Why were Ali and Johnson strong critics of Joe Louis? Was the reason socially related, or boxing related. Or perhaps a bit of both. I have never seen a topic on two very famous champions criticizing what history views as one of the all time greats.
I always thought it was because Ali and JJ thought of JL as an "Uncle Tom" Ali and JJ did whatever they wanted to, whereas Louis team were more careful about what he did and what he said.
Sometimes with very talented, competitive individuals, with ego's sometimes to match, and as such an engrained sense of their superiority in their chosen field, it doesnt take much for polite acknowledgement of a previous"/future encumbants/rivals worth "...It would of been a hell of a fight..." to tip over into the real, but perhaps delusional belief "... I woulda destroyed him.." and from that the "verbal" net can easily widen to encompass a few unsavory personal comments, and before you know it vexed rebuttal and retort ensues.... I remember in the sixties the Ring magazine used to sometimes run a mythical matchup feature and after an Ali defence the Article was - "How i would of Beaten Clay" by Joe Louis - of course Ali had the later right of reply as to how he would of "Jab an Moved.." Joe to death (citing Joes Struggle with the much smaller Billy Conn as i recall) of course in those days, to Ali, it was a cardinal sin to call him "Clay" and could respond with volatility to criticisms of his prowess in the ring, As similar instance as i recall, was before Ali won the title, a boxing illustrated article with Cleveland Williams featuring Cleve calling Clay out for a match, i think it was more Cleve's Manager Hugh Benbow who added the Spite detailing how Cleve would "Run the loudmouth right out the ring.." (circa 1963 i think) I think Clay/Ali remembered these deemed slights, as he did from Patterson and Terrell, and when the opportrunity came.....he was a young man without the maturity to put such things in their proper perspective, plus he no doubt had quite a few Ëar "Whisperers" stoking his physcological fires, In later life, when the Subject of a "This is your Life" programme Joe Louis film a tribute and greeting to Ali, it was very moving and it was obvious to all that Joe was gravely ill and as the applause started Ali held up his hand and said "Joe Louis ..he was the greatest". the last guest was Joe Frazier and they hugged warmly... No doubt Johnson and Louis were the subjects of "who Woulda Won..? " and Jack was certainly an egotist, i cant help thinking that Jack hated being Yësterday's Man.." and resented Louis his superlative time in the spotlight, Both later in life tried Wrestling to compete - without the pain and punches.... Ergo..The Ego...
Johnson was an early booster of Louis,up until Joe beat Carnera ,Johnson won money on that fight. When Johnson's approaches to Roxborough and Black about training Louis were rebuffed, he took every opportunity to denigrate Louis. It is a fact that Johnson nearly caused a riot when, after Schmeling had kod Louis,[as Johnson predicted he would], Jack was loudly celebrating his winning a considerable sum on Max and buying drinks all round in the coloured quarter, those who were devastated by Louis's defeat did not take kindly to Johnson ostentatiously flashing his $$$$ around after the fight. Johnson too, did not want his own celebrity to be overshadowed by the young Bomber, he never could get used to being ,as some one has said "yesterday's man". Jealousy undoubtedly was a factor in Johnson's relationship,[or lack of it ] with Louis. There are no pictures of Jack with Joe, but there are a few of Joe with Sam Langford, an acceptable role model. Ali was reconciled with Louis in later life. Let's not forget Louis made some caustic comments about him over the years ,including criticising him for ,as he saw it ,carrying Patterson and Terrell," I would have been ashamed to do it," was one of his more polite comments . I don't think Ali was ever jealous of Joe and privately I believe he was confident that if they had ever met in their primes he would have beaten Louis, ditto Joe, but that's what makes a Champ.
Probably jealous of his KO power. and the fact that he was rated as the greatest heavyweight ever. johnson saw this as a threat to his status and the only black champion and the greatest champ ever (or greatest black champ ever), he saw himself being eclipsed by louis. Ali of course came after and had to escape the shadow that Louis cast over all champions that came after. as he couldnt compete in the areas that Louis was most admired by the common man for (namely bone-crunching KO power and silent modest manner after administering destruction) he had to explain why his style was great and louis was a bit crap. few took him seriously. the "uncle tom" theory i dont buy. in all honesty i think Ali and Johnson gave more of a **** about what white newspaper men and the man on the street thought about them and their abilities than what Joe louis did. It was ali and johnson who were talking themselves up to them and telling stories and grabbing all the attention. Louis was a man of few words.
can anyone kindly post that article by joe louis on how he would beat ali and ali's response how he would beat joe. thanks.
