October 1972 'Former Champ, Muhammad Ali to Fight in South Africa' Former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali is scheduled to fight Al Jones, a Black American boxer, November 18, 1972, in Johannesburg, South Africa, before a segregated audience of 80,000 fans, it was recently disclosed today in the African country. There has been considerable opposition from Black Africans against the appearance of American entertainers and athletes in commercial events in South Africa. Golfer Lee Elder earlier this year became the first Black American golfer to compete in a tournament there. He was invited by Gary Player, who is white. The expected purse for the bout is 300,000 rand (more than $200,000 in American currency). The promoters plan to have segregated seating for a multi-racial audience. Seats are priced at $7 to $70 per person. The former champion Ali, has just recently stopped another former champion Floyd Patterson, in a televised heavyweight bout. Earlier this year, Mr. Patterson was offered $175,000 to go to South Africa for a bout versus the white South African Heavyweight Champion. Muhammad Ali criticized Mr. Patterson for even listening to an offer from White South Africans. But Mr. Patterson said, he was offered the bout, but turned down the fight in South Africa. He stated he would never go to the racially-torn country, under its current political situation. And if he ever did go, he would turn over his complete fight purse to Black South African civil rights groups. But Muhammad Ali seems to have changed his views, though he criticized Floyd Patterson. The offer of $200,000 (guarantee) has been accepted by Muhammad Ali. Who stated, 'it's different if I go, instead of Floyd, because I'm a real Black man'. Ms. Louise Meriwether, noted authoress and chairwoman of Black Concern, a group organized to inform Black Americans why they should not travel to South Africa, said of Ali's plans. 'This news is very distressing'
Thanks Duce ! Months ago,I recalled when Muhammad Ali had the possibility of a fight in South Africa during '72. I could n't remember the opponent who was pencilled in,and nobody else,on here,could. Now I have the answer :good
Stevie G, Al Jones 'The Goulds Terror' from Miami, Florida. Al was 6' 6" 245 lb. (32 year-old) southpaw heavyweight, with a record of 30-2-0 (18 KO's). He got ranked as high as #7 in 1969. Jones biggest problem, bad hands. He was in-line for a title shot several times during his career. 1969 vs. Jimmy Ellis (after he KO'd Cleveland Williams) 1969 vs. Joe Frazier (after he KO'd Jack O'Halloran) Turned down by; Mac Foster Ken Norton Sonny Liston Jerry Quarry
Floyd Patterson, was asked to go, but he wouldn't. Muhammad Ali criticized Floyd for even discussing the bout. Than, Muhammad accepts a deal to go to South Africa. Floyd, in an article with ND, stated that he couldn't understand Muhammad's reasoning. The guy acts as though he is suffering for all the black people, but he sells out to every white businessman who offers him money. If people only knew, they would have a much different view of him. Even when I was negotiating with Joe Frazier's team this year, for a 1972 Title bout, Muhammad told Joe not to fight me, as it would be bad for Joe in the eye's of the public, beating up an old man. Joe later told me, he thought it over, and it wasn't a good fight for television. As he didn't want to knock me out, for all of America to see.
Just good reading material... Muhammad Ali didn't go to South Africa, not because of his decision, but from pressures from Black Concern. Floyd Patterson, was angling for a late-Summer 1972 title shot versus Joe Frazier, but Joe Frazier said no, after thinking it over, as it would not be in the best interest of the sport. Floyd took on Muhammad instead.
Floyd still had Ali demons,at that point. When he failed to beat Muhammad a second time,he retired for good.
Floyd had an offer to fight Jim Richards in South Africa. But turned it down. Then he wanted a fast tune-up in July (Pedro Agosto), before challenging Joe Frazier in September. It would have been a nice way to bow out. Of course politics got in the way.
Thanks for the insight. I'm thinking of going home and dismantling my Ali shrine tonight. I'm thinking Roberto Duran may have had an extra marital affair. Got any details on that? That would suck for me if these rumors proved to be true. I'd heard Monzon tossed his wife out of a window. I've been able to actually substantiate that claim. The funny thing is, and I feel kind of guilty admitting it, but it just makes him more of a bad ass for me and when I watch his fights 40 years later it adds to the mystique. But still, there's something different about Ali. I hate to entertain the thought that he would've sold himself to the highest builder. I'd be devastated. I wouldn't be able to look at FOTC, Manila, or Zaire the same way knowing that he was an extremely flawed human being. Did Ali cheat on his wives? Let me know if you turn up anything concrete on that issue. I've devoted a whole room to his emminence and I want to be sure before redecorating.
October 1972 'After Meeting With Blacks, Ali Cancels South Africa Bout' Bobbing and weaving under heavy pressure from concerned Blacks in America and Africa, former World Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali has cancelled plans to fight in Johannesburg, South Africa. He would have received $300,000. According to Bob Arum, Ali's 'white lawyer' from New York, the fight was called of by the promoters. Floyd Patterson, former heavyweight champion, was asked if he would fill-in. Mr. Patterson responded with an emphatic, NO! Floyd had recently fought Muhammad Ali in September 1972, and suffered a TKO loss due to a cut-eye.
Lot of info about Jones in Ferdie Pacheco's new book. Not overly flattering about his boxing abilities.
Looks like a 'big guy' with moderate boxing abilities, but dangerous because of his size. And southpaw too. Was in-line for Jimmy Ellis in early-1969, but Jimmy was suffering from ailments, and had to cancel several title defenses. Had a TV fight with Zora Folley in May 1968.......a Draw 10. Had a re-match scheduled for TV with Zora Folley 1969, with the winner to face Jimmy Ellis.
'Muhammad Ali Cancels Trip To South Africa' "Will Fight a Benefit Boxing Match for a Cleveland Hospital' Muhammad Ali will present an exhibition 10-Round Boxing Match with '4' local talents to benefit Forest City Hospital, in Cleveland, Ohio. A Black Insititution currently involved in a $1,500,000 campaign to build a new 200-bed facility. The Former Champion will box '4' Rounds with Terry Daniels, '2' Rounds with Vic Brown, '2' Rounds with Amos Johnson, and '2' Rounds with Earnie Shavers. Claims of a staged circus or 'farce' have been circulating for the event. But George A. Moore, promotions director for the event, said the fight will not be a farce, but will be 'professional' all the way. Tickets for the event will be $70 for ringside seating, and $40 for reserved. The Former Champion has cancelled his scheduled boxing match for South Africa, and will now engage in a campaign to support local hospitals in 'poor' areas.
Bump for those interested in snippets on Al Jones, the mysterious 6'6 southpaw who broke his hand in three consecutive fights. :good I wish I had something to add to the other thread, but AL Jones eludes me.
