Johansson turned it down $100K to fight Ali in 1961 saying this:

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Dec 10, 2023.


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  1. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Johansson turned it down, saying, "That guy couldn't even draw a non-paying crowd, much less any real money." In reference to Cassius Clay who would later become Muhammad Ali
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Dec 10, 2023
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Dec 10, 2023
    #1
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  2. AwardedSteak863

    AwardedSteak863 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Yeah, I remember him saying that. I think the truth is he knew Ali would have destroyed him. I do remember seeing footage of them doing some light sparring. Ali had a significant size and speed advantage.
     
    AwardedSteak863, Dec 10, 2023
    AwardedSteak863, Dec 10, 2023
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  3. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    You actually remember as in you were around back then?
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Dec 10, 2023
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Dec 10, 2023
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  4. FrankinDallas

    FrankinDallas FRANKINAUSTIN

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    Why is it shocking to have been alive and cognitive in 1961?
     
    FrankinDallas, Dec 10, 2023
    FrankinDallas, Dec 10, 2023
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  5. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    It's not I guess. But that was 62 years ago. I guess it's kind of surprising to have people who were old enough to be able to remember things from that long ago on here
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Dec 10, 2023
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Dec 10, 2023
    #5
  6. AwardedSteak863

    AwardedSteak863 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Lol, No. I'm only 48. I should have said, I remember seeing an interview or reading that he said that.
     
    AwardedSteak863, Dec 10, 2023
    AwardedSteak863, Dec 10, 2023
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  7. AwardedSteak863

    AwardedSteak863 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    This content is protected
     
    AwardedSteak863, Dec 10, 2023
    AwardedSteak863, Dec 10, 2023
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  8. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Destroy is a harsh word
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Dec 10, 2023
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Dec 10, 2023
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  9. AwardedSteak863

    AwardedSteak863 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    It is but that is exactly what a young Ali did to guys. Cleveland Williams, Sonny Liston, Brian London, Ernie Terrell were all destroyed by him.
     
    AwardedSteak863, Dec 10, 2023
    AwardedSteak863, Dec 10, 2023
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  10. ThatOne

    ThatOne Boxing Addict Full Member

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    My only reservation is that Ali was very green in 1961. Any version of Ali from 1964 to 1977 destroys him.
     
    ThatOne, Dec 10, 2023
    ThatOne, Dec 10, 2023
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  11. cuchulain

    cuchulain Loyal Member Full Member

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    At least @Seamus is aware of Ingo's statement and understands that it happened.

    Some of the kids nowadays think nothing of note existed or happened before they were born. :biggrin:
     
    cuchulain, Dec 10, 2023
    cuchulain, Dec 10, 2023
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  12. AwardedSteak863

    AwardedSteak863 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Good point. He was very young and Ingo was certainly dangerous with that right hand but by 1962 Ali was knocking out Archie Moore in four rounds. I still think he destroys Ingo. That's no disrespect to Ingo, I just think Ali is truly the GOAT.
     
    AwardedSteak863, Dec 10, 2023
    AwardedSteak863, Dec 10, 2023
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  13. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    He was GOAT until Vitali hit the scene
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Dec 10, 2023
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Dec 10, 2023
    #13
  14. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    Those are my thoughts as well. Ali was 19 years old in 1961. He started that year with about 3 fights and finished the year with 10. Mind you this was still TWO years before he would be decked by Henry Cooper and fought to a close decision with Doug Jones. Meanwhile Johansson absolutely pulverized two outstanding technicians in Eddie Machen and Floyd Patterson in their primes. The prospect of a very green Ali beating Johansson in 1961 isn’t impossible but it’s not something I would have bet money on
     
    mr. magoo, Dec 10, 2023
    mr. magoo, Dec 10, 2023
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  15. C.J.

    C.J. Boxings Living Legend revered & respected by all Full Member

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    LOL Ali would mesmerize Vitali Look what Chris Byrd did with him
     
    C.J., Dec 10, 2023
    C.J., Dec 10, 2023
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