Leroy 'The Molester' Hester. As advertised on the fight poster when he fought against Mike McCallum 1987!
You beat me to it, @mcvey. Seldom has there been a more blatant violation of the Trade Descriptions Act.
I think Ali called Holmes Peanut head but the worst was probably when he labelled Joe Frazier the gorilla just before their 3rd fight. Ali might have thought everybody would find it funny because gorilla rhymed with Thrilla and Manila but Frazier was understandably angry at the perceived racial connotations of being called a gorilla especially after all the racial accusations instigated towards him by Ali during the buildup to their first fight 4 years earlier.
You’re so right Ken - it was peanut head. And you’re equally correct re Frazier’s more than justifiable anger in reaction to Ali’s abusive taunts which were, on occasion, racially based.
Yes, Pugguy.I think Ali in later life did say that he regretted some of the more hurtful racially based comments and names that he directed against Frazier and it is said that Joe never fully forgave Ali and carried a bitterness towards him to his dying day which is very sad.
I guess it depends on the individual and the times and perceptions, etc. Such as William Jones didn't seem to have an issue being known as Gorilla Jones (or did he?). Then you had Lewis Hardwicke known as the Cocoa Kid and Johnny Dundee known as the Scotch Wop. It would be interesting to know what they thought of the monickers.
Never heard that one before The Alien nickname didn't come till later, after he had moved up to light heavy, and I don't think until after he fought Pascal... As far as the Executioner, I'll have to double check, I thought he did keep using for a few years after 9/11. I thought it was more to do with all the beheading videos after the Iraq war started, but I could be mistaken
