested in taking this project on. He is Donald Trump. Donald Trump is a man who seems to get everything and anything done. Now supposing he does that and Madison Square Garden does not want the statue. Where can he place it? Well, in another very prominent place in New York City: in front of Tavern on the Green, which is another dream. Lately, when the fate of Tavern on the Green comes up, there has been interest in Mr. Trump buying it. At least the idea has been bandied about in the press. About this event that's coming up to its, my God, 40th anniversary: With all its facets - sports, religion, politics, patriotism, protests, the Vietnam War, a nation in turmoil, racial unrest - it is a wonder that it all revolved around a boxing match. Never in the history of sports has there been such day-to-day ballyhoo. Every newspaper in New York City, all of the media, were on top of this one, two to three months prior. There was never a dull moment in the coverage. It was big, folks, very big. http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2011/02/13/2011-02-13_one_statue_long_overdue.html What do you guys think? I think there should be a statue commemorating the greatest fight ever. At the same time considering this is the fight Ali lost, no one really wants to touch it. It amazes me that this fight is not available to buy on dvd. But you can easily find "Thrilla In Manilla" or various Ali compilation fights. This content is protected
I think it would be a beautiful way to commemorate a great historic fight. But I think Louis vs. Schmeling would be more fitting
New York City doesn't care anymore. It is sad, but the truth is, in New York City the FOTC is rarely talked about. I don't even think a celebrity benefit honoring the fight at the Garden would sell-out. Unless someone donated a bronze statue, maybe. As for New York, the City will never get involved.
Cheese, nice post for me as I was at that great event ,March 8,1971 at MSG. God, how time flies!.I remember that night so vividly. Entering the Garden with our ducats,there was so much excitement in the air. Fur coats were abounding and some on men.True. I remember sitting in the side balcony on old MSG, with my binoculars looking for celebrities at ringside. Sinatra was their and burt Lancaster, amongst a host of famous people. I remember the introductions of famous fighters,before the fight, Louis, Tunney, Walcott,etc but the crowd was screaming because the announcer ommited Jack Dempsey who,better late than ever, was introduced to the audience,and the crowd gave the Manassa Mauler a resounding ovation.We in the audience was thrilled, and then the fight started, and WE all know the rest. A night I shall never forget,equal to the great fight I saw at the old Polo Grounds in 1951, when I saw Sugar Ray Robinson ko Randy Turpin in the 10th round in a desperate do or die attack,as Robinson's eye was pouring blood, and the ref might have stopped the bout soon. Add to this i was sitting about 10-15 rows in back of Gen. Douglas MacArthur.A night to remember too. A statue by the city ? Nice, but if not, I have my memories to suffice...
Jeez Burt - don't you ever leave this forum EVER - reading that post I get the wide eyed excitement, the awe, the experience, even a bit of a wistful lump in my throat aswell for some reason - you capture it for me - and also feel a funny bit of pride for you - you were there carrying the torch for us Classic fans who couldn't make it to the Garden that night :good
I remember listening on the radio, an end of round review. The radio broadcaster, was so clear in his description. At the end of the round description, he would say 'I give this round to Frazier/Ali' It gave you a feel of the scoring. Can't remember who it was, but it was on ABC-Radio (770 on the AM dial) The consensus was, Ali could only win by a decision, and Frazier could only win by a knock-out. Boy was I shocked. I was waiting to hear, that Ali crawled across the ring to congratulate Joe. But it never happened. Just imagine that photograph. How the hell did Burt Lancaster get involved,,,,,??
he was brought in by jerry perenchio to do the commentating. The most important fight in history and the good guy won thank god.
sinatra was asked by life magazine to take photos for them in fact he took the photo thats in my avatar pic
It certainly would,Pete. The biggest sporting event of my lifetime. At LEAST a close contender for ANY time.