January 1981, 'Ali Plans March Bout With European Champion John Gardner' Three-time Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali, still looking over the horizon for another fight, another pay-day and another attempt at the title, has his sights set on European Heavyweight Champion, John L. Gardner. In London for negotiations concerning the bout that is to be held sometime in March 1981, Ali rebuffed reporters there for criticizing his speech, which they said was too slurred to understand. Explaining that his speech is not an indication of brain damage, Ali said, "You people speak so distinctly, so properly. We were slaves and given English. Blacks understand me." Ali, in an attempt to disprove the critics, boxed 'three' rounds with an 18 year-old English Amateur Middleweight. "See", Ali said afterward, "I can move pretty good in the ring with a speedster, imagine what I can do to a slow heavyweight". The former '3-time champion' said he would need 5-weeks of light sparring to get ready. 'I'll come in at 222, thats my new number, just call me 'Triple-Deuce'. "They say this guy Gardner is tough" Ali added, 'but after 6 or 7 rounds the only Gardner I'll have in my way, is the one who weeds my flower bed" Muhammad Ali is trying to get $1,500,000 for the 10-Round bout.
I vaguely remember that scenario that fell through. What the hell happened to the promotion? The happened to Gardner?? MR.BILL:deal
I remember this bout being discussed. Ali was watching the Matthew Saad Muhammad v Lotte Mwale bout,in late 1980,and Herbert Muhammad came and told him that Gardner had just beaten Lorenzo Zanon,so the fight looked like it would get the green light. What would have happened ? Well,going on Muhammad's better than expected showing against Trevor Berbick,he'd still have had enough left to have beaten the always game,but limited,John L Gardner.
Muhammad Ali 'After John L., I'll be looking for a rematch with Alfredo Evangilista in Spain. I shot too high when I took on Holmes. I should have taken a tune-up bout.' 'My new training program, will focus on light-sparring, to improve my speed and reflexes. I have an offer to fight in Spain, China, Cairo, Brazil and Argentina. I plan on fighting at least once every 8-weeks for the rest of the year. After I beat this English fighter (John L. Gardner), whom everyone here in the U.K. says is the real heavyweight champion, I will fight anywhere, and against any country's champion.' Ali added, 'I should be in Spain in May, to take on that kid Alfredo. He is the 'second' best heavyweight out there. He proved it by going 15 Rounds with me. Nobody else has beaten him except me and that Italian guy, who I also want to fight. In Italy, yes Rome, Italy.' Muhammad Ali was informed by a reporter, that Alfredo Evangilista was knocked out by Larry Holmes in November 1978 (2 months earlier) in a Championship bout. Ali, 'That wasn't the real Alfredo in there against Holmes. Maybe I should train him or become his manager. He fought like a 'black man' when I fought him, but against Holmes he fought 'white'.
Ali's last stage of his career was so sad. We were terrible in Britain for trying to get him back in the ring. As late as 1986 there was speculation in the country that Ali was going to comeback, when he was photographed running with Witherspoon, in Terrible Tim's training for the Bruno bout. I know that sounds crazy, but yes..... Witherspoon actually did roadwork for the fight!
There must have been a 'Fish-N-Chips' truck driving ahead of 'Terrible Tim' during his road-work. Thankfully, the British Boxing Commission refused to give Muhammad Ali a boxing license. But Ali, then went to Hawaii, to apply for a license. They also smartly refused. His bout with John L. Gardner was cancelled. John L. signed on for another fight, as he couldn't wait around. Muhammad Ali begged Columbia to allow him to fight in Bogota. They thought about it, and would allow him to fight, but only against a light-punching mediocre and un-ranked opponent. They did approve two fighters; * Robert Echols, 19-8-1 (13 KO's), a Tennessee Heavyweight who had lost 6-straight bouts * Guillermo De La Cruz 16-11-1 (12 KO's) The Peruvian Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali wanted a $1,000,000 guarantee (pre-paid and deposited in a U.S. bank).
