What would have happened to Muhammad Ali if he had taken the step, and was drafted in 1967.

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Richard M Murrieta, Apr 25, 2020.


  1. Richard M Murrieta

    Richard M Murrieta Now Deceased 2/4/25 Full Member

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    What would have happened to Muhammad Ali if he had taken the step and was drafted in 1967.
     
    Richard M Murrieta, Apr 25, 2020
    Richard M Murrieta, Apr 25, 2020
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  2. dmt

    dmt Hardest hitting hw ever Full Member

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    He would still lose his foot speed by 1970. I could see him coming back around 1970 and losing a close fight to Frazier. That would reignite his hunger. The rest of his career would go the same way.

    Either way he is losing a few years of his prime whether he gets drafted or refuses the draft.

    The best thing to do would be to let him fight. IMO we missed out on 3 glorious years from Ali.
     
    dmt, Apr 25, 2020
    dmt, Apr 25, 2020
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  3. Richard M Murrieta

    Richard M Murrieta Now Deceased 2/4/25 Full Member

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    I think his management could have placed Muhammad Ali in the reserves component of the military, which would have allowed him to be a weekend warrior, once a month, two weeks a year. This would have enabled him to defend his title and train. He could have been discharged by 1971, after serving 4 years. I did that with the Air National Guard, I served 6 years honorably, discharged as a Sergeant. There would have been no exile for Ali, but I think that his faith had a big impact on his decision to stay out of the military.
     
    Last edited: Apr 26, 2020
    Richard M Murrieta, Apr 25, 2020
    Richard M Murrieta, Apr 25, 2020
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