Do we know of any instances of “The Nation Of Islam” effecting any of Ali’s fights?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Journeyman92, May 31, 2025 at 3:50 PM.


  1. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 Delusional BUT Determined Full Member

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    There was the old and probably silly rumours of Listons family being held hostage by said radical cultists (I’m not talking about Muslims the Nation Of Islam is much different…) but Ali was in deep with a bad mob, more Manson Family then Mafia and I’d be curious but unsurprised if there was anything suggesting they’d taken an active role in Ali’s career they certainly took his money.
     
    Journeyman92, May 31, 2025 at 3:50 PM
    Journeyman92, May 31, 2025 at 3:50 PM
    #1
  2. Jackomano

    Jackomano Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    They didn't need to considering Herbert Muhammad, Ali's manager along with a partner owned close to half of Ali's likeness, so the NOI was mostly worried about how Ali was portrayed by the media and who he associated with, since even after Ali was long retired Muhammad and his partner were still entitled to a good cut of Ali's money.

    That said some of Ali's fans were fanatical, so many of his opponents had their lives threatened such as Liston, Joe Frazier, Bonavena, etc... This was also the case with Joe Louis, who was also heavily loved by fans, which resulted in some crazy fans threatening some of his opponents.
     
    Jackomano, May 31, 2025 at 5:23 PM
    Jackomano, May 31, 2025 at 5:23 PM
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